Cherreads

Chronos Echoes

thecursedqueen
7
chs / week
The average realized release rate over the past 30 days is 7 chs / week.
--
NOT RATINGS
383
Views
Synopsis
Zoya, a sharp and skeptical college student, lands a part-time job at an archaic city library. Her ordinary life is shattered the moment she encounters Aarav (who later reveals his true name, Kairon), a mysterious and reserved colleague who possesses an otherworldly calm. Zoya's curiosity turns into obsessive suspicion when she witnesses Kairon exhibit impossible abilities—defying gravity and moving with unnatural speed—followed by his hasty disappearance, leaving behind only the faintest trace of alien technology. Kairon is an exiled Guardian of Time from a distant, defunct civilization on a mission to safeguard an ancient artifact, the 'Qalb-e-Zamaan' (The Heart of Time), hidden on Earth. He is the last barrier preventing his enemies from seizing control of our planet's temporal flow. Initially, Kairon desperately tries to push Zoya away, fearing her inevitable endangerment. Their lives collide violently when Zarg, a ruthless alien hunter from Kairon's past, tracks him to the library. During the ensuing magical battle, Zoya is injured by a Slow-Time Toxin. In a profound act of love and sacrifice, Kairon gives Zoya a "Protective Kiss," infusing her with half his temporal defense power. This makes Zoya immune to Zarg’s temporal attacks and, crucially, grants her an enhanced mind capable of perceiving time in slow motion. Bound by this shared power and a rapidly growing, forbidden romance, Zoya and Kairon become allies. Zoya's human intuition, now amplified by alien speed of thought, proves vital. When Zarg plans to immobilize the entire city by freezing time at the historic Clock Tower, Zoya uses her new abilities to predict his movements. The narrative culminates in a desperate race against time at the Clock Tower, where the fate of Earth's temporal existence hangs in the balance. Kairon must defeat Zarg while grappling with the agonizing truth: his love for Zoya, the very source of their combined strength, is also the greatest threat to his mission. Their only hope lies in Zoya mastering her unique temporal echo—the 'Chronos Echo'—to save the man who became her world and the world he vowed to protect.
Table of contents
VIEW MORE

Chapter 1 - PART:1

It was evening, and heavy raindrops were pelting the roofs and glass windows of the city's "Kitab Khana-e-Qadeem." The atmosphere inside the library was cold, peaceful, and filled with a sweet, old fragrance. Only two library staff members were on duty.

Zoya, 18, entered the library after swiping her college ID card at the counter. Her hair was tied in a neat ponytail, as always, and her eyes were filled with a keen sense of understanding. Zoya had joined the library as a new part-time employee, and today was her first day there. She was sent straight to the Sci-Fi and Philosophy sections to put the books back in their place.

She stopped in front of a tall shelf and ran her fingers along the spines. Her attention was completely focused on the books, so she didn't notice someone standing directly across from her shelf.

Aarav, who looked the same age as her and had been working at the library for a month, was actually arranging books in the same section. He wore a deep black hoodie, and his face always wore a strange, expressionless composure. He held a small niche he was using to discreetly scan barcodes on books—something library staff didn't typically have.

Aarav was unaware of Zoya's presence, engrossed in his work.

Zoya finally wanted to put an unstack of books on a shelf. As he tried to push a book inside to create space between the shelves, his fingers collided with fingers on the other side. Both were startled to see another book through the open middle part of the shelf.

Aarav was immediately startled. He was used to hiding his emotions, but this untimely collision made his eyes flutter slightly in surprise, and he quickly put the small book in his hoodie pocket.

Zoya first hid her embarrassment and smiled, saying,

Zoya: "Oh! Sorry! I didn't know there was someone on the other side. And... are you new?" She unstacked the books and adjusted them.

Aarav composed himself. He put a cold expression on his face and replied in a cold, flat voice.

Aarav: "No. I'm old. You seem new." Then, without hesitation, he began putting his books back in their place, as if Zoya's presence were a normal thing.

Zoya was a little taken aback by the strangeness of his voice and the stony indifference on his face. He said,

Zoya: "Yes, it's my first day. My name is Zoya. And you?" He extended a friendly hand.

Aarav looked at Zoya's outstretched hand for a moment, as if he didn't know how to shake hands, and then replied in a formal tone,

Aarav: "I am Aarav." Instead of shaking hands, he simply nodded his head in greeting. And then he immediately turned and walked towards the darkest, darkest section of the library, where antiques and astronomy books were kept. There was a slight, subtle agility in his gait, which Zoya felt for only a moment.

Zoya stood there, her fingers still in the air. She thought, "What a strange boy. Is everyone in the library like this?" But she remembered the depth hidden in Aarav's eyes, which told her that Aarav was more than just this ordinary library and this ordinary world.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Zoya lowered her outstretched hand, her face now filled with more suspicion than surprise. She shook her head, calmed herself, and began putting the books back in their place. It was her first day, and she didn't want to be distracted by some strange boy.

But as Zoya was putting the books away, her gaze accidentally drifted towards Aarav, who was now completely alone in the astronomy section. The rain had made the library even darker.

Aarav was trying to retrieve a very old and large book from the top shelf. Instead of using a standard staff chair, he jumped directly to reach the book.

And then something happened that Zoya couldn't quite grasp.

Aarav jumped, but he did so high and so easily that Zoya felt as if he had momentarily eased the gravity of the earth. His jumping wasn't as difficult or strenuous as a normal human being's; He floated in the air, easily grabbed the book, and landed. All this happened before he could blink.

Zoya was stunned. The stack of books fell from her hands, the soft sound of which shattered the silence of the library.

Aarav died instantly. His eyes no longer held a secret, but fear and panic. He knew Zoya had seen something. All the emotions on his face, which he had kept hidden until now, came out in an instant.

Zoya looked at her fallen books. She moved two steps forward.

Zoya (her heart pounding): "You... what did you do? How did you get so high... did you use some rope? Or some... hidden lift?"

Aarav, holding the old book to his chest, slowly moved two steps back. He quickly controlled himself, and his voice returned.

Aarav (hiding his inner panic): "What are you saying? The books fell. Pick them up."

Zoya (insistently): "No! I'm not lying! I saw it! You were flying, Aarav! You've cheated! Who are you?"

Aarav shoved the book back on the shelf and strode towards Zoya. The sound of the rain had become louder. His face was now more warning than angry.

Aarav (voice in a low voice): "Zoya, it's your first day. Listen to me, do your best. And forget what you're thinking."

He turned and headed toward the library's secret back exit, known only to the staff. This time, his speed was faster than a normal human's, and within moments, he disappeared.

Zoya stood there, her mind echoing with only one question: This boy is no normal human.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Zoya stood there, her breathing heavy and her mind in a turmoil. She knew perfectly well what she had seen. Aarav's casual yelp and then his sudden disappearance while walking were no sign of anything out of the ordinary. Zoya quickly picked up the books that had fallen to the ground. Her suspicious mood had now turned into certainty.

