Chapter 11. Mysterious Girl

Briefly, a dark, wispy cloud eclipsed the crescent moon. For a few shadowy moments, it looked like there was a halo around the cloud, a dull aura of lunar luminescence.

Mahir smiled at the appealing skies. He took a deep breath and exhaled before he entered his car. He started the ignition, feeling serene at the idea of going out in public without men bigger than him protecting him like he was some sort of priceless gold. To his parents, he was, but they overdid things sometimes. Especially with the guards.

It was a Sunday evening, and every Sunday, Mahir went to the gym center to work out together with Mansur when he had the chance. Tonight, Mansur was off work, and they were meeting there.

He pressed his fingers deeper into the steering wheel, finding comfort in the familiarity of the grooves. He had his favorite Surah on, recited by one of his favorite reciters, Mishary Rashid Al-Afassy. The windows were up, and he didn’t have a care in the world.

He zoned