In Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre, Arolake once again finds love and support in a man named Akin, played by Gabriel Afolayan.
After leaving Saro, Arolake travels alone, and the journey proves to be difficult for her until she meets a group of travelers.
The travelers ask her to accompany them, and among them is Akin, a kind-hearted man who carries her burdens and tends to her injuries.
When Arolake becomes too weak to continue walking, Akin reluctantly leaves her behind at his sister’s and Arolake’s insistence.
However, the next morning, Akin comes back for Arolake and takes her to his house, where he lives with his sister’s family.
In addition to providing her shelter, Akin helps Arolake find a job and supports her in starting anew.
Loving and protecting Arolake
When Arolake realizes that the pouch she received during her night in the forest is an endless source of wealth, she decides to buy a big house.
She asks Akin to move in with her, as he insists on protecting her. Together, they enjoy a life of luxury, and Arolake confides in Akin about her past.
Arolake uses her newfound wealth to help people, leading to rumors circulating among the townspeople. Akin also finds out that the King of Oyo has resumed his search for Arolake.
Akin suggests that he and Arolake move to a faraway place and lay low for a while, but Arolake refuses to run anymore.
Instead, she chooses to hire guards for herself and rarely steps out of the house. She also sends gifts to the King through Akin without revealing her identity.
Aware of the King’s weakness for beauty, Akin portrays Arolake as a stunning woman, ensuring the King’s curiosity compels him to meet her.
Akin acts as Arolake’s messenger, but he has his doubts about her plans. Arolake refuses to share her plans with him, even though he risks his life by lying to the King.
Akin keeps aiding Arolake in her plans because he is in love with her. He understands her and wants to be with her.
However, due to her past experience with Saro, Arolake refuses to pursue a romantic relationship with Akin.
She makes it clear that she has no place for love in her life. Her rejection upsets Akin, but he continues protecting her.
A partner in need
Unlike Saro, Akin never changes. He makes it clear that he is not with Arolake for her wealth. However, Akin decides to leave her when she meets the King and sleeps with him.
Before leaving, he points out that it is the King who is taking advantage of her, not the other way around, and warns her that the King will kill her once he is finished with her.
As Akin had expected, the King sacrifices Arolake in exchange for Prince Kuranga’s life and to maintain peace between Oyo and Ede.
Arolake is arrested, stripped of her wealth, and faces public execution. Fortunately, she is saved when Ede warriors attack Bashorun.
She is taken back to her prison cell, where she reunites with Akin, who reveals he came to rescue her upon learning of her arrest.
Akin joined hands with Awolaran, whom he met and befriended during his visits to the King. Despite everything, Akin comforts Arolake when she needs it the most.
Once again, he suggests that they sell their house and move somewhere far away from here, and Arolake, who has learned her lesson, does not protest.
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