Zoya (to herself, angry and restless): "Forget it? How can I forget it? I saw it with my own eyes. And there was fear in his eyes... He must be hiding something."

Zoya made a quick decision. She left her day's work and followed Aarav toward the secret back exit. It led to the library staff parking lot, and because of the heavy rain, no one was there. When she stepped outside, cold drops of rain fell on her face.

The parking lot was empty. Aarav was nowhere to be seen.

Zoya: "So fast... where can he go?"

Zoya looked around the parking lot. The ground was covered in rainwater. Then her eyes fell on some marks in the water. They were human shoe marks, but they were very faint and marked very long limbs, as if someone had run at high speed, with a distance of a few meters between each mark.

Zoya began to follow those shoe marks. The marks ended near the library's boundary wall. Zoya looked up. The wall was at least 10-12 feet high.

Zoya (surprised): "Did he...crack that wall? A wall that high? No ordinary person could do that."

Zoya headed back to the library. She was no longer interested in Aarav's secret, but rather felt trapped in something beyond her comprehension.

After returning to the library, Zoya went straight to the staff counter where the library's senior in-charge, Mr. Akhtar, was sitting.

Zoya: "Mr. Akhtar, I need to know something about Aarav. Where does he live? What's his background?"

Mr. Akhtar, a tired and plain-looking man, adjusted his glasses and said,

Mr. Akhtar: "Aarav? Yes, he's our new son. Nice, tall, but a bit quiet. And his background? I don't remember exactly. His documents must be in files. But he's very honest, always on time. Why? What happened?"

Zoya (controlling herself): "No, nothing. Just in connection with work. He was asking something about the law books."

Zoya took out Aarav's file. The file contained Aarav's address, college ID, and personal details. Zoya quickly downloaded his address details into her phone.

By the time night duty ended, Zoya's mind was only on Aarav and his gravity-defying antics. When she left the library, the rain had stopped, but the search for him had just begun.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Zoya left the library and headed straight for the address listed in Aarav's file. It was evening, and the rain had stopped, but her unease persisted. Her heart told her that Aarav was no ordinary man, and his silence was a sign of a deep secret. Zoya's mind, which always operated on logic, was now trying to solve a complex puzzle.

After traveling for half an hour, Zoya reached the address. It was in an old and well-known residential area of ​​the city.

But when Zoya saw the door, she was stunned.

The address was a small, closed house with a latch. Dust and dirt had accumulated outside the door, and it looked as if the house had been vacant for months. In the light from the neighboring houses, the house looked like a haunted bungalow.

Zoya (checking the address on her phone): "No, it can't be wrong. This address was on file. But if Aarav didn't live here, why did he give the library a fake address?"

Zoya understood. Aarav had knowingly given her the wrong information so he could conceal his true identity. This was further proof that he was hiding something.

Zoya turned back in disappointment, but then she noticed a faint glow near an old garbage can in the far corner of the courtyard.

She quietly moved forward and leaned closer to the garbage can. The glow was caused by two shining objects:

A small, round battery, different from ordinary batteries, with some strange markings on it.

A burnt piece of paper with only three strange symbols visible on it.

Zoya looked around in confusion. What were these things doing in the courtyard of this empty house? She quickly picked up the battery and the piece of paper and put them in her pocket.

Aarav had definitely been here. Or perhaps this was his visit.

Zoya started thinking about those strange symbols and the battery as she walked back to the library. She knew she had to find Aarav, because she was now very close to her reality.

Aarav, meanwhile, was in the highest and most desolate part of the city—probably on the roof of a half-built building. He stood in the darkness, shielding himself from the rain and away from ground light. He held a small wireless device in his hand, glowing with a faint, blue light.

Aarav (to himself, his voice was uneasy): "That girl saw it. Saw my fast pace and jump. I need to pay attention now."

He pressed a strange button on the device. A soft whisper began to emanate from the device – it wasn't a normal human voice, but the invisible wave of his sword.

Device (in whisper): "...the address is clear... the answer... no fear... safe for Abhi..."

Aarav breathed a sigh of relief. He had concealed his first secret by giving a false address. But he knew that a smart girl like Zoya would not accept defeat so easily.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Zoya walked briskly towards her home. Three things were running through her mind: Aarav's casual rant, the false address, the strange battery in his pocket and the burnt-marked paper. Zoya decided to check the battery first, because she wanted to prove everything.

The next morning, before going to the college library, Zoya went to the city's famous old-tech repair shop. She showed the round battery to the dealer.

Shopkeeper: "Son, this isn't an ordinary battery. I've never seen the marks on it. It's brand new, but its construction seems very old. Especially the metal... it's very durable."

When the shopkeeper tested it, he said in surprise, "The energy level is so high that none of our devices can use it. This battery seems to be far ahead of our current technology."

Zoya's suspicion grew stronger. Now she was sure that Aarav was definitely connected to the other world or otherworldly technology.

Afternoon: College Cafeteria

Zoya was sitting in a corner, reading her "Time Anomalies" book. She was constantly thinking about the details, markings, and batteries in Aarav's file.

Just then, someone came and sat on the chair in front of her.

Zoya raised her head. Aarav!

Zoya had never imagined she would find him in the college cafeteria, where there was so much noise. Aarav looked at her, her face still held that same, lifeless calm, as if nothing had happened in the library.

Aarav: "Are you still reading those old books?"

Zoya (hiding her fear, but searching for an answer in her eyes): "Yes. What are you doing here? You should be in the library."

Aarav: "Lunch break. And Zoya, you're searching." Her voice was whispered. "I saw you at that fake address."

Zoya's face instantly flushed with embarrassment and hesitation. She felt embarrassed that she had been caught. For a moment, she felt that her cleverness had been exposed as foolish in front of Aarav. Her cheeks turned hot.

And then it happened.

When Aarav was looking at her so closely, for the first time, instead of doubt and questions, a slight uneasiness appeared in Zoya's eyes. Her blush deepened.

Aarav, who usually seemed devoid of emotions, seemed absolutely beautiful and full of life to Zoya when seen so closely. Those deep eyes on his face, always lost in thoughts of some other world, were now looking directly at Zoya. Zoya looked at Aarav for a moment with deep and loving eyes—as if a new feeling was about to be born in her heart, as if someone was about to step on the first step of love.

But that feeling vanished immediately.

Aarav recognized that new feeling in Zoya's eyes. A slight flash of panic crossed his face, as emotions were dangerous to his mission and his secret. He averted his gaze and instantly became speechless.

Aarav (changing his voice): "What you saw was wrong, Zoya. And whatever's in your pocket, put it back in the trash. If you continue this game, you'll suffer."

