| Abhiya FF - His Firefly | COMPLETED Chapter 108 Pg 88 - Page 10

Originally posted by: soniakhanna01

Continue soon dear

awesome chapter

uff pia once again went out at night to plant the flowers

totally understand she don't want to live in fears but she have to be careful

glad abhay came after her🤗

awe once again pia felt abhay close to her😃

but like in dream abhay disappeared when pia called his name

uff that T never learn leason

so happy that abhay once again put her in her place👏

not to forget pia's bold moves to save abhay from T👍🏼

oops kabir wrote a latter for pia but boy going to get heart break

uff misha also encourage him & also told kabir that pia will accept his love

loll both abhay & kabir r jealous with each other😆

pia is really confused with their behavior

wow pia took abhay where she planted the flowers & also wanted him to be her audience for her rehearsal😃

awe pia was all blushing☺️

love all the moment of abhiya❤️

oh god on the other hand that monster jay also got invitation card & he know pia will come there😡

oh dear god pia is in danger

hopefully abhay will do something before that monster can reach pia

continue plz

Originally posted by: cuteariya

awesome chapter

uff pia once again went out at night to plant the flowers

totally understand she don't want to live in fears but she have to be careful

glad abhay came after her🤗

awe once again pia felt abhay close to her😃

but like in dream abhay disappeared when pia called his name

uff that T never learn leason

so happy that abhay once again put her in her place👏

not to forget pia's bold moves to save abhay from T👍🏼

oops kabir wrote a latter for pia but boy going to get heart break

uff misha also encourage him & also told kabir that pia will accept his love

loll both abhay & kabir r jealous with each other😆

pia is really confused with their behavior

wow pia took abhay where she planted the flowers & also wanted him to be her audience for her rehearsal😃

awe pia was all blushing☺️

love all the moment of abhiya❤️

oh god on the other hand that monster jay also got invitation card & he know pia will come there😡

oh dear god pia is in danger

hopefully abhay will do something before that monster can reach pia

continue plz

Thanks dear! 🤗

Personally I can’t wait to write about Abhay beating up Jeh 🤣it’ll be so satisfying

Chapter 20

Pandher

Time is a force that can decay even the strongest of structures, and hide even the most compelling of histories.

The remains of a once beautiful palace lay in the dense forests on the northern outskirts of Dehradun, its walls riddled with cracks and permeated with brambles and overgrowth. The vibrancy of its once colorful interiors were faded and covered with dust and thick, sticky cobwebs.

Animals of various sizes and shapes took cover in the dense foliage, feeling a sinister power approaching.

It was the night of a new moon.

A group of fully cloaked individuals entered the dilapidated structure, surrounded by a thick fog that hid their movements from any watchful eyes. They encircled a dais on the floor of a blackened room, located at the back of the palace, marked with a glowing red seal and surrounded by char. They kept watch on this glow for years. It was getting stronger.

Several wolves howled in the distance.

“Our queen....she will rise again.” The leader raised his arms, looking up towards the night of the new moon through the broken glass window on the ceiling. He threw off his hood, a stripe-shaped rune inked under each of his eyes. They glowed a sinister blood red, the same color as the seal at their feet. “Very soon.”

Another kneeled on the floor, pulling off her hood and examining the dais. She thrust her arms out and pressed them over the seal, the red glow surging through her fingers and into her arms. She gritted her teeth, her eyes rolling back as she chanted something in some ancient language, the whites turning completely black. A shrill wind blew in alarm, shattering the glass of nearby windows.

Words unintelligible to human ears filled her head.

She let go, fingers curling back, and bowed in respect, despite being completely out of breath. Parts of the skin on her hands were now burnt. The smell alone was unbearable. The others helped her stand.

”What are her orders?” The leader asked.

The woman steadied herself as the wounds healed and gazed at the dais, her bright hazel eyes reflecting a reverence for their queen. She was in deep suffering, forced into constant weakness due to the seal.

“She needs power. We must procure it.”

Fortunately for them, preparations were already in place for this very task. All they needed to do was watch from the shadows as the werewolves did their bidding.

“The talismans have proved effective for our allies. The other supernaturals suspect nothing. They can’t even tell them apart from a common mortal.”

The leader nodded his head in affirmation, the runes on his face glowing darker as his lips curled into a sinister smirk.

“Inform the Alpha of the pack in Dehradun. The hunt must begin now. There are powerful souls in that city that our queen would find useful,” he ordered. “Give importance to our enemies first, before any mortal.”

Drawing energy from the soul, a person’s life force, was their preferred method of generating power. Why use their own life force when they had hundreds more to take from?

Reducing the vampire and wiccan population in the city was a priority for both them and the werewolves. There were simply too many of them. A threat to their plans.

“Master, I hear a Duralis also resides in that city. If we can capture it......”

The leader cocked his eyebrows.

“My my, what luck we have. If this news is true.......”

The youngest of the group turned his head, confused by this new name.

“Forgive me for interrupting, Master. But a Duralis? What is that? Some sort of creature?”

The leader chuckled at the question and waved the interruption aside. This one had a lot to learn. He paced around the youngest and waved his hands about, creating exaggerations in the air as he spoke.

“A vampire of unfathomable power. Wielders of the shadows and darkness. They are just under the First Family, the original vampires, in terms of strength and ability. Uncommon to find, and hard to kill.”

“Just under the First Family in terms of power......capturing one will be quite the task, I presume?”

“You are not wrong. It will not be an easy task. Members of the First Family are the only ones that can create them, after all. Chosen for their pure and powerful souls. ”

“Is it worth the effort?”

“For the soul, yes. It’s a kind too potent to ignore. But, one must be careful, if such a thing is attempted.”

A thick book faded into his hands, flipping to the exact page he wanted without even touching them. A mark of a patterned, upside-down crescent moon and other details took up the page.

Black-blooded, overbearing auras, marked just over their silent hearts.

“This. We must find the vampire with these characteristics.”

The others nodded. The howls grew sharper, warning them of impending confrontation with guests. Confrontation was not on the agenda tonight.

“Master, those from The Circle are nearby. I can feel them. We should move quickly.”

“Yes yes, we must. Let us leave.” They bowed to the sealed floor before departure. “Rest well, my queen. We shall return at the next new moon.”

The thick fog surrounded them once again. They vanished at the blink of an eye, returning to who knows where. Hiding was their specialty.

———————————————————————

Seraphina was confident matters of high concern were taking place at Pandher. Ever since those new werewolves claimed territory nearby, there had been a rise in suspicious activity. Attempts at claiming parts of this sealed ground were at large, though The Circle managed to thwart them for now. But they still wandered just on the boundaries of the area. It was annoying to say the least. Fights were just waiting to happen.

The air surrounding the palace was bogged down by unsettling amounts of dark energy, especially around the area where that dastardly princess’ spirit was sealed.

Seraphina and her entourage stood at the palace gates, which were reduced to rotting, shredded metal and thick vines. Each step forward was taken with the utmost caution.

Her phone buzzed.

“Could I kindly get a door unsealed?” He sounded exasperated.

