While Arav lay awake trembling in his bunk, Kabeer sat alone in a cold interrogation room.
The air smelled of metal… and the officer's cigar.
His hands were still stained with dried blood.
Across the table, three high-ranking officers studied him like a ticking bomb.
The man with the black beard slammed the table.
"Enough. A kid who can do that on day one is a threat. We eliminate him now."
Kabeer didn't move. Didn't blink.
Before the man could speak again, a calm voice broke the tension.
"He's just a child."
All heads turned.
Tristan — Minnie's father, commander of the Vajra Division — stepped forward.
"I'll take responsibility for him," he said.
The bearded officer scoffed. "And if he snaps again? Will you answer for it?"
"Yes."
Tristan didn't hesitate.
"I brought him here. I guarantee his future actions. Release him."
Silence. Then—
"…Fine. Commander."
He clapped twice. Two guards rushed in.
"Release the brat," the officer said.
The guards unlocked Kabeer's cuffs and dragged him up—
until he looked at them.
Just one cold, empty stare… and both guards flinched.
They pushed him out quickly.
Outside, Minnie sat on a bench, face buried in her hands, eyes red and swollen.
The moment she saw him, she ran forward and hugged him.
"Why would you do that…?" she sobbed.
Kabeer hugged her back, jaw tight.
"I promised your father I'd protect you. That bastard touched you— I should've finished him."
"Forget it…" Minnie whispered, voice breaking. "Just stay safe."
Kabeer hesitated, then looked at her.
"I'll protect you. Always."
Her ears turned red. "Don't say things like that…"
She tried to distract herself. "Um… I saw Arav today."
Kabeer's body stiffened.
"You told me he was dead," she added quietly.
"That thing isn't our Arav."
His voice dropped.
"He feels… different. Wrong. I can't explain it."
Minnie took his hands gently.
"Calm down. You're shaking."
He lowered his head, breath uneven.
"…Forget this for now."she whispers while holding his hands.
This time kabeer smiled, "I'll always be with you.. Whenever you needed" his face shows the sign of relief he is feeling now.
They walked together down the corridor.
Meanwhile, on the highest verandah of Triamath,
Varek stood alone, the night wind brushing his face and his black hair.
His hands trembled slightly.
Was I wrong?
Arav wasn't ready. I forced him into a world he wasn't built for.
And Elda…
His chest tightened.
If I had reached a minute earlier… would she still be alive?
I failed them both.
Maybe I don't deserve to live with this guilt.
A voice broke his thoughts.
"Still thinking about her?"
Varek turned.
Mayank stood there, arms crossed, eyes soft.
"Don't," he said quietly. "Don't do that to yourself. You're not the reason she died."
Varek wiped his face quickly, trying to look composed.
"What are you doing here so late?"
Mayank stepped beside him.
"I know you. You act cold, but you're hurting yourself more than anyone.
You can't change the past, Varek.
But you can protect the ones who still trust you."
Varek's shoulders shook once—barely.
"…Can I ask you a favor?" he whispered.
Mayank blinked. "You? Asking me something?"
Varek swallowed.
"If anything happens to me… if I die… will you protect Arav?"
Mayank let out a soft laugh.
"Protect him? Sure.
But your second wish—dying? Forget it. I'm not letting that happen."
He playfully hit Varek's shoulder.
"Tomorrow would a big day of our life"
Mayank said with a proud on his face.
Neither noticed the shadow standing behind the wall, listening silently.
A faint smile curled on the unseen watcher's lips.
So that's his weakness…
Who was that guy behind? Is he a threat or a new beast?