And this time, Aarav quickly got up and left through the crowded cafeteria doors. Zoya, still between shyness and the unfamiliar feeling of the first time, remained silent.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

After Aarav suddenly disappeared from the cafeteria, Zoya remained sitting on the same chair. The slight warmth on her cheeks still bore witness to the moment she had looked deep into Aarav's eyes. But Aarav's final warning and her indifference had burned that feeling like acid.

Zoya (to herself, in a determined voice): "Will you mind? You can't scare me, Aarav. If you were so protective, why did you leave the fake address and that shiny battery? And why were you looking at me so intensely?"

Zoya knew she was about to set foot on the path of love, but Aarav had knowingly broken that path. Now, Zoya was filled with doubt, shock, and the anger of feeling rejected, forcing her to chase after Aarav's secret.

Zoya immediately pulled a small, burnt piece of paper from her pocket, bearing three strange symbols. She studied the symbols. They didn't seem to be human speech, but they resembled a scientific formula or an astronomical chart.

Zoya remembered that Aarav was looking at old books on astrology and astronomy in the library. She decided to go straight to that section.

College Library: Evening

Zoya quickly entered the astrology and cosmology section. She found the shelf where Aarav had kept the large book. She took out the book – it was a centuries-old cover titled "Cosmic Mythology and Ancient Civilizations."

Zoya began flipping through the pages of the book. She was matching every picture, symbol, or clue to the burned piece of paper.

After hours of desperate searching, just as Zoya was about to give up, her eyes fell on a small circle in the last pages.

There were three clues in that diary. And they were the same clues that were on Aarav's burned paper!

In the book, beneath these letters, there was only a short sentence written in an ancient language:

"The Sign of the Tomb. He who guards time for the last time."

Zoya's heart sank.

Zoya (in a whisper): "The Sign of the Tomb... is that a sign? And the protector of time? So that means he wasn't reading about time travel in the library, he was reading about himself."

At this point, Zoya had two choices: either forget this bloody secret (as Aarav had suggested) or take the first step and find out what this 'Grav' was and why Aarav was the protector of time.

Zoya took the picture of the page, closed the book, and left the library. The direction of her search had changed. She was no longer just after a strange boy, but was caught between an old secret and a dangerous story.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Zoya took leave from her library duties for the next two days. She spent all her time trying to decipher the strange battery, the burnt paper, and the 'Alamat-e-Qabr' sentence she had found in the book. She knew Aarav was no ordinary person, and his cold indifference and hidden fear signaled a grave danger.

Zoya no longer went to Aarav's fake address to look for him, but instead devised a unique plan.

Afternoon: College Library

Zoya came to the library, but this time she came as a normal student, not on duty. She went straight to the History section where she had last seen Aarav, and sat down in a place where she could keep an eye on the secret back exit from which Aarav had disappeared.

Aarav was there.

He was sitting in a quiet corner, working on his laptop. His laptop was closed, but a strange, dazzling map was visible on the screen – a deep blue color.

Zoya knew she could only reach the truth when Aarav was completely immersed in her.

Zoya mustered her courage and went over to him, holding the same "Cosmic Mythology" book.

Zoya (slightly nervous, but confidently): "Aarav. I wanted to talk to you."

Aarav immediately closed his laptop screen. His eyes were sharp and uncertain.

Aarav: "I warned you, Zoya."

Zoya: "I haven't come here to threaten you. I know who you are... or what you are. And I also know that you're here because of this book. I won't tell anyone your secret, but you'll have to answer me."

Zoya held out the book to him. Aarav's eyes widened with fear, then a sudden uneasiness. He understood that Zoya had reached the "Alamat-e-Qabr."

He slowly took the book and gestured for Zoya to sit in front of him.

Aarav (his voice no longer indifferent, but rather a tired, compulsion): "What will happen if I answer? You will be in danger."

Zoya (with her gaze fixed on his eyes): "If I don't get an answer, I will be in even greater danger. I am not one to accept defeat. And you know that too."

Aarav watched the stubbornness and courage in her eyes. At that moment, in the dim light of the library, the distance between them narrowed. Aarav realized he was feeling a connection with a human being in a profound, sci-fi way for the first time. The unconditional love still lingered in Zoya's eyes, and Aarav's alien heart (which had been taught to stay away from emotions) weakened for a moment.

Aarav slowly leaned toward Zoya. The emotions on his face revealed themselves for the first time – they were no longer indifferent, but expressed sadness and burden.

Aarav (whispering, his eyes on Zoya's lips): "I... I don't want you to be involved in this. You should be happy and at peace. My world... is very cold, Zoya."

In this closeness, Zoya's heart beat faster. Hearing Aarav praise her, Zoya felt as if the spring of her first love had returned. That love-filled feeling that had been suppressed in the cafeteria now emerged with full intensity. Her breath stopped, and she slowly placed her hand around Aarav's.

Aarav immediately regained his composure and averted his gaze. His face became cold and closed again.

Aarav (loud, but in a low voice): "You made a mistake. Get out of here. Don't ever come back."

And this time, instead of leaving through the library's back exit, Aarav disappeared behind a shelf of books, so fast that Zoya could only feel a gust of wind.

Zoya remained seated there. She knew that she had seen Aarav's true humanity (or his hidden humanity) for a moment, and in that moment a bond had formed between them.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Aarav's sudden disappearance and his emotional restlessness had Zoya's heart pounding. The closeness of that moment and the sadness in his eyes transformed Zoya's inner doubt into warmth and pain. She was convinced that Aarav wasn't hiding, but rather, he was protecting himself, and perhaps Zoya as well.

Zoya left the library and returned to her dorm room. It was nighttime, and a light rain had begun outside again. Zoya stood restlessly on the balcony of her room, holding that shiny, strange battery in her hand.

Zoya (in a soft whisper): "Why are you so lonely, Aarav? And what burden is it that prevents you from being human?"

Zoya knew Aarav had threatened her, but the truth in his eyes was more important than the false warning on his lips. She decided to approach his secret not with fear, but with understanding.

Some time later:

Zoya was in her room when a soft sound, like a small stone striking her window, struck her. Zoya was immediately startled. She slowly pulled back the curtain.

Standing on the balcony, in the rain, was Aarav!

He had taken off his black hoodie. His hair and face were soaked with rainwater. He looked handsome and incredibly beautiful in the light of the room, but there was regret and unease in his eyes.

Zoya immediately opened the door.

Zoya (shocked): "Aarav! You're here... at this time? And without a girlfriend?"

Aarav slowly entered the room. His wet clothes brought a chill to the room.

Aarav (his voice was soft for the first time): "I... I wanted to see you. I'm sorry. I bothered you in the cafeteria. I shouldn't have. I didn't want to bother you."

Zoya took a deep breath at his soft voice. She understood that this alien had lost the battle to control his emotions.

Zoya: "So tell me, Aarav. What caused your outburst? And why are you following me?"