“Not very patient are you, Abhay? Relax. We just got here.”

Abhay was waiting in the basement at home, toying with a magic key only members of the Raichand family held. Keys to Pandher. As if they could use them freely. They wouldn’t work without intervention.

He received a call from Seraphina a few hours ago, to discuss a matter of urgency in private. The nature of the meeting concerned Abhay. She told him not to tell anyone where he was going. He was certain whatever he was about to hear would not be pleasant. Especially for Mandu.

They stopped at the front doors of the palace.

“Allow me, Sera.”

One of her underlings pressed his hand against one of the front doors, allowing the key to become usable. Abhay immediately stepped through, closing it behind him with a creak.

Seraphina had to admit, despite repetitive color choices, Abhay had a great fashion sense. Trench coat over a turtleneck, jeans and dress shoes were a nice fit.

Every female, with the exception of Seraphina, dropped jaws and immersed themselves in his unnatural beauty and charm. It was like a Greek god stepping down from the heights of Mount Olympus. Seraphina rolled her eyes. The guy didn’t even have to try.

Been there, done that.

“Control yourselves, ladies.” She snapped her fingers. “He’s not that special.” Abhay smirked and shoved his hands into the pockets of his coat. He focused on other matters and turned to face the palace, staring at the remains of his past, the blue in his eyes loosing the hint of playfulness and thus deepening in nostalgia and sorrow.

“I know coming here isn’t easy for you. But I rather you see things with your own eyes.” She said.

He shared a few glances with her little group, the latter now feeling uneasy with the change in aura that he was exuding. He clenched his jaw.

“I understand. Please, enlighten me.”

She nodded and muttered a spell under her breath, brushing her hand across the air. The doors opened on their own, multiple footprints revealing themselves in a dark red glow.

More than one.

“Just as I thought. A few of them were here.”

She kneeled and lightly brushed her fingers across the footprints, trying to recreate the imagery of events in her mind. There was nothing to gain. It was fragmented, and none of their faces were visible.

Abhay ignored her and walked inside, gazing around the walls and line of portraits in the main hallways. Time had been cruel to them, colors faded, cracks and chips forming in the paint.

Part of him wanted to go back to those times, where his happiness lived. Back to the palace that used to be so filled with warmth and color. Back to the simpler times. Back to his humanity. Reality was cold and dark. The past was long behind him.

The group followed the glowing footprints to the back side of the palace, confusing Abhay but concerning the rest.

“There’s nothing here for them, then why——“

He froze in place, feeling a familiar, dark power pulsing just behind another wall. His eyes widened. Siddharth and he knew her spirit was still amongst the living, but they never expected it to be this close to them.

Abhayendra.

It had been eons since he last heard her voice. A voice he used to love so dearly. Now, it just reminded him of his mistake, and of what she did.

You came back, Abhayendra.

The innocence in this voice was deceiving.

He stepped back, control slipping through his fingers like sand. He rarely let his inner beast completely free like this. Anger allowed it for once. Its power was unmatched. Those around him felt an increasing pain in their chests, like a tight coil was constricting their hearts.

His eyes, instead of cobalt, burned blood red.

“She was sealed here?! Why?!” He snarled, the sound of his deep voice booming in the empty chamber. They all flinched.

Seraphina took cautious steps forward, clutching her chest. His power, it hurt like hell. Angering this kind of vampire was one of the worst things you could do.

“Abhay, please.....calm down. The warlock who sealed her back then...didn’t intend to keep her here. But her spirit wouldn’t leave, it was strongly tied here beforehand. He had no choice.”

“You all knew, and didn’t think to inform us?!”

She didn’t have an answer to that, unfortunately.

He shut his eyes, feeling the slightest bit of betrayal. He would’ve never brought his family back to Dehradun if he had known this earlier. The proximity was dangerous. Especially for him.

The groans and sound of knees hitting the hard floor distracted the beast long enough for him to get a hold on himself.

Control yourself, Abhay. You’re hurting them.

He took deep breaths and regained composure, grinding his fist into a nearby wall. The tightness in their chests loosened. Several minutes passed in quiet rest.

“Sera, we need to reinforce that seal. Either she’s getting stronger, or the seal is wearing off.”

She nodded in agreement. Two more wiccan followed her delicate footsteps, entering the cursed room and looming over the same seal that the cloaked individuals came to see.

“Follow my lead.”

A vial of a pale green liquid was poured around the seal, the two energies mingling together. She kneeled on the floor, the other two following suit, and casted a strengthening spell. The three chanted the spell in unison, pressing the pads of their fingers hard into the ground. She could’ve done it by herself, but after Abhay’s invisible attack, it became physically taxing to do alone.

Maithili’s spirit put up a hell of a fight, the red glow flickering violently as winds threw open the windows in all directions. Abhay stepped in to observe and couldn’t help but stare at the dais with pure malice. The seal’s glow diminished significantly.

Your anger hurts me, Abhayendra.

He knew. Presently true in a literal sense. Used to be true in an emotional sense.

I want it to hurt you.

Her voice disappeared after the spell was completed.

“I think we’ve averted crisis for now.”

Deep down, Seraphina didn’t believe her own words. Something was happening in regards to this spirit, and they had to patch any cracks before all hell broke loose.

Finding the ones who came to see her was the first task. Abhay tried to pick up any unfamiliar scents, but it was lost to the winds.

“Don’t bother with their scents. They probably hid them to begin with.”

He pursed his lips and left the room.

She sighed and rubbed her forehead, following Abhay back on the other side. He was now staring at one of the large portraits, his features contorting in emotional distress. She looked at it with him, not recognizing the person. She never really looked at the portraits from the few times she had come here. But she could make an educated guess.

“Is that Maithili?”

He nodded. She was surprised to say the least. The girl in the portrait seemed so different from the one she was told about. She looked like a normal girl, a sweet and kind soul. No one could guess that this girl and the one whose spirit was sealed away were the same individual. Looks can be deceiving.

Abhay turned away, looking Seraphina in the eyes. They were so cold that he could freeze her just with his gaze.

“Do you have an idea of what they’re planning?”

“Not quite. But I suspect those werewolves are involved. You wanted to tell me something about them too, I believe?”

Abhay recounted his experiences with the Khuranas and their abnormalities. Piya was mentioned several times, reminding her that the Raichands had gone to see Andreas with her permission, regarding some werewolves and apparently this girl. Piya’s predicament helped them make the important connection.

She also took note of how his gaze softened whenever he mentioned her.

He seems very concerned for this girl. Strange for a fellow like him, swearing off humans like they were dolls of silver.

She cleared her throat. “I don’t like the sound of these werewolves. Hiding a scent intentionally cannot be in good reason. This could escalate sooner than we expect. I’ll inform the rest of the council. And please inform those in your clan, as soon as possible.”

“I already plan to.”

“Good. And please be careful yourself. If they’re looking for power, you’re probably the most at risk. If they find you, of course.”

“I’m aware.”

