NOVEL WEB Snake
Chapter 2 : Snake
"Are you in search of Mayari's temple?" The stranger's voice cut through the silence, sending a shiver down Joy's spine.
Joy's eyes met those of the enigmatic stranger, whose age belied the air of mystery surrounding him. His attire, though modest, hinted at a refined taste.
With a smile that barely concealed her intrigue, Joy rose from her seat, her curiosity piqued by the conversation that had unfolded.
"Yes, I've been searching for it," Joy admitted, a hint of disappointment creeping into her voice. "But the locals insist that the temple has vanished into the mists of time." A furrow formed on her brow as she pondered the implications of this revelation.
"What do you mean it doesn't exist? It does, but it's not as widely known as before," the strange man exclaimed with surprise.
Joy raised an eyebrow. "Well, if it really exists, why did the locals claim otherwise? I searched for it and found no sign of Mayari's temple."
The strange man chuckled softly. "Ah, the temple. It was actually relocated due to constant plundering by treasure hunters in the past," he replied, a hint of mystery in his tone.
"Indeed," Joy gasped, her eyes widening with surprise. "So it was robbed and then relocated? How did you come by this knowledge?"
A soft smile played on the strange man's lips. "I should know, considering I work there myself," he revealed, his words cloaked in a veil of mystery.
Joy's face lit up with a radiant glow of excitement. "Truly? That's incredible! Please, could you take me there? I've been searching endlessly. I-I can offer you golden crowns!"
The strange man chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Well, fortunate for you, I'm actually on my way there. And there's no need for payment. Our faith is our only fortune, and it seems fate has brought us together for this journey," he replied warmly, his words echoing with a sense of destiny.
"Thank you so much for your generosity. I appreciate it more than you know. Let's go!" Joy expressed her gratitude with a beaming smile, her heart brimming with excitement.
"Now, now, don't get too excited. Let us introduce ourselves first," Malcolm said with a warm smile as he extended his hand in greeting. "My name is Malcolm Vern. What's yours?"
"My name is Joy, and I'm truly grateful for your assistance," Joy replied, her smile mirroring Malcolm's warmth. She felt a surge of happiness at the prospect of their journey together.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Vern," she added politely, extending her hand to shake his.
As Malcolm noticed Joy's hesitance in revealing her full name, a flicker of concern crossed his features, though he quickly masked it with a reassuring smile.
"I have a van parked in the next alley. My two colleagues must be anxious to depart, so we should hasten our steps. Let's go!" Malcolm's tone took on a sense of urgency as he gestured for Joy to follow him, his demeanor conveying a blend of determination and anticipation for his plan to come.
Malcolm led the way with purpose, and Joy followed closely behind, her belongings in tow. She matched his brisk pace, her curiosity bubbling beneath the surface.
As they walked, Joy couldn't resist the urge to inquire about Malcolm's role at the temple.
"Mr. Malcolm," she began tentatively, "I can't help but wonder, what exactly is your job at the temple?" Her voice carried a note of curiosity, eager to unravel the mysteries surrounding their destination.
Malcolm's gaze faltered, his words stumbling out like hesitant footsteps on uncertain ground.
"Well... I - Uh... our work in the temple is the most important of all... Uhhhm... you could say that we are the pillars of the temple," he muttered, his voice trailing off as if seeking refuge in the shadows of half-truths. Yet behind his carefully crafted facade, the weight of deception hung heavy in the air, threatening to unravel his carefully woven web of lies at any moment.
Malcolm and his cronies' true aim is to lure her into their van, not for any benign purpose, but to perpetrate a nefarious scheme: robbing her, rape her, and ultimately selling her off for slavery. Malcolm's forte lies in the art of deception, preying on the vulnerable, be they elderly individuals or unsuspecting young women, exploiting them for his own gain.
As Joy trailed Malcolm through the dimly lit streets, a sense of unease gnawed at her. Yet, she couldn't quite pinpoint the source of her discomfort. Ignoring the persistent whispers of doubt, she pressed on, drawn by an inexplicable pull towards him.
In the midst of their journey, Joy's instincts screamed at her, urging caution. Something felt amiss, like a shadow lurking just beyond her sight. Halting in her tracks, she turned to face Malcolm, her smile masking the turmoil within.
Joy's voice trembled as she questioned Malcolm, her words barely concealing the turmoil raging within her. "lf I'm not mistaken, your role in the shrine is that of a Miko?"
Malcolm's response came with an agreeable smile, but his eyes betrayed a hint of something darker. "Indeed, you are correct. We serve as Miko in the temple."
Before he could finish his sentence, Joy's resolve shattered like glass. With a swift, decisive motion, she released her baggage and unleashed a fierce punch, the force of it sending Malcolm tumbling to the ground, the metallic taste of blood filling the air.
A guttural cry tore from Malcolm's lips as pain enveloped him, his body crumpling beneath Joy's unexpected assault.
To be continued...