Aarav looked at her. The sound of rain was creating a new atmosphere in the room.

Aarav (gently, his eyes on Zoya's face): "I wasn't following you. I... was trying to keep you away. But you're so stubborn, Zoya." She paused for a moment and watched the light drops of rain fall on Zoya's face. "I accidentally felt close to you. And this closeness... could put you in danger."

Zoya saw that all of Aarav's excitement and anger was just fear. She moved closer to him and gently placed her hand on his wet hair.

Zoya (softly): "I won't leave you. And I'm not afraid of you, Aarav. Now tell me, what kind of danger is this?"

Aarav was stunned by the soft feeling of Zoya's hand. Where everything in his body was based on science and logic, Zoya's loving touch felt so natural. He closed his eyes.

Aarav (in a whisper, his voice a secret): "I am not the one you see. I... I am not of this world. And my enemy..." He took Zoya's hand in his own and quickly corrected his moment of weakness.

And in that moment, their hands met. Aarav's hand was warmer than a normal human's. This was the first time Aarav had revealed his biggest secret to anyone.

Aarav: "My name is not Aarav, and I have come here to protect 'time'. And Zoya... you are my first weakness."

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Hearing Aarav's truth sent a chill through Zoya's body, but the warmth of his hand and the sincerity in his eyes eased that fear considerably.

Zoya (slowly, hiding her panic): "Alien? Time guard? Your name isn't Aarav? So... what's your real name?"

Aarav breathed in sharply. He held Zoya's hand tightly, as if he would fly away into thin air if he let go.

Aarav: "My name is Kairon. And Zoya, I'm not lying to you. I'm from a different era and a different culture. My world... is over. And I'm its last target, so I'm a threat to you."

Zoya gently patted his hand. The scientist in her noticed that Aarav had mentioned "era."

Zoya: "Kairon. That name... is beautiful. You're alone. You need help. And I need to know about an alien who protects time." She tried to smile.

Karon saw her smile. He forgot his true sadness for a moment.

Karon (softly): "Zoya, you're too strange to me. And too bold. I need to go, if anyone finds out I'm here..."

Zoya: "Wait."

Zoya freed her hand from his and quickly went to the old globe kept in the room. She started placing her finger on a specific spot on the globe.

Zoya: "Show me. Where was your Siyar? What is your identity? I accept your identity."

Karon was deeply impressed by Zoya's naive innocence and her trust. He had never imagined that someone would accept his identity so easily.

He came closer to her and stood behind Zoya. The rain had now turned into a light mist, and in the warmth of the room, their distance was practically nonexistent.

Karon slowly extended her hand and touched Zoya's finger on the globe.

Karon (in a very sweet whisper): "Not on this globe. It's too far. My world was inhabited by the light of Arcturus."

Karon held Zoya's soft hand, and both of their gazes turned toward the sky outside the window. The rain clouds were still there, but tiny stars were still twinkling.

Kairon (his hand still on Zoya's): "Look there, at the end of that second galaxy, right there. You see those three pale blue stars? The bright light there was my home."

Zoya stood with Kairon, feeling the warmth of his hand, and looked at the stars. For the first time, she thought of those stars not just as light, but as someone's lost home.

At that moment, Zoya stepped on the threshold of her first love. Kairon, who belonged to another world, was so close to her at that moment. Zoya could feel the thump in his chest, and that thump wasn't separate from her own.

Zoya gently rested her head on Kairon's shoulder.

Zoya (softly): "You're not alone, Kairon. As long as you're here, this earth is your home. And I... I'm with you."

Kairo closed his eyes. Zoya's gentle fragrance and the closeness of her humanity dispelled his centuries-old loneliness in an instant. This was the relationship he had always been searching for. He gently rested his head on Zoya's shoulder.

On this rainy night and beneath the stars, the foundation of love had been laid between an alien and a human. The secret still existed, but now it was a shared secret.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

It was morning. Under the dim light of the night and the stars, a deep secret and a unique relationship had been established between Zoya and Kairon. After revealing his true identity, Kairon had quickly left Zoya's room, but this time he hadn't threatened her; instead, there was trust in her eyes.

Zoya knew Kairon was on a mission to "protect time." She decided to go to the college library for duty. She understood that Aarav's (Kairon's) true world was hidden in the library's books.

College Library: Afternoon

Zoya was sitting at the library staff counter, but her attention wasn't on the books, but on the shiny batteries and strange symbols. She was thinking about Kairon when her eyes fell on the library door.

A dark, tall man entered. His face was as still as stone, and his eyes were extremely sharp and sharp, as if he was taking in the surrounding environment in minutes. He was wearing a dark, brown trench coat, even though the weather was too mild for that coat.

Zoya immediately sensed danger. The man's searching gaze, and his unusual stiffness, reminded her of Kairon, but this man possessed not Kairon's melancholy, but rather dangerous intent.

The stranger headed straight for the History section, the same place where Kairon had made his gravity-defying jump in front of Zoya.

Zoya decided to immediately warn Kairon. She typed a code word into her phone that they had both decided on the night before: "Arcturus in danger."

Kairon's hideout:

Kairon was on the roof of an old, tall building in the city, monitoring the waves of time. A small niche in front of him was illuminated by a bright blue light. As Zoya's message arrived, the light in the niche brightened and blinking symbols appeared.

Kairon (in shock): "They found Zoya? So quickly!"

Without a moment's thought, Kairon transformed his body into a wave of air.

Tehelka in the Library:

In the library, the strange man was searching for that very "Cosmic Mythology" book. When he couldn't find it, he got angry.

In that moment, the atmosphere of the library changed!

All the lights dimmed. Zoya felt as if the air pressure had decreased. And the strangest thing of all: the hands of the old clock on the wall started moving rapidly in reverse!

Time seemed to stop!

Zoya, who was a distance away from the stranger, noticed a faint blue glow emanating from his shoulder—just like Kairon!

Zoya (whispering to herself): "He's...he's just like Kairon! Another alien!"

The stranger's face was filled with anger. He waved his finger in the air, and with the ripple of time, the library ceiling fans began to spin rapidly. His intention was to find Zoya, or that book.

And then, Kairon entered!

But he didn't come through the door. He came where the waves of time were greatest—right in the middle of the T-section, floating in the air!

Kairo and the stranger exchanged glances. Their deep, blue eyes held only hatred. Zoya understood—this was Kairon's enemy, the very people who had followed him from his doomed world.

Kairo (angrily, but his voice echoed with time): "Zarg! What are you doing here?"

Zarg (smiling, his smile was full of danger): "To eliminate every weak person who comes under your protection. Your identity will end here, Kairon."

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The atmosphere of the library was transfixed by the waves of time. The hands of the clock on the wall were rapidly spinning in reverse, the flowers in the vase were wilting, and dust particles, lifted from the ground, stood motionless in the air. These were the first, magical encounters between Kairon and Zarg.