———————————————————————

Doon University’s annual charity fair had begun the following morning in full swing and festivity. The entire campus ground was filled with a plethora of stalls and people from all over the city. Not only that, this was the one event that brought all the students of the university together. Piya had never seen anything of such scale. It was refreshing.

“The best part of this fair, is all the cheap food you can get.”

Misha Dobriyal had a very fitting nickname. Glutton. The group’s entire table was covered with snacks she ordered for herself. And this was only lunch. She brought enough money to feed herself similarly for dinner. The fair was running for the whole day.

“Are you just going to eat, Misha?” Ruhi asked, concerned. She was the third week into a diet and was off put by all the junk food.

“No...I’ll do other things too. Like watch Piya and Kabir perform.”

“And?” Piya asked, tasting some of the fresh samosas that Misha hadn’t noticed yet. Piya didn’t plan to eat too much, though she really wanted to, otherwise she would feel sleepy while performing.

“Eat some more. I need to sample everything there is to offer. Everything.” She pointed at the samosa in Piya’s hand in surprise. “Where did you get that from?”

“Way over there.” She pointed into the depths of the crowd. The stall was on the far side of where they were sitting.

“That’s so far away.“ It really wasn’t that far. Misha just couldn’t get up, weighed down from all the food she ate. “I’ll go later.”

Piya lightly smacked her forehead, gazing around the crowds. There was so much to see and too little time. Some of the lines were long too. Kabir soon returned with cotton candy for the girls, somehow convincing Ruhi to have a cheat day. This fair only came once a year; it was a must to enjoy it.

“Just this, okay? I won’t eat anything else.” She shook her finger at him.

“Eat this first, then we’ll see.” Kabir laughed. He took a seat next to Piya. From the looks of it, she hadn’t read his letter yet. She was behaving normally.

Just be patient, Kabir. She’ll read it for sure.

Their performance was in the next two hours, leaving them time to enjoy the fair with friends. Piya brought a set of clothes to change into later, just for the occasion.

“Kabir, at least you eat with me. These two health freaks won’t.” Misha whined. She grabbed his jacket sleeve and pulled him closer. He almost fell out of his chair.

“Ah yes, cotton candy, samosas, so healthy...” Piya teased, waving her snacks in the air.

“Piya, please.....” Ruhi whined, trying not to feel guilty. Kabir stifled a laugh. Piya shook her head and gave her a reassuring hug.

“You two eat.” She stood up, setting her bag on the seat next to Kabir, taking Ruhi’s hand. “We’ll be back.”

“Where are you going?”

“To explore. I think Ruhi needs a distraction.”

“Have fun.” She saluted the two and stuffed her face with another pakora. Seeing the two gone promoted Misha to ask Kabir about his letter. “Did she read it?”

“I don’t think so. Don’t you feel her behavior would’ve been different if she did?”

“Hmm...you have a point.”

Piya came rushing back, having forgotten her phone, and startled the two. This time Misha fell out of her chair.

“Oh my god, are you okay?” The two helped her up.

“Yeah, I’m good. The ice cream though...could’ve been better.” The cup of said ice cream was flat face down on the ground. She pouted and slumped forward.

“I’ll get you more when we get back.” Piya pinched her cheeks. Misha was truly like a child. She looked up and smiled.

“You’re the best, Piya.”

Ruhi stood on her toes and looked around the various stalls, as Piya made her way back to her. There was too much food, and the games were crowded by children. “I hear the campus library has their own stall. Selling old books or something.”

Piya’s excitement grew. “Let’s go see!”

Ruhi was right. The librarians had boxes of old books laid out in four long tables, selling them at low prices. Half of the proceeds would go to charity, and the others for funding newer books for the students.

“Wow, so many...”

The two librarians smiled at the duo and went back to organizing the merchandise. Piya brushed her fingers across the spines of books laid out in front of her. Mostly fiction, and old editions of certain textbooks.

One book in particular was jammed in between two thick novels, making its title hard to read. She pulled it out with a little force and stared at the cover.

The Kingdom of Pandher: Rise and Fall.

Pandher?, she thought. Mandu immediately came to mind.

The book was falling apart at the seams, and when she skimmed through the pages, she noticed that much of the text was faded and hard to read. Some pages were ripped out too.

It’s in such a bad condition. Why are they selling it?

One librarian noticed the text in her hands and shook her head.

“My apologizes, dear. I don’t how that ended up in this box.” She reached out for the book. Piya gave it to her with a nod. “We meant to throw it out.”

“That’s okay. Can I ask if there’s another copy?” The subject piqued her interest for some reason, ever since she saw the photo of Mandu and her sister.

“This was the only one we had, and I’m not sure if the publisher is still printing it. Are you interested in this?” Piya quickly nodded. “I can ask around for you. Are you a student here?”

“I am.”

“Perfect. I just need your student ID for details and then we can contact you if we procure another copy.”

Piya nodded and handed over her card. The librarian pulled out a form from under the table and filled it out. She handed a copy to Piya with her card folded in between the paper.

“Thank you so much.”

“You’re welcome, dear. Please, feel free to look around some more.”

She nodded and turned to Ruhi, who was flipping through pages of romance novels. Perhaps she knew about the place.

“Hey Ruhi, have you heard of the Pandher kingdom before?”

Ruhi pursed her lips and pondered over the name for a few seconds, shaking her head.

“I think they used to teach us about it in school, but I don’t remember much of it. I do remember the remains of the palace and some buildings are somewhere near the outskirts of the city, but that’s really it.”

It’s nearby?

Originally posted by: Abhiya4life

glad to see you back 🤗 and I’m glad you enjoy my writing 😳 means I’ve improved heehee

I’m almost done with the next part so stayed tuned!😃

Eagerly waiting for your post

Originally posted by: soniakhanna01

Eagerly waiting for your post

❤️

Chapter 21

Reaching You

Piya and Kabir excused themselves for the hour before the showcase began, practicing up on the grand stage alongside the other performers, one last time before the patrons arrived. They would be performing at the end, amongst a full house.

The stage lights above were at their brightest, illuminating the inner architecture in a velvety sheen. It was so bright that one could see speckles of dust floating in the air.

Kabir found it difficult to focus. Not because of nerves, or inadequate practice, but rather because of Piya’s appearance. It was a welcomed distraction for his heart, but not for his craft. She now wore a floor-length white gown, a small white rose adorning her hair, which had been put up in a lovely braided updo. He didn’t look nearly as nice as she did. Dressed in a simple black dress shirt and slacks, he blended in more with the wood and polish of the piano than he matched with her.

“Kabir?”

She waved her hand in front of his face, holding down a laugh. His fingers were on the keys, but they weren’t moving. She was playing without him for the past minute. Thinking her sound was overpowering his, she turned to confirm it with the intention to correct herself, but found him not even playing. Some of the other students watching silently laughed with her.

“Where are you lost?” He snapped out of his trance and stared into her baby brown eyes. They were like pools of sweet milk chocolate.

“So beautiful......” he breathed, with a tinge of red on his cheeks.

“Sorry?”

“Oh, it’s nothing...” He turned to face the neglected piano, playing a few arbitrary chords. His bashful smile didn’t go unnoticed to anyone. It made Piya wonder what he was thinking about. It wasn’t unusual for him to suddenly get lost in thought like this.

