The skies above Pratham Brisk rippled like a storm trapped inside a mirror. The air shimmered with heat and magic—wild, ancient, and dangerous. In the center of a red-glowing field stood the Daayan Vriksh, its blackened roots twisted like veins through the earth, its leaves whispering with a voice only the dark could understand.
Before it stood Sarvansh and Kesar.
Kesar's eyes darted around, her voice low with awe. "This place… it doesn't feel real."
Sarvansh smiled faintly, his long hair brushing against his cheek as the wind howled. "It isn't. It's the cradle of power—the realm where witches are born and gods dare not step."
Kesar took a hesitant step forward. "Why did you bring me here?"
He turned toward her, his gaze softening—not out of kindness, but curiosity. "Because you deserve to see what you are… not what they made you believe."
"What do you mean?" she whispered.
Sarvansh's eyes flickered with faint red light. "Humans… they are selfish creatures, Kesar. They fear what they don't understand, and destroy what they can't control."
Kesar's expression dimmed; the words pierced deeper than she expected.
He stepped closer, his voice like silk wrapped in flame. "Did you really think Aditya loved you?"
Her eyes widened. "Don't—"
"Oh, he said he did, didn't he?" Sarvansh continued, circling her slowly. "He whispered sweet promises, told you he'd protect you, that you were special. And yet, the first chance he got… he tried to sell you."
Kesar's throat tightened. "You don't know anything about him."
Sarvansh chuckled, his laughter echoing darkly through the forest. "I know enough. I saw the greed in his eyes as he betrayed you. I saw your tears when you realized what love meant to humans."
He stopped before her, lowering his voice to a near whisper. "Even your so-called parents… they kept you because your power brings them fortune. You are their charm, not their child."
Kesar's lips trembled, her eyes glistening. "Stop…"
But Sarvansh lifted his hand gently to her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. "Don't hide from the truth, Agnipaanchi. You burn with divine fire, but they caged you like a pet bird. You were never meant to live in their world."
He released her, walking toward the Daayan Vriksh as red sparks pulsed beneath his feet.
"Then what am I meant for?" Kesar asked quietly, her voice breaking.
Sarvansh looked back over his shoulder, his expression unreadable. "Power," he said simply. "Freedom. The kind only fire and darkness can understand."
He reached out, pressing his palm against the tree's bark. The Daayan Vriksh responded instantly—its roots glowed crimson, veins of molten energy crawling up Sarvansh's arm. The air trembled with raw magic.
Kesar flinched at the sight. "What are you doing?"
"Strengthening the bond," he murmured, eyes half-closed. "When you bleed, I rise. When I rise, the world trembles. Together, we can end the weak… and rule what remains."
Kesar stepped back, her instincts warning her—but she couldn't bring herself to run. Something about his words, his power, the way his presence felt familiar yet dangerous—it all pulled her in.
Sarvansh turned, a faint smirk curving his lips. "Don't look so frightened, little flame. I told you before—no harm will ever come to you. Not while I live."
He raised his hand, firelight flickering in his eyes. "And I never die easily."
The Daayan Vriksh crackled behind him like a living storm.
The corridors of the Kothari Mansion were unusually still, as if the air itself had paused to listen. A faint shimmer of dark energy rippled through the shadows — Adrija had arrived.
She moved silently, her human form barely concealing the sinister aura beneath her skin. Her eyes glowed faintly blue, her lips curling into a smile as she reached Vihaan's door.
"Finally…" she whispered, pushing it open.
The room lay dimly lit, moonlight spilling through the curtains. The bed was neatly made — empty.
Adrija's expression twisted in frustration. "Where are you hiding,brother-in-law ?"
She turned sharply, sensing movement from the adjoining washroom. But before she could act, she heard footsteps approaching. Realizing time was short, she slipped out through the corridor — her presence vanishing like smoke.
A moment later, Charvi, Veena, Shyom, and Sharda burst into the room.
"Where is he?" Veena asked, scanning the corners.
"The bed's untouched," Charvi said grimly. "We're late."
Before panic could set in, the sound of the washroom door creaked open. Vihaan stepped out, his expression pale, a hand pressed to his forehead.
"Uncle… Maa… everyone… what's going on?" he asked weakly.
Veena rushed forward, relief flooding her eyes. "Thank god you're fine, Vihaan beta!"
Charvi supported him as his knees nearly buckled. "You shouldn't even be standing brother-in-law," she said softly.
"I'm fine," Vihaan assured, managing a faint smile. "The curse... it's weakening, I can feel it."
But Sharda's face had turned grim. "No, child. It's not weakening — it's shifting."
Vihaan frowned. "What do you mean?"
"The Daayan knows you survived her curse," Sharda said darkly. "She's sent someone to finish what she started… and that someone… is Adrija."
Vihaan's eyes widened in disbelief. "Adrija? But she—"
"There's no time!" Shyom interrupted, glancing toward the door. "We must move him now."
They quickly helped Vihaan out of the room, Charvi and Shyom supporting him as they hurried downstairs.