Kairo (pain and anger, the blue light in his eyes had intensified): "Zarg, leave the earth! The 'time' here is not for you!"

Zarg (in a shrill, harsh voice): "Protecting time? You're not alone, Kairon. And this girl... this is your weakness!"

Zarg pointed at Zoya. Kairon's attention was momentarily distracted. Taking advantage of this, Zarg quickly waved his hand in the air and threw a sheet of deep blue light towards Zoya. This light was an 'Anti-Time Wave' – it rapidly transformed whatever it touched into dust.

Karon (shouting loudly): "No!"

Kairon used all his strength. He completely stopped the time between him and Zoya for a moment. Zarg's blue light remained in the air, inches away from Zoya's body. All of Kairon's strength was devoted to this extremely dangerous defense.

But Kairon could not stop this light for long.

Zarg laughed, seeing his enemy's helplessness, and increased the speed of his attack. When Kairon withdrew his held back strength, a small piece of the Anti-Time Wave grazed Zoya's shoulder.

A sharp, painful jolt! Zoya felt as if a part of her body had aged a million years in a moment. Her body became intensely hot, then extremely cold.

Kairon saw this. His patience ran out.

Kairo: "Enough now!"

This time, Kairon used speed, not strength. He created millions of blocks in the air around him. He dashed towards Zarg, striking him with such force that Zarg broke the wall and fell out of the library. Kairon had sent his enemy away from his own time for an instant.

As soon as Zarg disappeared, all movements in the library returned to normal. The clock hands began moving smoothly.

Kairon let go of his enemy and immediately ran towards Zoya. Zoya had fallen to the ground. Her shoulder, where the Anti-Time Wave had touched, had turned a pale blue, and a light steam was emanating from it.

Kairon (his face filled with fear and sorrow): "Zoya! Zoya! Are you okay?"

Before Zoya fainted, she glanced at Kairon. She saw true love and fear in his eyes.

Zoya (in a very weak voice): "Kairon... woh..."

And she fainted.

💖 Closeness and Healing

Kairon looked around at the shocked, terrified people around him. Nothing was more important to him than Zoya at that moment. He lifted Zoya into his strong, warm arms with utmost gentleness and protection. Zoya's body clung to his, and her closeness made Kairon momentarily forget his mission.

Kairo took Zoya and dashed out of the library. They could only see her as a blue wave, as if a bright spark of light had passed by.

Night Stop:

Kairon took Zoya to the last, deserted part of the city. There, there was a small, old workshop he had hidden for his mission. Inside, strange technological holes were everywhere, casting a faint blue light.

Karon gently laid Zoya down on a clean table. Her breathing was slow and weak. Tears welled up in Kairon's eyes—the first time he had seen someone suffer because of their weakness.

Kairoon (whispering, his voice filled with immense pain): "You tried to stop me, Zoya. But now I'll never leave you."

He immediately took out a small, shiny amulet (the same one he had been hiding in the library) and placed it on Zoya's wounded shoulder. A soft, golden light emanated from the amulet, which began to penetrate Zoya's wound.

Karon's heart was pounding. He knew that his strength to heal was not ordinary. As he healed, the emotional and romantic bond between their bodies deepened. Kairon felt Zoya's every sorrow and every fear.

He sat beside Zoya for hours, healing her with his bright light. As he healed, he took Zoya's hand and kissed her.

Karon: "Zoya, I wanted to keep you away from this danger. But now you are part of this war. And when you wake up, we will fight this war together."

The night passed slowly. When Kairon was sure that Zoya was out of danger, he put the matter aside. He sat down next to Zoya, his head on the table and Zoya's hand in his. Fatigue and emotional suppression pushed him towards sleep.

When Zoya slowly opened her eyes, he first looked at the kairon

He was asleep, his face peaceful, and his hand was in Zoya's.

Zoya's shoulder had healed, but her love and trust for Kairon had grown immeasurably. She could never forget his sacrifice.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Zoya opened her eyes. Her shoulder was perfectly fine, as if it had never been injured, but her emotions had completely changed. She saw Kairon sleeping nearby. His face was so innocent and peaceful that for a moment she forgot she was an alien who had to protect time. Zoya gently ran her hand through his hair and, filled with love, gave him a kiss on the forehead.

Zoya (in a whisper): "You saved me, Kairon. Now I will save you."

Zoya made a quick decision. She knew Zarg must have discovered their current location, and Kairon needed some rest.

Zoya gently freed her hand from Kairon's. She surveyed the workshop. Strange technology was everywhere, but a small blue niche stood close to Kairon. Zoya remembered that it was from this niche that Kairon observed the waves of time.

Zoya picked up the niche and left the workshop. Her goal was to distract Zarg and give Kairon time.

Evening: City Electronics Market

Zoya headed straight to the city's old electronics market. She spotted Kairon's blue niche and purchased a wireless signal transmitter, exactly like it, but made from underground technology. Zoya also kept the strange battery with her.

Using the smoke from the market's tallest, empty building and Kairon's niche, she tuned the underground transmitter to the specific frequency of Kairon's sky.

Zoya (turning on the transmitter): "If he's using waves of time to find you, I'll make him fake waves, Kairon."

Zoya turned on the transmitter and left the blue hole there. Then, she quickly left and returned to Kairon's fake address (where she had found the burnt paper) and placed another transmitter there.

Zoya's plan was: make Zarg travel to three different locations so that Kairon would have time to gather strength again. Zoya had now become Kairon's protective shield.

Kairo's helplessness:

When Kairon opened his eyes, he was frightened for the first time. Zoya wasn't there! He immediately felt strength within himself – Zoya's healing and emotional closeness had made him completely strong for the first time.

But he was alone. He immediately looked towards his protective flame – it too was gone!

In his panic, Kairon focused on the flame's frequency. He noticed that his frequency was coming from not one, but three different locations, and the signals were rapidly changing in all three locations.

Karon (surprised and restless): "Zoya! She copied my frequency? And installed three transmitters? She's tricking Zarg!"

A strange mix of anger and pride crossed Kairon's face. He said angrily, "She shouldn't have gone alone!"

But he was proud that Zoya had understood his technology so quickly. Zoya had given him time. Now he had to save Zoya from Zarg.

Karon used all his strength for the first time. He took out his hidden, original protective weapon (which remained as a small mark on his wrist). He set the weapon towards three different signals.

Karon: "Zoya, I'm coming towards you. Now we'll fight together."

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Kairon activated the hidden flame on his wrist and, turning it into a wave of air, leaped towards the strongest signal where Zoya was. His heart was filled with worry and anger—he was captivated by both Zoya's courage and madness.

Empty building of Electronics Bazaar:

Zoya stood near the blue transmitter. She knew she was running out of time. Just then, she felt an intense vibration in the wave. Zarg was coming!

But when Zarg (the man in the trench coat) landed on the roof of the empty building, his face wasn't a scowl, but a cunning smile.