Today, he was hardly the sole admirer. Practically every boy in the vicinity couldn’t stop staring at her. Her mere presence could give T’s popularity amongst the male species a run for its money. But she didn’t really notice them. Acknowledging such attention was not her forte. She was the kind of girl who never really considered the thought of courting men or flirting or being in a relationship. A little less than lucky in the ways of love, she carried a fear that things would seldom turn out the way she hoped. In her life, love of any sort had the chances of becoming an awaited blessing or a nightmarish curse. A fifty-fifty shot.

Her mother may have assured her that she would find love wherever she went, but she had her doubts at times. She wasn’t that special.

She was just an ordinary girl who loved playing the violin. Music was her start and her end. Her first love. The reason she could continue living after her mother left. When her beloved instrument was in her hands, it was all she wanted to focus on.

But perhaps, Abhay had come into her life to challenge her beliefs. His support and trust was becoming just as important. She just didn’t fully realize why yet.

——————————————————————

Jeh readied himself in a neat dress shirt, tie, and vest on top, wrapping a talisman around his wrist and hiding it under his cuff, its purpose to confuse any suspecting vampires he could run into. So far, its magic was taking effect with no issue. The only problem would be that Abhay Raichand. He was too observant for his own good.

That leech won’t stop me from seeing you, sweetheart.

Dipanita never tried to stop him from going out this often, still under the impression that Piya was long dead. Ignorance for her would not be so blissful. Jeh knew not to make the mistake of telling her that he found Piya, aware that she would retaliate accordingly. No one could touch his Piya. Not even his own mother. This battle of lies kept both mother and son in the dark of the reality of things.

Sunlight broke through the curtains of his otherwise dark room, falling upon a pot of roses he kept on the windowsill. How could he forget? He needed a gift for her.

You love flowers, don’t you Piya?

Cutting away a newly bloomed rose from its younger neighbors, he twirled it between his fingers, the many thorns digging into his ragged skin with sharp pricks. Red stained his nails and fingers, as well as the thorns themselves.

“You’ll look so nice with this in your hair. I’ll put it on you myself.”

Removing the thorns became a distant afterthought.

He circled his room, heels clicking against the bare floor. A new photo of hers just arrived from the printers, one he hadn’t hung up yet. His bloodied fingers traced across the glossy film, writing his name on her cheek. He held up his injury to the photo, conversing with it like she was actually in front of him.

“See Piya.....how much I love you. I’ll even shed every ounce of my blood for you.” His fingers fared across her lips. “When will you realize?”

——————————————————————

The Raichand family arrived on campus shortly after the fair began. As this was the first time seeing Piya perform, on top of being a classical music enthusiast, Mandu was naturally the most excited. She dragged Abhay and Siddharth out of the house as soon as they were ready.

“Come, let’s go find Piya.” Mandu grabbed both of them by their sleeves and pulled them into the hallways, evading the plentiful crowds.

“I’m almost certain we’re early. You can walk slower, love.”

Mandu shook her head and stopped walking. Siddharth bumped into her from behind, throwing his arms out to grip her shoulders. She turned around and puffed her cheeks with a pout, hands on hips.

“What are you, an old man?,” she complained.

Abhay couldn’t resist adding his input.

“Technically speaking, yes.” Abhay muttered under his breath. “Isn’t that right, grandpa?”

“Grandpa? Look who’s taking. I’m only three years older than you.” Siddharth complained back.

Abhay remained in a troubled mood after coming back from Pandher, only now trying to rectify that agitation by cracking jokes at Siddharth’s expense. A keen hobby he used to have back in youth as a human. At least a little of that remained in him after all these years. Small things, like seeing Mandu burst into laughter and Siddharth act all flustered made him happy inside. Things he had worth smiling for. He wished he could protect them both from what was coming. But he didn’t know how to protect himself, so what could he do for them? He might have saved them once before, but he wasn’t sure if he could do it again. Circumstances were different. Variables were unknown. For their sake, he had to keep quiet for just a while longer. Until he had a better grasp of the situation.

Piya’s performance was the distraction he needed.

Piya stood just outside the main entry doors inside the lobby, twiddling her thumbs and touching her hair to make sure it was still set in place. Mandu asked her to meet them there, wanting to wish her luck in person: The two ladies saw each other as soon as the trio walked in.

“Piya!” Mandu wrapped her arms around Piya in a big, just below bone-crushing hug. “I’m so excited, I can’t tell you.” Piya laughed. “You’re looking so beautiful.”

“Thank you...” Piya blushed, greeting Siddharth and then Abhay. For the sake of their newly blossomed friendship, he tried to smile, but just a smidge. He hid it before anyone else could see.

Piya shied away a blush, feeling his eyes still on her. Just like her other admirers, she was the only thing he could focus on. The other him, the one who knew emotion, broke free from his binds, wanting Piya to feel Abhay’s true, but hidden feelings. She really did look beautiful.

Such beauty would no doubt be the envy of angels.

Warmth radiated from her core, spreading all over her body like a thick blanket did in the coldest of winters. Soothing and caring. Nervousness, that wasn’t a thing anymore. Not while he was there.

Piya continued talking, to save Abhay the embarrassment he was clearly trying to avoid. But she was glad he was making an honest effort. Deep down, she knew he had a kind heart. The Abhay she first met, the self he showed to the world, was rude and arrogant, and probably would’ve openly mocked her proposal of friendship. She was glad to have broken through some of that uninviting exterior, to gain a chance to know the real him.

“Where are you three sitting?” Mandu opened her purse and showed the three tickets to her.

“Center left of the first balcony.” Piya smiled and nodded, meeting eyes with Abhay once again.

Her world fell into a pin drop silence.

Things around her began to move slower and slower, as if time was held back by the tightest and sturdiest of chains. The walls of the lobby faded into a blank nothingness, a thick fog hiding them from everyone else. All sounds ceased, all stares disappeared. It was just the two of them.

A world with no judgement, no boundaries, no danger.

Piya took gentle steps towards Abhay, her feet creating ripples on the floor, which now resembled a wide, shallow puddle of water. The gap closed, their breaths so close that they mixed with one another. The only scent he could find was hers. Lavender and strawberries.

Was the name of friendship just a deceitful mask for something more? If Abhay was in denial, then she was just as guilty of the same.

Her heart held feeling for him. But she was too doubtful of such a possibility to see it.

He blinked once, and his eyes changed color. The whole room followed suit, turning itself black, the fog transforming into a deep purple haze. The only scent she could find was his. Sandalwood and roses.

He blinked again, the room and his eyes changing back to their original form. She reached up to caress his cheeks.

Those cobalt eyes, they fit Abhay so perfectly, that she wanted to believe her convictions were right and they belonged to him. Both of these men blended together so well in her eyes, they had to be the same, right?

What are you?

The icy grey and the cobalt blue swapped places every few seconds, the room falling into an inescapable glitch.

So beautiful, she thought. So hauntingly beautiful...

