The valley basked in the spring's warm glow, like the land itself was smiling. Nuru skipped ahead, her laughter mingling with the whindi. Asha watched, a sense of peace settling – but Malkia's warning lingered like a shadow.
Suddenly, Nuru stopped. "Asha, look."
The air rippled, like water disturbed. A figure coalesced – tall, eyes burning like embers.
"The shadows don't give up," it hissed, voice like dry leaves. "I'll take the spring."
Asha stepped forward, whindi swirling. "You won't."
The figure laughed. "You can't stop me. I have a name – Kivu."
Kivu raised a hand, and darkness pooled around him like oil. Nuru grabbed Asha's arm, eyes wide.
Asha drew a breath. "Nipokee, whindi – hear me!"
The winds roared, whipping the darkness into a frenzy. Kivu stumbled, eyes narrowing.
"You're strong," he growled. "But I have allies."
A portal opened behind him, swirling with storm clouds. Kivu stepped back, vanishing into the darkness.
The whindi faded, like a storm retreating. Asha turned to Nuru – she was shaking.
Omari caught her. "Asha, _pole_ – sorry. This is _mbaya_ – bad."
Asha's jaw set. "We'll stop Kivu."
Malkia's voice echoed: _"The shadows seek balance. But the whindi will carry your name."_