Zarg (laughing): "You tried your best, you ordinary human bastard. But the timekeeper's techniques are child's play to me."

Zarg took out a small silver sliver in his hand.

Zarg: "Did you think you could fool me? I knew Kairon was so emotional that he wouldn't just look at a signal. I knew he would go for the weakest signal – because it was in the hands of a normal human. I'm trapping him here."

Zoya sensed danger. Zarg was very alert. Zoya quickly threw the blue transmitter to the ground.

Zoya (courageously): "You can't catch Kairon! He's faster than you!"

Zarg (laughing): "But I'm faster than you, Zoya."

Zarg emitted a faint, gray light from his body and lunged towards Zoya. Riding on the wind, he landed directly in front of Zoya.

In the blink of an eye, Kairon entered!

Kairo quickly appeared in front of Zarg. His body was radiating a blue, dazzling light.

Kairo (growling): "Stay out of the way!"

Invisible collisions took place between Kairon and Zarg. Zarg stepped back, but he didn't lose his devilish smile.

Zarg: "Your weakness will defeat you, Kairon. And your weakness is this damn thing. Its time is up!"

Zarg swung his wrist, and beads of gray light formed in the air and streaked straight towards Zoya. This was a Slow-Time toxin, which could cause a mild death to the human body.

Kairo realized he didn't have time to save Zoya. He made the most important decision of his life.

He immediately turned towards Zoya.

He took Zoya's face in both his hands and pressed his lips to hers.

This wasn't a simple kiss of love. As soon as their lips met, the blue light from Kairon's body began to transfer into Zoya's. Kairon poured his protective strength and the entirety of his shadow into Zoya's body.

When the drops of brown light reached Zoya, they collided with Zoya's blue light (which Kairon had just given) and became helpless.

Zoya felt as if her body was on fire, and then cold. Kairon had kept her safe, but that kiss had taken away a lot of Kairon's strength.

When Kairon stepped back, Zoya's eyes were filled with wonder and love.

Kairoon (slowly, his voice had become tired): "A protective kiss... You are safe now, Zoya. As long as that strength is within you, no enemy of time can touch you."

Zarg was watching in amazement. This was the first time he had seen Kairon make such a huge sacrifice.

Zarg: "You gave half your strength to this man? You're crazy, Kairon! Now you're weak!"

Kairo grabbed Zoya's hand tightly.

Kairon: "I'm not weak anymore, Zarg. Now I have a reason to live. And Zoya... you're my companion."

Kairo took Zoya and made another swift dash and disappeared into the wave of real time. Zarg roared with anger, but now he couldn't find her there.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Kairon and Zoya arrived in a small, old stone house, deep in the forest, far from the noise of the city, in a fast-moving blue wave. This was Kairon's original hideout, where he had hidden some of his weapon's most important techniques.

Kairon gently lowered Zoya to the ground. His breath was heavy. The protective kiss had drained a significant portion of his strength from Zoya.

Zoya (her hand on Kairon's face): "Are you okay, Kairon? You look so weak."

Kairon (smiling, tired voice): "You're safe, Zoya. That was important. This 'Bosa' wasn't just an emotional connection. It's my true shield. Now you can escape the Slow-Time Toxin and the reverse waves of time."

Karon gestured inside the house. The atmosphere inside was cold and rich. Glowing symbols adorned the walls, and a small, black niche sat on a table in the middle.

Zoya: "This place is so strange. And this niche...?"

Kairon: "This is the last sign of my house. And now you must understand what is inside you."

Karon took Zoya's hand and led her closer to the table. He touched the dark fireplace. A faint blue light emerged from the fireplace and enveloped Zoya's body.

Kairon: "When I gave you that kiss, I merged your human time with the 'fast time' of my sky. Enemies like Zarg can no longer find you through the waves of ordinary time."

Kairon (softly): "But there's another special feature. Now your thinking speed has increased. When you're in a difficult situation, the world will slow down for you. You'll see and think things with normal speed."

Zoya looked at her hands in surprise. She was still the same normal person, but deep inside she felt a new sense of confidence.

Zoya (softly): "So... I'm still a normal person, but I have a superpower?"

Kairon (smiling): "You were never ordinary, Zoya. And your love has given me the strength to protect you. But now we must find Zarg. His aim is not just me, but to destroy the 'time' of this world, so that our enemies can come here and rule."

Karon hands Zoya the black key.

Kairon: "This is the 'Chrono-Tracker'. If Zarg tries to penetrate the waves of time, it will flash brightly. Now you are my radar."

Zoya took the key. There was no longer fear on her face, but a newfound love and courage.

Zoya: "That's fine, Kairon. We're together now. Tell me, where is Zarg hiding?"

Despite her fatigue, Kairon saw Zoya's determination to walk step by step. She felt love and trust.

Kairon: "Zarg is searching for the ancient knowledge of our land. And that knowledge... is probably hidden in your college library, in the same books where we first met."

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Despite his fatigue, Kairon saw Zoya's immense courage. He was convinced that Zoya was not only his companion now, but also his vital partner in this war.

Kairoon: "Zarg hasn't yet gained access to the library's true secrets. He's searching for ancient knowledge. We have to be the first to get there."

Zoya (holding the Chrono-Tracker): "But how will we get back? Zarg will be searching everywhere in the city."

Kairon: "From where we first met: through the passage of time. But this time, you'll come with me."

Karon used the remaining strength in his body. He held Zoya's hand tightly.

Kairon: "Close your eyes and focus only on me. There's a wave of my rapidity in your body. Feel it."

Zoya did the same. As Kairon increased the pace, Zoya felt a sharp jolt. The world went hazy.

Journey of Time:

Their journey took place in the thousandth part of the story. When Kairon and Zoya opened their eyes, they were standing in a deserted alley, a few steps away from the library.

Zoya's heart was pounding, but this time not from fear, but from adrenaline. She felt the first hint of her new 'fast thinking'.

Zoya (whispering, surprised): "Hmm... we were there and now we're here! It was so easy! I saw... I saw even the wind had stopped."

Kairon (tired): "You saw time slow down. That's your strength. Right now, your thinking and your ability are a hundred times greater than that of an ordinary human. Use it. Zarg has the knowledge of half the time, but you have an incredibly sharp mind."

Entering the Library:

Kairon and Zoya entered the library through the secret back entrance. The library was closed, and the room was shrouded in harsh, silent darkness.

Karon glanced at the Chrono-Tracker. It was dark.

Kairon: "Good. Zarg isn't near yet. But he will be soon. He knows you're my weakness, and the Library's secrets are important to me."

He walked straight ahead and headed for the Cosmology section.

Kairon: "That knowledge is hidden in the book where you saw that mark—'Cosmic Mythology'."

Zoya immediately dug out the book. Kairon began flipping through its pages rapidly, but he found nothing.

