🌑 Deep inside the ancient fort, the air shimmered with heat and dark magic.
A massive boiling pool glowed crimson in the center of the chamber, steam rising like the breath of a sleeping dragon. Shadows danced on the jagged stone walls.
And from the mist, a figure loomed—the Boss. Seated above the boiling pool, their presence radiated an aura of ancient authority and menace. The Tri-Kaalishini knelt before them, heads bowed, shivering slightly under the oppressive gaze.
"You failed," the Boss's voice rolled like thunder across the chamber, each word scorching the air. "The child… remains untouched. You brought me nothing."
Urvi's braid twitched nervously. "We… we tried, my Lord. But the child's powers manifested unexpectedly… stronger than anticipated."
Ratri's voice trembled as she added, "He struck me down with a mere breath. A force I have never seen."
Nishigandha's runes flickered in fear. "The baby… he is no ordinary infant. His light… it burns even through our strongest spells."
The Boss leaned forward, arms resting on the edge of the steaming pool. The boiling water reflected in their eyes, making them seem infinite, molten, and terrifying.
"Hmm…" the Boss murmured, a slow, measured sound, dripping with both curiosity and contempt. "This is… interesting. He ought to be powerful. Consider—he is the son of Yuvaan, our former Warlock King, and the daughter of Jishwa, God's Gift. His blood carries both legacy and divinity."
The Tri-Kaalishini lowered their heads further, swallowing unease.
The Boss's gaze pierced through the darkness, sharp as a dagger. "Tomorrow… his first hair-shaving ceremony will take place. The child will be vulnerable. The protection of his inherited powers will falter… weaken temporarily."
A slow, predatory smile curved their lips. "That will be the moment to strike. You will bring him to me. Alive. Unharmed. And this time… failure will not be tolerated."
Urvi nodded swiftly, her braid coiling like a living serpent, the threat in her eyes matching the Boss's command.
"Yes, my Lord. We will not fail."
Ratri and Nishi echoed the vow in unison, their voices low, reverent, and trembling with anticipation.
The Boss's gaze swept over the three. "Remember—he is a hybrid of divine and dark bloodlines. Strong, clever… unpredictable. Approach with caution. Do not underestimate the child."
A ripple of cold energy surged through the chamber, and the pool's surface boiled violently, as if echoing the Boss's wrath.
Urvi swallowed, but her eyes glimmered with hunger. "We will bring him. Tomorrow… he will be ours."
The Boss leaned back, the steam curling around them like a cloak. "Good. Fail me again, and you will burn… eternally."
And with that, the Tri-Kaalishini turned, vanishing into shadows, leaving the boiling pool to hiss and churn in silence.
The threat had been set.
Kiaan's first hair-shaving ceremony tomorrow… would mark the beginning of a new battle.
🌙 Nursery Night – Family Moment
The nursery was quiet, soft moonlight spilling through the curtains, dust motes floating lazily in the glow. A gentle hush had settled over the mansion—but not in the nursery.
Kiaan wriggled on the floor, grabbing at his toys with determined fury. The little car he loved rolled away, and he pounced on it again, squealing with baby glee.
Kiara perched on the rocking chair, baby blanket draped over her lap, and let out a playful sigh.
"Ugh… he's going to give us gray hairs before his first birthday," she muttered, shaking her head.
Yuvaan, sitting cross-legged on the floor, raised an eyebrow at her.
"Who, our little monster here?" he said, gesturing toward Kiaan.
"Monster," Kiara repeated with a laugh, nudging him lightly. "He's feisty, and don't you dare encourage him. He needs sleep, not encouragement!"
Yuvaan grinned mischievously. "Encouragement? I'm just… admiring his tenacity. That's all."
Kiara's hands flew to her hips. "Tenacity, huh? UPS, I swear you're worse than him. At least he's cute when he throws tantrums."
Yuvaan feigned offense, bowing dramatically. "Excuse me! I am a dignified father, not a tiny toy-obsessed chaos magnet like our son."
Kiaan gurgled, and then, with a dramatic wobble of his little arms, crawled straight to Yuvaan's lap. He reached for the storybook UPS had been holding.
Kiara smirked, nudging Yuvaan. "See? He knows who tells the best stories. UPS, go on. Entertain your audience."
Yuvaan cleared his throat, exaggeratedly flipping open the book. "Alright… once upon a time, there was a very brave little Krishna. Even as a tiny baby, he fought demons, clever ones, scary ones—much scarier than your toy blocks, I promise."
Kiaan gurgled happily, kicking his legs, and grabbed the edge of the book with tiny fists.
"And," Yuvaan continued, "he never gave up, no matter what. Even when everything seemed impossible…"
Kiara leaned forward, whispering to the baby, "Just like you when you escaped your crib three times last week."
Kiaan squealed with delight, rolling onto his back and clapping his hands.
Yuvaan chuckled, leaning back, and gently bounced Kiaan on his lap. "See, our little Krishna is already learning strategy. Very impressive. Maybe he'll teach us a thing or two one day."
Kiara shook her head, smiling softly. "I can't believe he's ours… Our tiny, mischievous miracle."
Yuvaan wrapped an arm around Kiara, holding her close while still keeping a steady hand under Kiaan to prevent him from launching off in another crawling adventure.
For a few precious minutes, the nursery was filled with soft giggles, whispered storytelling, and the quiet, slow rhythm of a family finally home—no supernatural threats, no ancient darkness looming—just a baby too energetic to sleep and two parents who wouldn't trade a single squeal for anything in the world.
Eventually, Yuvaan's voice softened, the story winding down. "And Krishna, even after all the trouble he faced, slept peacefully knowing he was loved. Just like our little Kiaan will—soon."
Kiaan yawned mid-giggle, rubbing his tiny eyes. Kiara leaned down, kissing the top of his head, whispering, "Alright, baby… time to sleep now. No more adventures for tonight."
Yuvaan smiled, brushing back Kiaan's soft hair. "Goodnight, little warrior. Mama and UPS will be right here if any demons show up."
Kiaan let out a tiny coo, snuggling into the blanket, and for the first time that night, the nursery grew still.
Moonlight bathed the room, and in that calm glow, for a few golden moments, they were just a family—mundane, imperfect, and utterly, beautifully human.