Checking it one last time to make sure that it was exactly as she recalled it, Zara raised her head and looked at everyone in the room with a smile and said, "I am sorry for worrying you, everyone!" apologizing for the panic she might have caused during this one week.
Upon hearing that, everyone responded, giving her reassuring responses.
"It’s fine."
"What matters is that you are fine."
Zara smiled relievedly as she listened to that. Her heart was swelling with all the warmth and love from these people.
Thankfully, she awoke in time. Otherwise, she might have sent these people into a depressive and irreversible state that would make her feel guilty for the rest of her life.
Feeling a bit gloomy with her thoughts, Zara shifted her attention to the tablet, and a smile broke out on her face once again.
She stretched her hand, giving the tablet to her father, who was sitting next to her as she said, "This might be what we are supposed to be looking for. I am not 100% certain, but my gut feeling is saying otherwise!" revealing the armlet for the first time.
Cade accepted the tablet and looked at the armlet for a brief moment before passing it over to the next person. Just like that, the tablet changed hands and everyone finally got a chance to see what the bracelet that they were looking for looked like.
Diamond, upon seeing it, showed a look of surprise and said, "That looks like an armlet!" after recognizing the piece of jewelry with just a look.
As someone who owns a few armlets, she recognized it straight away.
When Zara heard that, her eyes squinted as she looked at Diamond. "Sis, that’s correct. It’s not a bracelet, but an armlet."
When the others heard that, they all gasped in surprise, realizing how mixed up the whole bracelet thing was.
"So, does this mean that we need to start looking for armlets?"
"I think that must be the case."
"And all the hard work we put in is gone, just like that!"
"What can we do?"
Everyone began to discuss. To think that the bracelets they collected couldn’t be used, they were a bit disturbed. All the hard work flushed down the drain. It didn’t feel nice.
Meanwhile, as the others discussed this and how they might not be able to find all the armlets and the one Zara drew, Diamond sat cross-legged on the couch with her eyes closed. Her posture was very attention-seeking, which made Zara feel sorry to take several glances at her.
With her doing that, others noticed shortly and suddenly all eyes were on Diamond.
What is she doing?
Is she meditating?
They were filled with so many questions as they looked at her in such a position. However, they didn’t disturb her but let her finish whatever she was doing.
Maybe she might give them an answer that they all wanted. Who knows?
They all waited for Diamond for like ten to fifteen minutes before she opened her eyes.
And when she did, a smile was on her face. Seeing that smile, all of them smiled as well.
There must be good news, otherwise, why smile like that?
Zara, seeing that smile, felt giddy all over. She couldn’t help but ask anticipatingly as she looked at Diamond, "Sis, did you see something?" hoping for something good.
It was thanks to Diamond that they managed to narrow down the location of the bracelet/armlet in the first place. This time, as well, she might be able to provide more clues.
Diamond’s lips raised even further, her beautiful eyes shining like diamonds, just like her name.
She was simply too charming, like a nine-tailed fox.
"Um. I got the exact location now!" she said firmly, conviction written on her face.
What if something scary happens there? Who would save her?
She didn’t want to die just to retrieve an armlet, but if she didn’t do so, then she would die as well.
She might as well be obedient and trust that Diamond would never harm her.
It wasn’t like she had anything to gain by sabotaging her.
After listing everything that she wanted, Diamond excused herself and left the two families together once again.
The Hansleys feeling confused, turned to look at the Frostcrowns to get some answers.
Bianca sees the situation. She knew that she didn’t have a choice but to explain to the in-laws about this dangerous place that they might be visiting.
With her explaining to the Hansleys, Drake and Monalisa, her in-laws, headed for the high priestess’s place. After all, they were the elders and were close to the high priestess. They were perfect for that assignment.
Bianca was born in the sacred land, so she knew as much as her husband or kids knew about it.
So, she decided to tell them about it. However, when she thought of explaining the whole situation in the universal language, her temples started throbbing.
Amir, seeing the struggle in his mother’s eyes, couldn’t help but inwardly chuckle before he took the matter into his hands and started explaining in Dynalis’s language.
It was easier to use a language that they knew than to make their minds go crazy because of translating the universal language into their vernacular to understand the best.
"The sacred lands are known as blessed lands. The lands where the deities used to reside in the old age. Because of the protection and blessings of the deities, these lands exist. At the same time, just because a land is blessed doesn’t mean that everything is well with it!" Amir explained slowly as he looked at the Hansleys. "The dangerous places that Diamond spoke about refer to the forbidden areas of the sacred lands. Only the ancestors know what truly transpired in those places for them to become like that. However, what everyone knows is that those places, if disturbed, death can only befall the transgressor."
This ... was it that serious?
The Hansleys couldn’t help but shudder with fear as they listened to Amir explaining more.
"In our sacred land, we have three forbidden areas, and as far as I can remember, those who attempted to venture into them perished. There is an aura and mist of death in those lands. People can go missing for days and when found, they would be miserable. Their deaths are simply .... Anyway, they are places that we don’t dare go to, even if we are curious. No one wants to play with their lives like that!"

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: SIGNING IN: BEING SHOWERED BY HEAVENLY BLESSINGS FOR FIVE YEARS