Kairon (in a trance): "Nothing! It's just an old story. Zarg never took this knowledge out of this book."

Zoya began to think.

She closed the book. Her new, powerful mind began to work. The sounds around her subsided, and her thoughts grew faster. She observed the relationships between the walls, books, and old furniture.

Zoya (in her mind, quickly): "A book is not 'knowledge'. A book is just a symbol. That knowledge is hidden. Always where it is most protected."

Zoya looked at Kairon. Her hand rose to the oldest and highest shelf in the library, where Forbidden Texts was kept—where Kairon had first jumped.

Zoya (looking at Kairon, in a voice outside): "Kairon, it's not in the book. It's hidden in the library's foundation. The most important secrets are always kept in the tightest and most locked places."

Kairon looked at Zoya in astonishment. She had deciphered centuries of her knowledge in just a few moments!

Kairon (heartbroken): "You're right. That 'last guard' is always behind that shelf."

Kairoon used his remaining strength. He quickly opened the shelf's door and unlocked it. The door slowly slid open, revealing a small, dimly lit room.

Karon: "Come inside, Zoya. That's where the real knowledge is."

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Kairon and Zoya entered the secret room. It wasn't an ordinary room, but a small, dark stone vault. The air was faintly chilled, and on its walls were strange, centuries-old frescoes, glistening in the blue light—much like the frescoes Zoya had found on the burnt paper.

In the middle of the room, on a small stone ledge, sat a niche. It wasn't a book, and it wasn't a machine. It was a round, shiny blue crystal, pulsing softly. With each beat of that crystal, a faint echo of time filled the room.

Zoya (slowly, in a daze): "What is this, Kairon?"

Karon (his breathing was fast): "This isn't the knowledge Zarg is searching for. This... this is 'Qalb-e-Zamaan' (The Heart of Time). The last protective data core of my universe. Within it lies our complete path and the last way to stop time."

Karon slowly extended his hand towards the crystal.

Kairon: "Zarg wants to steal this so he can manipulate the time of the earth to his will and allow our enemies to rule here easily. We must get rid of this immediately."

A Test of Strength and a Sign of Danger:

As Kairon touched the crystal, the Chrono-Tracker in Zoya's hand shrieked, emitting a strong blue light. Simultaneously, three different signals flashed in the air.

Zoya (in a daze, but her mind was sharp): "Three signals! Zarg has discovered my deception! He must be sending his men to all three locations now!"

Karon (picking up Crystal): "No. This is Zarg's new deception. He's traveling on three separate signals so that no one can catch him. He's very close! Zoya, get ready!"

Karon quickly placed the crystal in Zoya's hands.

Kairon: "You hide like this. The protective power within you will hide you from Zarg's gaze. Now is the time for my shadow to reside within your body."

Karon tried to close the door of the secret room.

Just then, the silence of the library was broken. Breaking through the wall, Zarg entered! His trench coat was torn, and there was devilish joy in his eyes. He turned his wrists, and the library lights began to flicker brightly.

Zarg (coughing): "You threatened, Kairon. But you used your weakness to protect your knowledge. And now your weakness... and your knowledge... are mine!"

Zarg extended his hand towards Zoya, where the glow of the timeless world was within him.

Zoya's Palpitation:

Zoya sensed danger. As Zarg's hand moved towards her, a blue strength in her body awakened. The world slowed down for her!

Zarg's hand was moving towards her very slowly. Zoya noticed that Zarg's eyeballs were slowly dilating. In her mind, she thought a hundred thousand things in a moment. She saw that Zarg's true weapon lay not in his hands, but in the strength of his body.

Zoya (in her sharp mind): "He's searching for the time. If I throw this at Kairon, he'll get trapped!"

Using her newfound strength, Zoya gently threw the crystal at Kairon and tilted her body backward.

Back to the original time:

The next moment, Zarg's hand flew through the air, passing over where Zoya was. Kairon caught Crystal in the air, and Zarg's attention was drawn to Crystal.

Karon (angrily): "You're defeated, Zarg!"

Karon used all of Crystal's strength. He pulled the wall's roof toward him, and the roof flashed towards Zarg, turning into a spark of blue light. Zarg screamed loudly and fell out of the library, breaking the wall.

Karon gently helped Zoya up. Zoya was still amazed that she had seen time slow down.

Karon (smile on his lips): "You did it, Zoya. You deceived him with the speed of your thinking."

But he knew that these were not the last moments. Zarg would return.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Kairon and Zoya were in the secret room. The Heart of Time was now in Kairon's hands. Zarg's last encounters had taught him the value of time.

Kairoon (tired, but respectful): "Zoya, your unique ability saved our lives. Now tell me, what did your sharp mind see about Zarg's next move?"

Zoya closed her eyes. She listened to the blue wave Kairon had given her. Time slowed for him, and he began to imagine Zarg's rapid-fire emotions and next objective in his mind.

Zoya (slowly, her voice a whisper, as if time itself were speaking): "Woah... he's not going to lie now. He knows we're in the library, but he won't come towards us."

Karon: "So where then?"

Zoya: "He will go to the place where he can find the most 'time' in the world. Where time is most fragile. The ancient Clock Tower! He will stop the city clock, and when all the people of the world are engrossed in that frozen time, he will return without any hindrance to search for the time."

Kairo's eyes fell. Zoya's prediction was absolutely true. Instead of stopping them, Zarg was planning to stop the world.

Kairon: "Clock Tower! If he releases his 'Slow-Time Wave' there, every corner of the city will be under his control."

⏳ New Security Steps

Kairon tucked the Time Clock safely into the recesses of his wrist. He looked at Zoya.

Kairon: "We have to get there immediately. But I'm weak. And Zarg now knows that you mean everything to me."

Kairo pulled out a small, shiny ring from his hidden secret. The scarf was radiating a blue light and had the same Arcturus symbol on it.

Karon (slowly, to love): "This is my sky's first protective symbol. As long as you wear this, you and I will be emotionally and spiritually connected. If you're in danger, I'll feel it, and if I'm too weak, your swiftness will come to my aid."

He put the scarf on Zoya's finger. This was the first time Kairon had sacrificed his love so much.

Zoya (with tears in her eyes): "I won't let you weaken, Kairon."

Kairona: "Not now. You're not just my shield, you're my half. Let's go, towards the Clock Tower! We must stop Zarg from achieving his goal."

Kairona grabbed Zoya's hand. Zoya focused completely on her new 'Slow-Time' qubit and felt Kairon's speed.

And they both, to save time, dashed towards the highest clock in the city.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Kairon and Zoya quickly reached the top of the city's most iconic clock tower. The rain had stopped, but a strong wind was blowing. Below them, all the city's lights shone, and the hands of the large clock were just two minutes from midnight.

Karon let go of Zoya's hand and immediately took up a protective position.

Karon (in a hushed voice): "We're late! Look!"

