They followed Aigul, who led Dinara to one room and Alexei to another. The room was small but cozy, with a low bed, a small table by the window, and a chest for belongings. On the walls hung traditional Kyrgyz carpets—shyrdaks—with bright geometric patterns woven from rich red and blue threads, preserving ancient symbols and stories of the nomadic people, behind which the breath of high-mountain steppes seemed to hide.

Alexei sat on the bed, still holding the medallion in his hand. The events of the past few days swirled in his head, forming an incredible story—an ancient treasure, a mysterious crystal with mystical properties, a chase, danger… It seemed he had fallen into an adventure novel or film.

He put the medallion back around his neck and hid it under his shirt. The medallion responded with familiar warmth, as if happy to return to its place.

Alexei went to the window. Beyond it stretched a garden illuminated by the full moon—silvery apple trees, pears, apricots. And further—the dark silhouettes of mountains and the shimmering surface of Issyk-Kul, reflecting the stars.

There, in those mountains and under those waters, lay hidden a secret that generations had kept. A secret to which the medallion was the key. And in three days, they would have a chance to uncover it.

If, of course, Karabaev didn't get to it first.

A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts.

"Come in," he said.

Dinara entered the room. She had changed into simple home clothes and let her hair down. In the dimness of the room, her eyes seemed especially dark and deep.

"Can't sleep?" she asked, sitting on the chair by the table.

"Too much information for one day," Alexei replied, returning to the bed. "It all seems… unreal."

"I know," Dinara nodded. "Even for me, having grown up with these legends, everything that's happening feels like a dream. Or a movie."

"Do you really believe this story?" asked Alexei. "About a crystal with unusual properties?"

Dinara pondered before answering:

"I'm a historian. I was taught to rely on facts, on documents, on archaeological finds. But I also grew up here, among these mountains and legends." She looked out the window at the starry sky. "There are things that science cannot yet explain. Especially here, at Issyk-Kul. The lake holds many secrets." She turned to Alexei. "And you? Do you believe?"

Alexei touched the medallion under his shirt. It was warm again, almost alive to the touch.

"A week ago, I would have definitely said 'no,'" he answered honestly. "But now… after everything that's happened… I don't know. This medallion behaves strangely. And people are willing to kill for it. So there must be something to this story."

Dinara nodded.

"That's why we must find the crystal before Karabaev. If the legend is even partially true, in his hands, the 'Key of Solomon' could become a dangerous weapon."

"Or the greatest blessing for humanity, if one believes in its healing properties," Alexei remarked.

"It all depends on the person who possesses it," said Dinara. "At least, that's what the legend says."

She rose, preparing to leave.

"We need to get some sleep. Tomorrow will be a difficult day."

At the door, she stopped and turned back:

"I'm glad you're here, Alexei. Despite all the dangers… I'm glad we're together again. Good night."

"Good night," he replied, watching her leave.

After Dinara closed the door, Alexei sat motionless for some time. Then he took off the medallion and placed it on the table by the bed. The silver disc gleamed dully in the moonlight streaming through the window. The symbols on its surface seemed to form mysterious patterns that were impossible to read but somehow felt familiar, like a long-forgotten dream.