Rooftops in the metropolis allowed you to elevate your perspective from street level. For the safe house in particular, it allowed Layla to gaze at the twinkling lights below which resembled stars in the night sky. To Layla, the modern world was a realm of unfathomable beauty, and it offered a sense of serenity to her. However, the piercing night breeze reminded her that she was, in fact, spiralling. On the other hand, her lone companion was the disturbing voice in her head. Coming to terms with Aidan's betrayal was more daunting than facing the harsh winter winds.
As she recollected her thoughts, the voice piped up again, placing its bony hands darkly over her half-formed thoughts, and drawing them forth as if yanking her spirit… Just like a shadow. After Aidan's reminder, there was an important reality which had completely removed her overshadowed reasoning: he had used her. She tried to grasp Kamal's empire and the way it had operated and recognized the web of manipulation that surrounded it, but it was baffling that instead of seeking justice, Aidan was only after sheer control. Control to have dominion over everything, and the power to obliterate Kamal.
As in the previous self dialogues she attempted, Aidan had plotted with her in ways that only assisted him and put her under a form of hypnosis that made her do his bidding. At every chance, he had pulled her into the orbit of the two sides supposedly working to defeat Kamal. Unlike other occasions, this time the USB flash drive resting on her palm told her everything. The PIN codes unlocked the images that flashed on her vision and made her realise the man who had set the entire plan that led to her capturing was never looking to make her a part of his sophisticated web.
A shiver ran through her body as Aidan's earlier mockery came to her mind: "Fighting me is a battle of will you're unfortunately losing."
As expected, not fighting him would be in vain. But in this condition, that still left endless possibilities to explore. There was indeed, something disappointing with Kamal's conspiracy. All the well thought strategies failed to conceal the hole. No one is deceptive enough to host a raging fire of rockets while intentionally setting one off, and outsmarting the universe. Even with unprecedented brilliance, Kamal was painted with one gaping vulnerability.
Shifting her focus to the city below—a city glowing, far in the distance—reminded her of the things she had fought for, and the things that she had lost: father's legacy, family's name, Raven Project, and, of course, Kamal.
The sound of footsteps pulled her back to reality and she turned, ready to defend herself with her dagger in hand, only for it to not be Aidan. Instead, it was someone she recognised. Someone who wasn't supposed to show up at the moment.
Irfan.
Her brother. Best weapon turned enemy, the one she tried so hard to protect, and the one ready to guard her from this dangerous web.
"I knew you'd be here," he spoke, quieter than before, but infused with concern. Stepping closer, he searched for signs of distress on her face.
"Why are you here?" Layla asked in surprise, setting her dagger down with trembling hands—only slightly, but enough for her to remember how Irfan's appearance always caught her off guard. His presence had never been welcomed, not in the evil world filled with manipulation and vengeance. But now that he was standing so helplessly in front of her, there was no way out.
"I couldn't keep myself from getting here," Irfan said while his voice turned more worrisome. "I fully understand Aidan's plan, and I know something's wrong. You've been different, and it shows in your eyes. You're hatching something. I wish to lend assistance."
"I'm sorry, but I cannot do that," Layla said while shaking her head. "This is too much effort for me, and I don't need you involved in this, Irfan. I don't wish for you to fall victim within this web. This is not your battle."
In response, "Then tell me why you are doing this. What do you mean with why risking it all? Layla, what is the reasoning behind this? Kamal? This Aidan chap? Or perhaps something…more sinister?" Irfan raised his tone to a shout ridden with frustration.
While tepid, the sigh she let out was filled with burden. "A type of justice," she began. "And for everything he has put us through as a family, all of the horrors. I can't rest until I expose everything." After a brief pause, "But Aidan… I once thought he was on my side. Thought he was the side I had in my corner. I thought he got what this implied. But all he did was lead me on. Now, I'm trapped in an endless loop. In the end."
"No matter what, these words will never be true when uttered together with you," Irfan interrupted. That being said, his gaze softened as he approached her, "You're free."
Even with Irfan's warm expression and the inviting tone with which he spoke, it came across as cold.
Such a sight provided Layla with a semblance of appreciation. No other conversation to ease the burden of weeks felt daunting like that one. The lack of harsh words, the absence of sneers, and the overwhelming relief were soothing to her senses.
It was as if all her attempts to save Irfan from the tragedy manifested into a futile cause, wanting to believe Irfan was the only person left in the world and could be trusted. The sole person with no ambition, ability to wield power, or allegiance for betrayal.
"I- I am sorry," she spoke, fighting back tears, thick with pain. "I wanted to protect you. I wanted to change your reality so bad."
Irfan replied back with a smile that said everything, understanding sparkling all over his face. "We're in this together Layla. Remember, we are family."
Before the brutal reality set in for Layla, she felt a faint wish of gratefulness. Aidan's unknown plans camouflaged effortlessly by Kamal alongside the hatching truth of Aidan's plans set focus on notice diversion, unravelling to be the least of her concerns. Smoothly, the plan stays in motion.
"I need your help," Layla said, her voice calm once more. "There's more to this than I've told you. Kamal's empire is predicated on lies, deceit, and manipulation. I need to finish this, Irfan. Bringing him down is our duty. Will you fight this war with me?"
For the first time, Irfan did not wait before saying, "Count me in, Layla. I'm always in for you."
He and she stood at the rooftop watching the city light and for the first time, it sank in to Layla that she was not alone anymore. Whichever came next, she developed resolve that she will fight for her father's l
egacy, fight for justice and fight for the truth.