Back in the mansion, the tension hung thick in the air as Bhoomi's condition worsened. The sigil across her forehead flickered like dying embers, burning through her fragile veins. Vikram stood at her bedside, his face grave but calm, while Chandrika silently wiped away her tears.
"Until Yuvaan and Kiara return with the Amrit Kalash, we must keep Bhoomi alive," Vikram said. His gaze shifted to Mishka, who had been standing quietly near the doorway, her expression composed yet alert. "There is a sacred herb — Jeevpatra. It grows on the ridges of Manidhara Mountain. Its essence can sustain life even when the breath begins to fade."
Angad looked up immediately. "Then I'll go," he said. "Aunt Bhoomi can't wait. Tell me where to find it."
Before Vikram could respond, Mishka spoke — her tone calm and measured. "I'll go too. I know the terrain of Manidhara. It won't be easy, but I can manage."
Vikram frowned slightly. "Mishka, that mountain is unpredictable. The winds cut through the cliffs like blades."
"I don't fear danger, Uncle," Mishka replied, tying her hair back and slinging her satchel over her shoulder. "If this herb can keep Bhoomi alive, I'll bring it."
Angad stepped beside her. "Then I'm coming too. You shouldn't go alone."
For a moment, Vikram hesitated — torn between concern and trust. Then he placed a steady hand on both their shoulders. "Be careful, both of you. The path tests the heart more than the body. Don't look back, and don't separate, no matter what happens."
Mishka simply nodded, her expression calm and unreadable. Angad cast one last look toward Bhoomi's still form before following her out of the mansion, determination burning in his eyes.
The wind outside howled softly — as if the mountain had already sensed their arrival.
The road ahead stretched between rugged cliffs, the fading sun bleeding into the horizon. Angad and Mishka walked side by side, the wind whistling softly through the lonely valley.
Suddenly, a familiar voice called out sweetly, "Going somewhere, handsome?"
Angad stopped in his tracks. Standing a few feet away was Betty — dressed elegantly, smiling as though she had been waiting for him.
"Betty?" Angad blinked in surprise. "What are you doing here?"
He took a step forward, but Mishka swiftly blocked his path. "Don't," she warned, her tone sharp. "She's dangerous."
Angad frowned, confused. "What? No, Mishka, she's—"
Betty's grin widened unnaturally. "You're right," she hissed. "I am dangerous."
In an instant, her form twisted grotesquely — her legs bent backward, wings burst from her back, and her eyes turned a chilling shade of black.
Angad stumbled backward. "Jeez… what—what are you?"
Mishka gave him a side glance. "Your girlfriend's a chudail, apparently."
Angad flushed. "She's not my girlfriend! We just… hung out sometimes to make you jealous."
Mishka arched an eyebrow but said nothing.
Betty's laugh echoed through the valley. "How sweet. You've come for the herb that can sustain Bhoomi's life, haven't you? But my queen, Taamsi, has sent me to stop you."
Her wings spread wide as dark energy gathered in her palms. "And stop you I shall."
She hurled a blast of black fire straight at them.
"Angad!" Mishka shouted, pushing him aside.
The attack hit the ground where they'd stood, exploding into a surge of shadowy flames. Dust and debris filled the air as both of them rolled to safety, narrowly escaping the blast.
When the smoke cleared, Angad and Mishka were already back on their feet — eyes locked on the monstrous chudail hovering above.
Meanwhile, deep within the eerie forest, the air grew colder, and the faint whisper of the wind carried an unsettling growl. The trees seemed to close in, their twisted branches clawing at the dusky sky.
Kiara froze, her eyes darting around nervously. The growl echoed again—low, guttural, and close. Without thinking, she rushed to Yuvaan's side, clutching his arm tightly.
Yuvaan glanced at her and let out a faint chuckle, the corner of his lips curving into a teasing smile. "Coward," he murmured softly.
Kiara frowned, trying to hide her fear. "You might be the demon lord or warlock—whatever you are—but I'm just human," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "And it's in human nature to fear."
Yuvaan tilted his head, his crimson eyes gleaming faintly in the dim light. "When you don't fear the devil's reincarnate," he said quietly, "then you shouldn't fear at all."
Their gazes locked—his dark and powerful, hers fragile yet fierce. For a moment, the forest faded away, leaving only the two of them standing in that heavy, magnetic silence, the air between them thick with unspoken emotion.
To be continued…