“Aren’t you afraid?,” he asked. But his lips didn’t move. Yet she heard his deep voice so loud and clear.

Afraid...of what?

She didn’t get to hear an answer, adding to her growing perplexities. Slowly, the void between light and dark began to fade, leaving Piya back in the lobby. Mandu had been trying to get her attention for the past minute. Abhay was nowhere to be found.

“Piya, are you okay?”

It felt so real, that daydream. Just like the other dreams she saw while she slept. She scanned the entire area with no sign of him.

Where did he go?

“Yeah, I just....lost my train of thought for a second.”

Abhay excused himself from the situation in a desperate escape, hiding behind the backside of the building. He stared at his palm.

His soul had begun to physically manifest on its own, taking advantage of his brief loss of control. The dark tendrils that made up its corporeal form were snaking up his arm, trying to reach her own. If it couldn’t project his dreams at night, it chose to do so at day.

He wasn’t the type to daydream either. It wasn’t a surprise that Piya challenged that as well.

This wasn’t right. This shouldn’t be happening to begin with.

*”Seraphina, have you ever heard of anyone from our world having a human soulmate?

Intrigued by the question, she held off her departure from Pandher to address Abhay’s concerns. Asking about both things separately was odd for him, asking about both together was even odder.

I wonder if that girl is somehow related,”* she thought.

“In my lifetime, I have not. But I’ve certainly heard stories of such occurrences. They are very rare.“

“Would Nature allow such a thing?” She shrugged.

“Nature works in strange ways, Abhay. We are all subject to its whims, mortal or immortal. And just because I said rare, doesn’t mean impossible. But yes, nothing of such has been seen for a while. I wouldn’t bet on it, personally.”

She turned around and brushed her silver locks with her fingers.

“But what I do know? Don’t take my words for fact. I’m not Nature.”

Nature was cruel. These sensations, they were probably there to fool him, to test him. Playing games with his emotions; it couldn’t be more sadistic. He was not interested in these games. He wanted the truth, before it was too late.

Before she got hurt.

——————————————————————

Guests poured into the hall, taking their seats with light chatter and the fluttering of program pages. Piya peeked outside the side curtain at the balcony above, finding only Mandu and Siddharth in their seats.

Where did you go, Abhay?

For some reason, she was losing the heart to play if he wasn’t there to watch. First day of proper friendship and he just vanished. She expected better of him.

She plucked one of the strings on her violin, glum and lost in thought.

Kabir saw her anxiously tap her foot and sat next to her, giving her a water bottle. She looked at him and smiled. “Thanks, Kabir.”

“Don’t mention it. You look nervous.”

“That bad?” He nodded, pursing his lips. “I think it’s just pre-performance butterflies. I’ll be okay.”

“Sure?” She nodded, setting the bottle on the floor.

“Mhmm..”

Piya kept pulling the curtain back, sneaking glances at the balcony with the hope that Abhay would show up in time. Each passing minute gave a massive hit to her confidence. She pat her cheeks and shook her head.

He’ll be there. Just trust him.

“And now for our final duo, Piyashree Jaiswal on the violin and Kabir Singh Rathore on the piano, performing Fritz Kreisler’s Alt-Wiener Tanzweisen.”

The announcer stepped off stage, and the crowd burst into a roaring applause. Piya nervously swallowed and walked onto stage with Kabir, both taking a solemn bow. Her fingers were shaking, seeing the packed seats.

So many people.

The applause ceased. They shared a nod and started playing.

The shakiness transitioned to tension. Her grip on her bow and the movement of her arm became unusually tense. As a result, the first few notes sounded stiff and mechanic. Her skin broke out into a frantic sweat. People were whispering.

You can do this, Piya. Breathe.

She continued, relaxing herself, and played with more confidence. She kept her eyes shut, imagining the only people in the room were her and Kabir. Just like during their practice sessions.

She felt a wave of calm engulf her, the familiar serenity from before. She didn’t have to open her eyes to know he was there, watching her play with his beautiful icy grey eyes, along with that tiny dimpled smile she always prayed to see. She found herself again, playing the notes with more heart and feeling, leaving the audience in silent awe.

Love’s Joy, Liebesfreud, had ended.

The duo paused for a few moments, before starting the next piece. She scanned the crowd momentarily, before lifting the bow once again. Kabir’s parents, Ruhi, Misha, and her parents were sitting a few rows back from the front.

Piya knew the Dobriyals were coming, courtesy to Misha’s constant ramblings. She knew that man was watching, but she didn’t let the fact bother her.

She closed her eyes and entered the past, a time where the notion of unrequited love became all the more apparent. The record spun in never ending circles, playing the piece over and over again, a poignant expression of lost love. Her mother rested over the arm of the sofa, clutching a small pillow against her chest and staring out the window, watching the rain pour in a light patter.

Love’s Sorrow, Liebesleid, had begun.

Piya took another light breath, losing herself to nostalgia, along with Arnab. He recognized the piece all too well. One of Sugandh’s favorites.

She replaced the record player with the younger version of herself, playing for her mother in her memories. The thoughts transformed into more emotive dynamics, which surprised even Kabir. The amount of passion in her playing surpassed what he had heard during their rehearsals.

And finally, Lovely Rosemary, Schön Rosmarin.

She came back to the blinding spotlights, swallowing tears before they stained the wood of the instrument. She played the last piece with all her remaining heart, leaving her mark in the hearts of everyone in the audience. The duo finished with a roaring applause and standing ovation. Mandu cheered from the balcony above, claiming the title of Piya’s number one fan.

Even Abhay joined his hands in a subtle applause.

Kabir and Piya stood side by side, taking hands and bowing together. The cheers grew stronger. She missed this feeling, the satisfaction of reaching so many hearts.

“Amazing...” Piya murmured. She wiped the tears as they fell and smiled to the crowd, as the light were dimmed in a closing darkness.

——————————————————————

Jeh hid himself in the back row of the floor of the concert hall, caressing the petals of her gift with delicate touches. As soon as she stepped onto stage, he blocked out everything else.

Beautiful. Just like you. He brushed his nose across the flower, inhaling its fragrance. He took notice of the piano boy standing with her. Looking at her with far too much emotion. The thorns bore their way into his palm as his fist closed over them.

He followed her slight movements with his eyes, like a predator calculating its prey’s next steps, just before capture. Noticing an unpleasant scent in the air, he turned in its direction, towards the first balcony. Finding someone else watching her with with just as much emotion.

Abhay Raichand. He was smiling at her.

So you do know each other.

He fought back an enraged snarl, staring viciously at the vampire vying for her affections. Going without punishment wasn’t an option anymore.

I warned you, Raichand. I warned you.

——————————————————————

“I’m going to go change real quick, then we can go find the others.” Piya grabbed her bag and left Kabir waiting in the concert hall.

She found one of the dressing rooms vacant, changing out of her dress quickly. She didn’t want to keep them waiting long. Leaving her hair untouched, she removed the minimal makeup she had done with a wet wipe, and packed away her dress in a neat fold.