Zarg stood between the clock tower's gears and mechanism. He held a small, silver niche, and from that niche, waves of deep, brown light emanated, striking the clock's original, large gears. Zarg had already initiated the Time-Freeze Sequence.

Zarg (laughing at Kairon): "You're finally here, Kairon. But your weakness—this girl—won't stop you. When it's midnight, this city will wither away in time, and you'll be mine!"

Zarg increased the strength of his niche. The minute hand on the clock suddenly slowed down—it would take several hours to reach midnight.

⏱️ Zoya's 'Slow-Time' Test

Kairon's Chrono-Tracker began flashing brightly.

Kairo (angrily): "He slowed down the city's time! We have to defeat him physically before he touches the core of the earth!"

Kairo dashed towards Zarg. Zarg immediately formed a 'Deewar of Time', circling around Kairon in defense. As soon as Kairon collided with the wall, his speed slowed drastically—he was now lost in the air.

Zarg: "You're alone, Kairon! And now you're in my slow-motion trap!"

Zoya saw that Kairon had completely gone still, like a statue. Even the protective blanket on his shoulder was emitting a faint blue light.

Zoya's mind awakened.

The world slowed down for her. Zarg's smiling face appeared to her very slowly. Kairon was lost in the air.

Zoya (in her mind, quickly): "Slow. Slow. Zarg's slow-time is making everything cry. But where is his strength coming from? Why is he himself so fast?"

Zoya saw a faint invisible thread emerging from Zarg's silver niche and connected to the pendulum of the real clock. That thread was Zarg's true strength!

Zoya (in her mind): "Zarg is using the Clock Tower's power of real time to slow Kairon down! If I break that wire..."

💖 The Last Kiss and the Path to Victory

Zoya knew she only had a thousandth of Saniye's strength. She tried to stand up. Her physical speed was normal, but the speed of her thoughts was remarkable.

Zoya placed her fingers on the sieve and looked towards Kairon.

Zoya (in her mind, she had both love and strength): "Karon! I need your last strength! And I trust you!"

As Zoya emotionally connected with Kairon, the frozen light in Kairon's body flashed towards Zoya. Zoya swiftly pushed herself towards Zarg's Slow-Time Wall.

As Zoya's human body collided with the Slow-Time Wall, she felt a sharp pain. But Kairon's protective strength allowed her to pass through it in just a moment!

She crossed the wall and landed very close to Zarg. Zarg, who was looking at Kairon, was stunned.

Zarg (surprised): "You... how are you..."

Zoya used all her strength. She didn't let go of the silver ring Zarg was holding, but instead landed two sharp punches on the invisible wire connected to the clock's pendulum.

A loud crack! Zarg's silver ring collapsed.

As soon as the wire broke, Kairon's frozen speed instantly returned to normal! He was half in the air.

Karon: "Zoya!"

Karon used his remaining strength. He immediately grabbed Zarg, threw him towards the clock's bare gear, and infused the light of the Heart of Time into Zarg's body.

Kairon: "You can't protect time, Zarg! Now you are imprisoned in this time forever!"

Zarg's body shone in the bright blue light and then dissolved into the air. He had been lost forever in the wall of the Clock Tower, like a man centuries old.

Time returned to normal. The clock hands immediately reached midnight. It struck twelve!

Karon lifted Zoya into his arms. Both their bodies were tired, but there was peace and love in their eyes.

Karon (kissing her forehead): "You did it, Zoya. You saved time and this world with your mind and your love."

Zoya (hugging him): "We did it together, Kairon. Now we can go home?"

Kairo kept Qalb-e-Zamaan safe. He had no enemies now. His mission was complete, but his love had just begun.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.

Six months after Zarg's attack on the Clock Tower.

Kairo had hidden the Heart of Time in an invisible protective enclosure where no Temporal Being could find it. The two now lived in an old stone house, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, in the same jungle where their relationship had begun. It was now their small, beautiful haven.

Kairon had given up his human identity (Aarav), but he still occasionally sneaked into college lectures, just so Zoya wouldn't feel the lack of normal life.

One sunny evening, Zoya and Kairon were sitting on the balcony of their house. Zoya had now become the sole owner of 'Chronos Echoes'. Its protective ring was spreading a faint blue glow on her finger.

Zoya (resting her head on Kairon's shoulder): "Won't another Temporal Hunter come now, Kairon?"

Kairon (placing his hand on hers): "Not yet. Zarg's betrayal has sent a sharp warning to our enemies. But I will always be vigilant. And now you are my half, Zoya. You are not allowed to live like a normal person either."

Zoya (smiling): "I don't want a normal life anymore. My world begins with you, Kairon. And anyway, living a normal life with you is not possible."

💖 Love and Destiny

Kairon closed his eyes. He found solace in Zoya's emotional closeness. He was feeling the warmth of love after centuries of loneliness.

Karon: "Zoya, I am a temporal being. My time is different from humans. I'm afraid... I'll live much longer than your human time. Can you bear this burden?"

Zoya gently touched her nipples. Her mind sharpened. She saw a faint glimmer of the future – that glimmer smiled with Kairon, but the waves of time were slow.

Zoya: "Kairon, you didn't just give me strength. You gave me 'Slow-Time.' That means I can live every moment with you more deeply. And as long as love isn't bound by time, I'm not burdened."

Karon saw the newfound confidence in Zoya's eyes. Her love had given her the strength to see beyond the time of her own companion.

Kairon: "You're right. Love is more powerful than chronos."

Karon pressed her lips to Zoya's. This was not a protective kiss, it was just love. He held her lips in his lips for 2 minutes and when he bit, there was a drop of blood on Zoya's lips and her face was red with shame. After that Zoya herself turned towards him and joined her lips with his lips. Kairon was stunned. This was Zoya's first step towards Kairon. This act of Zoya gave fuel to Kairon's love and passion. He bit Zoya's lips with such force that Zoya was on the verge of losing her breath, but Kairon was not ready to bite her when Sensing that Zoya needed some breathing, he paused for a second and then began to release his senses from her again. He lifted her into his strong arms, still holding her lips, and came into the room. Just as Zoya was blushing with embarrassment, Kairon turned off the room light.

🌟 The Beginning of a New Mission

When they separated, Kairon blinked.

Kairon: "Zoya, the time is now under protection. But somewhere else in the world, my sky holds hidden secrets—ones that no one else can discover. Now our new mission begins."

Zoya: "So, what are we now, Kairon?"

Kaironn (holding Zoya's hand, looking into her eyes): "We are... Temporal Protectors—time's protectors. And with your sharp thinking, our journey will be a long one."

Karon and Zoya stood on the balcony. A golden evening lay before them, and overhead, the light of Arcturus shone—a sign of their new beginning.

**

And thus, the first part of Chronos Echoes concludes, where an alien and a human team up to protect time and embark on a new journey of love.