The Cave of Shadows
A brave journey into the heart of darkness.
Arman was a 16 year old boy who thirsted for adventure. He lived near the mountains, and he and his friends used to roam about the caves and forests in search of some new adventure. But there was one cave they never dared to go to the Cave of Shadows.
The villagers said it was cursed. Stories of strange noises, vanishing animals, and even people who had disappeared for good comprised the town rumors. No one knew what was inside, and no one wanted to find out.
But Arman's curiosity was stronger than his fear. One day, after a long hike with his friends, he stood at the entrance of the Cave of Shadows. A cold, dark breath of air blew out and sent shivers down his spine. His friends warned, "Don't even think about it, Arman. It's too dangerous!" But Arman could not be swayed. He swore that he would go in only a little way and come right back out.
Flashlight in hand and heart pounding, Arman stepped in. The cave was ordinary at first nothing but dripping water and rocky walls. But the deeper he went, the darker and colder it became. There were strange echoes off the walls, and the passageway narrowed like a labyrinth.
His flashlight all of a sudden flickered and went out. Total darkness closed in around him. He tried to turn it on again but heard a strange noise a whisper, soft and cold, like the wind but with words he couldn't discern. Goosebumps rose on his skin, and fear grasped at his heart.
He looked around to leave, but something caught his eye a faint light deeper in the cave. Despite himself, he followed it. It led him to a large underground chamber with strange symbols on the walls and a pool of blue, shimmering water. It was both beautiful and terrifying.
As Arman stepped forward, he saw a shadow flash across the wall. Another. And another. Soon, shadows filled the room, encircling him. He was breathing fast, and his legs felt fixed to the ground.
A low rumble echoed through the cave: "Why have you come here?"
Arman gathered courage and shouted out, "I wanted to see what's inside! I didn't mean any harm!"
The shadows stopped, and the voice once more said: "Curiosity is dangerous. Many have come here and never departed."
Arman's mind reeled. He knew he had to get out, but every way was blocked by shadows. Then he remembered what his grandfather once told him: "In dark places, be still. Fear gives darkness power."
Taking a deep breath, Arman closed his eyes and focused on calming his heart. He whispered, “I’m not afraid of you.” Slowly, the shadows began to fade, and the path cleared.
His torch was revived, and he noticed the way out. He did not glance back but ran as fast as he could, his feet echoing within the cave. Finally, he emerged into the sunlight, gasping for air. His friends rushed towards him, shocked and relieved.
"What happened in there?" they asked.
Arman shook his head. "It's a dark and evil place. No treasure, no secrets—just shadows that feed on fear. We can never go back."
Word got around the village of Arman's bold adventure. Though they were curious, nobody went to the Cave of Shadows again. And Arman learned a valuable lesson: some mysteries are best unfound, and true courage is in knowing when to turn away.
Moral Of The Story :
Curiosity may be exhilarating, but courage also means knowing your limits and following warning.
About the Creator
Hizb Ullah
.Lost in a thousand worlds 🌍| Reading is my escape
.Book hoarder & plot enthusiast 📖| Living life one chapter at a time
.Turning pages and chasing stories 📚| Fiction fuels my soul
.Every book is a new adventure 🌠| Reader. Dreamer. Wanderer
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