Someone knocked with impatience. In her hurry, she forgot the Romeo and Juliet play would also be starting in just under half an hour. The actors probably needed this place to get ready.

“Sorry, I’ll be out in a minute.”

She gathered her bag and threw open the doors. Her assumptions had been horribly wrong. She immediately stepped back, eyes widening with fear.

He carried the single rose in his hand, waving it back and forth, taunting her with his dangerous smile.

“Did you miss me, sweetheart?” The door was shut behind them, locked with a click. “Because I really missed you.....”

——————————————————————

https://youtu.be/rnW_Nhpt7no

superb chapter

loll misha & her craze for foods🤣

on the other hand ruhi is worried for her weight😆

kabir is waiting for pia's response boy don't know he is gonna have heart break

oh god who they r wo want to free maithali?😡

abhay got really angry & his anger hurt others

wow abhay is really powerful😎

if those monsters free maithali's soul then abhay would be in danger

awe madhu & siddtharth always in funny mood😉

uff once again abhay hide himself from pia

wow pia played for her mom

i have feeling maybe now arnav will doubt on pia🤔

oh no that monster jay found pia alone😡

poor pia is so scared seeing that monster

hope abhay will reach pia before that monster do anything

continue plz

Originally posted by: cuteariya

superb chapter

loll misha & her craze for foods🤣

on the other hand ruhi is worried for her weight😆

kabir is waiting for pia's response boy don't know he is gonna have heart break

oh god who they r wo want to free maithali?😡

abhay got really angry & his anger hurt others

wow abhay is really powerful😎

if those monsters free maithali's soul then abhay would be in danger

awe madhu & siddtharth always in funny mood😉

uff once again abhay hide himself from pia

wow pia played for her mom

i have feeling maybe now arnav will doubt on pia🤔

oh no that monster jay found pia alone😡

poor pia is so scared seeing that monster

hope abhay will reach pia before that monster do anything

continue plz

I would be eating with Misha if I was there 🤣 I’m a big foodie

thanks dear! 🤗

Chapter 22

Past Traumas

Fear sat high and mighty on her shoulders, weighing down her body. It ruled with an iron fist, casting a shadow over her conscience in an endless nightmare. She dreaded the arrival of this day.

The scars throbbed at her side, feigning to be torn anew. A cold sweat broke out on her forehead.

“J-J-Jeh.....” She didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of when she took his name, but fear forced her mouth. A shiver traveled through her spine, akin to the coldest and harshest of winters, her arms covered in goosebumps and hairs raised on end. She backed away slowly, until a wall prevented her from going further. If only she could phase through it and run.

The sharply scented cologne he wore stung her nose and made her eyes water. Lips curled in a victorious smile, Jeh put his palms flat against the wall behind them, trapping her between them like a bird in a cage.

Eyes filled with insanity, the grin of the devil, an unquenchable obsession, and an undefeatable persistence. These were the things that defined Jeh Khurana.

Not a friend, not a lover, only a psycho.

“Piya....my sweet little Piya....” His sing song voice may have sounded harmless, but she was well aware the looming insecurities and threats behind it. “Where were you? Do you know....how much I’ve missed you?”

Piya thought his eyes darkened. A pitch black, like tar. She gripped her skirt tightly in her fist, the blood rushing away from her knuckles. Any harder and the bones would burst from the skin.

Jeh closed the little remaining distance between them, gripping her jaw with his fingers. The skin of his hands was rough and ragged, scratching into her softness like sandpaper.

He inhaled, capturing other scents wafting off her skin. Scents that didn’t belong. Scents that made her forget about him.

“Is there someone else? Is that why you’re not happy to see me? Who is he?”

She shook her head. But lying to him was risky. Any guy that was even remotely friendly to her ended up days later in the hospital with life-threatening injuries. The attacker was never found, but she knew it was Jeh. He was easily provoked, especially by other men. A dangerous kind of possessive.

Only my scent can mark your skin, Piya. You are mine.

“Who is he?” He asked, sternly. “Tell me. Otherwise.....”

Jeh grabbed her waist, the same spot as the scars, and tightly squeezed. She wanted to scream, but he covered her mouth with his hand. Exerting his control over her once again.

“Does it hurt?” He squeezed tighter. The pain was severe enough to bring tears to her eyes. “I can’t see you in pain, sweetheart. But I know you’re hiding something from me.”

She tried so hard to deny his claims, but he had her immobilized. All her answers looked like mere struggles.

“It’s alright. Don’t tell me, I think I already know.” He leaned closer to her ear, whispering the name of the man who would soon make Jeh’s target list.

“Abhay Raichand, right?”

She was thankful that he wasn’t aware of Kabir. But if he did anything to Abhay, she would never be able to forgive herself. He had done so much for her; it felt like a treacherous stab in the back. He was involved in this mess because of her.

Please don’t hurt him....

“No...” she protested.

“Yes. I think yes. You’re so easy to read, Piya.” He played with her hair. “That piano boy, I’ll have to do something about him too.”

No....not Kabir.

“Please don’t.......please...”

He attempted to wipe her tears, but she shirked his hand away.

“How cruel of me. I came to see you after 3 years and I made you cry. Unacceptable.”

He pulled the roses out of her hair, crushing them with his free hand. The petals tore and wrinkled as they fell from grace, remnants scattered over the floor. “You don’t need these drab roses. Look, look what I have for you.”

What he had in his pocket was a normal red rose, if one was to ignore the dried blood staining each and every thorn. His fingers bled again, as he dug those bloody thorns into them, just for her to see. Piya’s breathing got faster, as if the oxygen in the room was being drained from the air. She gasped for it. The pungent metallic smell of his blood, in combination with the cologne, made her gag. She felt dizzy.

He touched her hair and forcefully adorned her silky locks with his gift. The thorns cut into her scalp. He left them uncut intentionally.

“No....stop....” She whimpered in pain. The cuts began to burn. “It hurts....”

“I know.” His bloodied fingers pressed themselves into her cheek, forming a “J” in their wake. “A small punishment for what you’ve put me through these past 3 years. I don’t like it when you run away from me.” He was just about to start the next letter of his name, when he felt that leech’s presence growing closer.

He could take Piya with him right this instant, but he didn’t plan on how his mother would react. Next time. After preparations for her arrival were made.

“I have to go now, sweetheart. But I’ll be back for you, promise.” He leaned to kiss her cheek. She tried to push him off, but he dominated with his strength.

Jeh threw open the closest window and leapt down the small hill just outside. He took off into the depths of the forest, completely out of sight in just a few short seconds.

He left, but he’s not gone.

Piya sunk to the floor, her body shaking violently, trying to wipe his blood off her face and hair. Her eyes remained wide open in fear, bloodshot and red. She pulled the neatly styled braids undone, lips parted in a terrifying scream. The thorns of the rose cut into her own fingers.

Several people heard the horrid scream and rushed to the dressing room she occupied, breaking open the doors after unsuccessful attempts to get her to the door herself. Abhay was just behind them.

He feared the worst. And that’s what he saw in front of him.

