Priya was still shaken by the warning echoing in her mind, but with Bhumi standing beside her, she felt she didn't need to fear it alone.
As the warden turned and left, Priya lowered her head and whispered,"I'm sorry, Dad. I got you involved in all this."
Arjun shook his head slowly."No. I'm the one who should be apologizing." His voice trembled."After your mother's funeral… I shut myself away. I stopped talking to you. I didn't know what you were going through, how you were feeling. I was too busy drowning in my own grief."He looked at her, eyes filled with regret."From now on, I want to know everything."
Priya couldn't hold it back anymore. She broke down, and Arjun pulled her into a tight embrace. They cried together, clinging to each other like they were afraid the world might tear them apart again.
Watching them, Bhumi felt a sharp ache in her chest. Memories she had buried long ago stirred—her parents, their faces fading into darkness.
Six hours passed.
The fear on Priya's and Arjun's faces grew heavier with every minute, but Bhumi remained still, her expression unreadable—cold, focused, as if she already had a plan.
Heavy footsteps echoed through the corridor.
Three wardens approached their cell.
Tara smirked as she stepped forward."Well, looks like it's time for us to have some fun," she said mockingly."Any last words?"
The sisters laughed together.
Bhumi raised her head, her voice calm and sharp."There is another option you didn't mention," she said."I believe it's called Trial by Combat. I choose it. I'm sure my companions will as well."
Tara's smile never faded—but a flicker of anger crossed her eyes."Either way," Tara replied, "we get to kill you."
Vidya crossed her arms."As the rules dictate, you have three hours to prepare."
Kamala chuckled darkly."You'll die—whether it's now or three hours from now."
The sisters turned and left.
Priya looked at Bhumi in disbelief."They still allow that? In this day and age?"
Bhumi nodded."The Nivarsha Clan is prideful. They refuse to accept the idea of losing a fight. That pride kept this rule alive."
Arjun swallowed hard."Can you win? You said they have complete control over their spiritual energy."
Bhumi didn't hesitate."I can't guarantee anything," she said honestly."But if we start losing, we'll create an opening. You two escape and head for the mountains."
Priya shook her head fiercely."No. Don't say that. We won't leave you here to die."
Bhumi turned to her, expression hard."We're not close enough for you to throw away your life for me," she said bluntly."And I'm your bodyguard. If someone has to be sacrificed, it's me. So don't get emotional—just run."
Three hours later, the sisters returned.
Each went to a different cell.
Tara stood before Bhumi.Vidya stopped in front of Forge.Kamala faced Shiva.
The prison began to move.
Forge's platform rose upward with Vidya.Bhumi, Priya, and Arjun descended downward with Tara.Shiva's cage slid sideways into the wall with Kamala.
The ground trembled.
As Bhumi's cage reached a massive circular platform, the bars opened from all sides.
The floor was drenched in blood.Bones were scattered across the stone.
Tara stepped forward and spoke coldly:
"Here are the rules:
1.Use of spiritual energy is permitted.
2.External weapons are forbidden. If caught, execution is immediate. Weapons created through spiritual energy are allowed.
3.The fight continues until death."
Priya's breath caught in her throat as she took in the sight.
The platform reeked of death.
She was terrified—
—but she believed in Bhumi