A Moment of Refuge

Fierce monsters continued to emerge from the misty depths of the forest, their growls echoing through the air like a death knell. Raghav stood at the forefront, gripping his sword tightly.

“Karan, do you have another scroll? We can’t keep fighting them off like this!” Raghav shouted, his heart pounding with urgency as he fended off yet another creature lunging at them.

Karan’s brow furrowed as he fumbled through his robes. “I can only open a portal to somewhere else in this realm...”

“Then please, use it! We can’t stop all of them at this rate. We have to take Sakshi somewhere safe!” Raghav urged, his desperation palpable.

With the monsters closing in, Karan nodded grimly, knowing time was against them. He pulled out another glowing scroll and began chanting an incantation.

As the words left his lips, a swirling portal opened, casting an ethereal glow around them.“Get ready!”

Karan shouted over the cacophony of growls.Raghav scooped up the fainted Sakshi and, with Karan beside him, they leaped into the portal, leaving the dangers of the forest behind.

Brothel - Rose Capital

The trio emerged in the familiar surroundings of the brothel, the ambiance a stark contrast to the foreboding forest they had just escaped. Lady Maya, the enigmatic owner, looked up in surprise as they stepped through the doorway.

“Karan?” she exclaimed, her eyes widening. “What are you doing back here? And who is this?” She gestured to Sakshi, who Raghav was cradling in his arms.

“Is that the woman the Princess brought to the palace?” Lady Maya inquired, her tone shifting from curiosity to concern.“Yes,” Karan replied, his voice steady despite the gravity of the situation.

“Put her on the bed,” Lady Maya instructed, her demeanor transforming into one of authority. Raghav gently laid Sakshi on the soft bed, his heart heavy with worry as he held her hand, sitting beside her.

“What happened to her? She’s not waking up,” Raghav said, his voice laced with anxiety.Lady Maya approached, her expression softening as she examined Sakshi. “She’s just exhausted. The ordeal must have taken a toll on her. I recommend you stay here for the time being, until you can find a way out of this mess.”

“Thank you for helping us, my lady,” Karan said, gratitude evident in his tone.“It’s for old times’ sake...” Lady Maya replied, her gaze turning serious.

“But remember, this will be the last time I go against the Princess on your behalf.”“I understand, Lady Maya,” Karan acknowledged, knowing the risks involved.

As Lady Maya began tending to Karan’s wounds and cuts from their earlier battles, Raghav remained by Sakshi’s side, his mind racing.

He thought to himself, I’ve always been a loner, an orphan with no ties, but ever since Sakshi came into my life, everything changed. Now she’s suffering because of me... I don’t even know what I’ve done to offend them so much.

Rajmahal - The Conference Room

Meanwhile, at the Rajmahal, Princess Nandini sat at the head of the grand table where the Ghost Kings had convened. Her expression was grave as she silenced the guards who reported the intrusion.

“Is everything alright outside? My servants told me about some intruders,” the Northern Ghost King inquired, concern etched on his face.

Nandini maintained a serious demeanor, her voice calm but firm. “Your Majesty, it’s nothing to worry about. Just common intruders. During the ghost festival, people often try to break in to steal treasures. That’s all...”

What no one knew was that Nandini harbored a secret. Hidden from view was the young Prince Aarav, whom many believed had perished during the war.

Outside the conference room, Harsh, Nandini’s loyal servant, quietly carried the young Prince away from the chaos. He placed Aarav on a lavish bed draped in soft silk, carefully creating a barrier around him to ensure he couldn’t escape. Harsh then replaced the low-level ghosts who were supposed to guard the prince, ensuring the boy remained safe until the threat outside had passed.