Reading into his instincts was obstructed by some foreign power. Something stronger than their blood bond. He knew Piya was in danger, but he couldn’t see what or who it was. Every time he tried to, it was met by sharp stabs at his skull that broke his concentration.

It had to be Jeh.

Piya huddled herself into the corner, staring at the open window. Its panes rattled against the wall with the wind.

Abhay...Kabir....no, he’s going to hurt them. I-I can’t let him hurt them....I can’t...no no no...

“Piya, look at me.” He said, kneeling in front of her. She was in deep shock. “Piya.”

Piya met his gaze and couldn’t hold herself, in the thought of seeing him well and also in the need for someone she deeply trusted. She threw her arms around him, grasping onto his frame as tight as she could. Small gasps and bursts of budding gossip, of her and Abhay, began to propagate just in the hall. She didn’t care for the whispers. She needed him. He made her feel safe. No one would understand that.

She wanted to keep him safe too. If only she weren’t so powerless. Whatever sixth sense he had, she wanted the same.

Abhay read into her thoughts.

I’ll be okay, Piya. Don’t worry so much for me.

Would she believe him? Probably not.

“He-he was here.....Jeh....” She stammered, twisting the fabric of his shirt with her fingers. She had no more tears left to cry. Her eyes were dry, empty pits.

Kabir had his own concerns of Piya not being back yet, and heard the commotion near one of the dressing rooms, finding a small crowd congregated around the doors and Abhay inside, comforting her. He pushed through the crowd and joined the two, Abhay pulling himself away from Piya just a little. Kabir never saw Piya this frightened before.

“What happened!?” The dried blood on Piya’s cheek caught his attention first, then the open window. “Was someone in here?”

Abhay was furious. At Jeh, and at the crowds gossiping just in earshot.

Selfish creatures. They can stand and watch the drama but can’t even think to help.

“Kabir, get security.” He ordered. Kabir nodded and exited the room.

Piya wouldn’t stop shaking. She pushed herself away from him briefly, and touched her face. Anything of Jeh wanted on her, she wanted off. Even if it physically hurt to do so. Her nails clawed into her cheeks, desperately trying to get his blood off them. Abhay was trying his level best to keep himself under control. She bled just enough to agitate him, from her fingers and the right side of her scalp. The blood matted her hair on that side and dried into the messy tangle.

He held her hands in his own to prevent more self-inflicted injury, and made her look at him. “Relax....” He whispered softly. “It’s okay.....”

Her cheeks were now marred with red marks from her nails. He ran his thumb over them gently, then taking her bleeding hand and clasped it between his palms, healing any injuries he could find. Piya looked at him and then her palm in slight surprise.

He fixed them....

He touched her scalp and healed the last of the offending cuts. The smell of her blood finally disappeared, leaving that of Jeh’s behind.

Kabir returned with the security personnel kept for the event, and also informed the police. They were sent out into the vicinity in search of Jeh, but Abhay knew that any search for him was futile. He was probably far gone the second the door was broken down.

The police arrived in the span of minutes, being led to the room by several witnesses. Abhay stood up, leaving Piya in Kabir’s care, and spoke to the inspector. Everyone else had arrived by then. Including the university’s dean.

Kabir overheard several details from Abhay’s conversation and was shocked at the revelations. Such a big issue, and they didn’t even realize. Piya never shared much about her past with them. Someone who preferred to keep her troubles with herself. Then why share it with Abhay? What was so special about him? The idea that Abhay had an inkling as to what was going on, as opposed to himself and the others, upset him.

Looks like I didn’t know you as well as I thought. He glanced at Abhay, who took the role as her confidant. I wish you would’ve shared it with us too.

“We’ll look into this. But first, we need to ask Ms. Jaiswal some questions.”

Piya refused to stand up, the energy in her body drained. Misha sat down next to her, wrapping her arms around her in a comforting hug. “It’s okay. They’ll catch that creep.” Piya looked on, her eyes glossed over, dull and lifeless. Her skin crawled with unpleasant memories of his touch.

“Ms.Jaiswal?” Piya didn’t look up. “My apologies, but please bear with us.” The constable at the side held his pen, ready to take any meaningful notes. “Is this the first time he’s made direct contact with you in this city?”

She slowly nodded.

“Do you know how long he’s been here?”

She shook her head.

“Inspector, she’s new to the city. It’s only been about two months since she first got here.“

“I see. Well, don’t worry. We’ll make sure he sees justice.” The dean escorted them out, engaging in further discussion, just out of earshot.

Mandu took this time to get a damp paper towel from the washroom, kneeling in front of Piya and wiping her face clean. Brushing her hair out proved to be more difficult with the dried blood. She caressed Piya’s cheek. “It’s okay....we’re all here for you.”

Piya finally looked up, ever so grateful for the people that were there to support her. She let fresh tears flow, hugging Misha back just as tightly. The humiliation she felt was high, just like when she was back in Mumbai, and the stares from the other students made that feeling much worse. The gossip turned into pity. She didn’t want that pity.

Misha was just as confused about the situation as Kabir was, but knew that if Piya wanted to share this with them, nothing would have stopped her from doing so. But yes, Abhay knowing about it was just as surprising.

I guess they’re on good terms now.

Kabir’s mix of expression only showed the surface level of what he was beginning to understand. That there was more to Abhay and Piya that met the eye.

He was beginning to lose her. What he didn’t know, was that he never had her to begin with.

——————————————————————

“Ms. Khurana, is your son home?”

Dipanita was quietly relaxing in front of the crackling flame when the police suddenly showed up at her doorstep. Jeh had arrived home just several minutes earlier, in the slightest bit of a hurry to make her suspicious.

What did he do?

She began her drama.

“What seems to be the problem, inspector?”

The inspector handed her the arrest warrant, allowing her to read it at her leisure. “We’re here to arrest him. On charges of harassment.”

Impossible. He would never look at another girl. And Piya is dead.

“Harassment? I don’t understand. Who lodged the complaint?”

“Mr. Abhay Raichand, on the behalf of Piyashree Jaiswal.”

Her eyes widened. Not only was that vampire becoming a nuisance, but she was wrong about Piya being dead. She cursed that rogue under her breath for not doing a simple task correctly. She didn’t spare herself of curses, knowing time was wasted with a fool who couldn’t kill a weak human properly. She mindlinked with Jeh.

Jeh, leave the house this instant.

“Does your son know Ms. Jaiswal?” The inspector continued. Dipanita shifted her eyes back and forth, waiting until Jeh confirmed his exit from the premises. Just in case these men decided to search the house, even after what she decided to tell them next.

“Inspector, to tell you the truth, he does. But he is not here. I believe Mr. Raichand doesn’t know that he is in prison in Mumbai.” She hung her head low in embarrassment.

“Oh, is that so?” He turned to his subordinates. “Contact the police there and find out.”

They planned to stay until the statement was confirmed, but at least they didn’t conduct a search. Jeh’s room was the most incriminating of evidence.

But she played her cards right to the mark, as backup. Dipanita was confident they would leave her alone after some digging. Tricking humans was easy. Illusions mimicked reality to them. The only thing surprised her more than this little interrogation, was the fact The Circle hadn’t come to take him first. Her relaxed smile disappeared with the possibility that they could come.

