David: *Clears his throat, glancing at Jin-Woo then back at Lerato.* It's… complicated. Let's just say she's… far away.
A gust of wind whips across the cliff, carrying the scent of salt and something faintly metallic. The sun dips lower, casting long shadows.
Jin-Woo: *Stares out at the horizon, lost in thought. He runs his hand through his messy black hair.* So… what now?
David gestures towards the shimmering portal that still hangs in the air, a faint hum emanating from it. Two figures, Darius and Destiny, stand before it, their forms flickering in the fading light.
David: *Point towards the portal.* They're off to get the others. Should be back soon. It's a group effort, I guess. This whole… cosmic rescue thing we've got going here is giving me a whiplash.
Jin-Woo laughs at David's remark. They watched as Darius and Destiny step through the portal, which ripples and then vanished, leaving only the wind and setting sun. Fate turns to Monja, a sly smile playing on her lips.
Fate: *Looks intently at Monja.* There's something you need to know. Something… vital.
Monja: *Frowns, a knot forming in her stomach.* What is it? What's wrong?
Fate: *Takes a step closer, her voice dropping to a near whisper.* Jin-Woo's vessel… it's currently occupied. A darkling, to be precise. Don't worry, Darius will handle it. But… that means Christopher's soul is trapped. In the Inbetween.
The words hang in the air, heavy and suffocating. Monja's world tilts, her breath hitching in her throat. The cliff-side's air suddenly feels thin and cold.
Monja: *Her hand flies to her mouth, her eyes wide with terror.* Trapped?
Fate: *Continues, her voice steady and calm, despite the gravity of the situation.* And you, Monja… you are the key to bringing him back.
Monja stares at Fate, her mind reeling. The weight of the revelation crushes her, stealing her breath. The setting sun casts a bloody hue across the horizon, mirroring the fear that now grips her heart.
Monja: *Tears welling in her eyes.* What… what am I supposed to do?