No. They cannot find out.

——————————————————————

As the clock struck midnight, the werewolves emerged from their hiding spots, gathering in a group in the presence of a shimmering waterfall.

“Where are they?”

The question was answered by the oncoming fog, swirling and shrouding the area, allowing their hosts to arrive in greeting. Every single one of them wore a long cloak, obscuring their faces. Only the runes that ran down underneath their eyes were visible.

The division of werewolves in their wolf form surrounded the two groups a distance away, poising their claws in preparation to attack. Vampire territory wasn’t too far from here.

“We are ever so grateful for your presence, Alpha.”

She made her way into the center of the meeting grounds, meeting eyes with the leader of cloaks.

Dipanita Khurana. The Alpha.

“What is the meaning of this sudden meeting? If they see us with you, then....” she snarled.

A hand emerged from the long cloak, halting her speech. Such impudent accusations, they had no place here. If the werewolves had any power over anything in this world, it was because of them. The other supernaturals already shunned them.

“Don’t fret, Alpha. See this fog?” He gestured around them, maintaining a friendly decorum. “It’s what hides us. Those pursuing you won’t be able to find you.”

She hesitantly nodded, looking at Jeh. He stood just behind her, observing and listening with keen interest. Like the future Alpha should.

“The time has come. We need to start the hunt.”

Dipanita stood in acknowledgment, as did the rest of the pack, but opened her mouth in question. There was one thing she needed to make sure of before they commenced.

“Of course. But I must ask. I hope you still remember our agreement?”

“Yes, yes how could we forget? Revenge is a luxury we love to indulge in. We will provide our power in your search.”

“Good.”

This alliance had a gain for them. An opportunity to deliver grievances to those who threatened her family centuries back. And with that, an opportunity for power and control.

Remember Jeh, why we are here. For your father and brother. For reclaiming what we had lost. We can not afford to make a mistake. So please, control your desires. We must not draw too much attention.

——————————————————————

Misha took Piya back to her place for the night, against the idea of leaving Piya all alone at hers. Piya normally would’ve protested, but she was more shaken up over Jeh than she cared about Arnab.

The Raichands went home at well, Abhay itching to take care of this issue. The inspector called him back to confirm that Jeh was still in prison in Mumbai, and that Piya must have remembered the man wrong. They didn’t offer much guidance besides asking Piya about her attacker again.

He didn’t need to ask. It was Jeh. He just didn’t know how Dipanita convinced them.

“She’s a shrewd woman. It seems like she was prepared for this situation,” Siddharth said.

“I’ve had enough of this nuisance. I’m going to kill him.”

He didn’t want to hear any more excuses from either of them. If anyone was responsible for Piya’s condition, it was him. He failed her. He should’ve finished Jeh the night they found out about him.

Siddharth locked the doors of the car. Like that would stop Abhay. This wouldn’t be the first time he ran outside of a moving vehicle. He would break the door down if he had to.

As expected, the back door swung open and Abhay was now missing. Siddharth slammed on the brakes and got out of the car. He was long gone.

They left the car behind and took off into the forest, trying to catch up with Abhay before he did anything drastic. Mandu managed to block his path just before he crossed the border.

“Abhay, stop.”

“No. Get out of my way.”

“The treaty will be violated, Abhay. A deliberate attack in their territory. You’ll get in trouble yourself.”

“I don’t care what happens to me. But I can’t let him live.”

Siddharth hushed the two and held up his hand. He looked around. There was nothing in sight, but something in sound.

“Quiet, both of you.”

They heard several footsteps, footsteps that entered either territory and left the other, in a circle. Surrounding the trio, along with a thick fog.

Why did it just get foggy? Mandu asked, waving her hands through it. It was cold and dewy.

Stay together. Turn your backs towards each other.

Three werewolves lurked in the thickening fog, preparing their attack. Three vampires to hunt. First night and they hit a jackpot. Subdue and kill. A stake for each dead heart.

Human scents.

The ambush still managed to catch them off guard. They split the formation, taking a kill for each of themselves.

Stay close by. The fog is getting thicker.

It was hard to see beyond the fog, no matter how sharp their eyesight was. They saw Mandu as the weakest of the three, unaware of the fact that she had the most formal combat training of the three.

As expected of royalty.

The werewolf attacking her was blinded by her quick movements. She was extremely agile. Light and quick on her feet. She grabbed the wrist holding the sharp piece of wood, and twisted it behind his back. One strong tug was enough to dislocate his shoulder and break the bones in his arm. She went for the bite, weakening the foe with enough venom and using the same stake to pierce his heart while weakened. A clean kill.

Something moved behind her upon the werewolf’s death. She looked up, finding Abhay and Siddharth making their kills.

The fog began to recede.

A flickering light emerged from the three bodies, zipping past in the air and landing in the palms of another visitor.

She turned around to catch a glimpse of the cloaked figure, its face hidden from view under the large hood. It waved its hands around, creating a magical cage between bony fingers. The cage sucked in the three souls and trapped them, before vanishing into thin air. The bodies turned to dust, floating away with the wind.

It looked up at her, flashed a sinister grin, and disappeared into the night. The runes trailing underneath the eyes, she didn’t want to believe they were real.

She screamed, and everything turned black.

The kingdom was up in flames. Family covered in blood. Prosperity reduced to dust. There was no one left for them in this world, except each other.

That monster had taken everything else.

She found herself utterly powerless under creatures she never knew existed. A pathetic excuse for a queen. She couldn’t even protect her family.

Despite her own injuries, she kneeled over her unconscious husband, trying to shake him awake, clutching a small child to her chest. The child cried and cried, coughing through the smoke and feeling the sense of dread along with his mother.

“It’s no use. Your beloved King is dead.”

No, he couldn’t die. His heart was still beating. Then why wouldn’t he wake up?

“You will soon join him. But don’t worry, we’ll take care of your little heir. He’ll be useful to us.”

She refused to back down. Not while she had some fight in her. She unsheathed the dagger attached to her side one last time, in a last bid effort to protect what was left of her family. The blood gushing from her wounds wouldn’t stop her. The faintness she felt wouldn’t stop her. She had to fight. For them.

Her target cackled and mocked her drive. A weak, near dead human couldn’t kill them. She was wasting her time.

Stabbing the creature yielded no blood, the sharp blade phased straight through him. She tried again and again, but couldn’t find a single weak point. One blow of force to her wound was enough to subdue her. She landed on her back, shielding her son from the cracks in the tile underneath.

“Take the child.” He pointed, sending others her way.

They approached and stared down at her, none with empathy. Those runes, she would never forget them. They took everything from her. They were responsible. One of her own was now one of them. Lost to greed and power. She would never forgive her.

Death was coming.

“Don’t...touch...him,” she breathed. Lungs filled with smoke and drowned in blood made it painful to speak. She couldn’t move anymore.

She held onto her son with all her remaining strength, but soon her body would betray her. Her vision turned black, dragging her by the arm into eternal sleep.

Death was coming.