" LOVE: Universe's Most Confusing Emotion...
Can't Be Explained, Can't Be Verified, Can't Be Proved...
It Can Only Be Experienced...
Comes In All Forms And Directions...
Just Keep Your Heart ♥ Open...." 

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SHIVAAN'S POV 

" Where is he?" 

" In his room, sir. But the doctor warned that he has very less time left now."

I groaned, I knew that. Of course, I knew how much in pain he was. I wish I could help but I know I have failed. I have definitely failed him.

I rushed into his room. There he lay on his king-sized elegant bed. A diminutive figure, shriveled by the power of betrayal.

" Dad..." I called softly but loud enough to reach his ears.

" Son... " He whispered. I went closer and held his hand.

" I'm sorry Dad. I couldn't make it. I have failed you." A successful father's failure, that's all that I was. 

He slowly opened his eyes. I dismissed the others present inside the room.

" Shivaan, this was my destiny. But now it's your destiny to take over. I don't have much time left. The wounds are deep. Even without these, we knew I was running out of time. I'm lucky to die from the wounds of a weapon that has been my life than some bullshit cancer. I don't think I'll even make it through the night. " Despite his low voice, his aura made sure that he was in control. He has been in control of everything in his life. How ironic that something like death which is never in one's control was also in his control. 

" Dad... Please don't say this. You are the only one I've got in my life." It's hard to see the only person who loves you won't be there with you anymore. Life's a bitch. 

" And you are the only one from whom I've my hopes high. I trust you to do this task. Now, it's time. This is all for what you've been trained for your all life. Don't let all these scars and marks go to waste. Be proud of them as you were born for this son. "

All I did was nod. I might be a man but sometimes it's hard to not let those tears flow. 

" It's in your hands now. The legacy of 'Maliks'. You won't betray me, right? Like your mother betrayed us? " As he said that, my heart stung. 

It brought a lot of bitter memories back. The part of my life I hated the most. I wish I could erase it but I just couldn't. 
Some scars heal with time, but the ones in your heart are permanent. They never cease to be. 

" No, Dad. Never. I'll take revenge for all of this. I promise. I promise that I will get back what's ours. "

" I'm proud of you son. I know you won't betray your father who was always there for you. I don't think I will see the morning sun. The dark night shall have me. However, the fate of Red Dragons is yours and in your hands. I rest all my responsibilities on you. You are the leader of The Red Dragons. "

Saying so he handed me the Red Dragon's Golden Bracelet which was placed in a glass box and gave me as a keepsake. It was a legacy to be held by all the leaders. It has been in our family for generations along with the ring. He removed his golden ring and put it on the index finger of my right hand. Something of utter importance which will be there on my hand till I die. The gold bracelet had a red dragon carved on it. It was our seal. The ring was the symbol that I was the leader now. It was embossed with the same seal. It was fierce and powerful. Suddenly, I could feel its weight too. The responsibility was immense. 

" Son... Revenge is Utmost but Fight is a Compulsion. "

Saying so he closed his eyes. His hands were in my hand and then I knew his soul has left us. His time was up and now I am all alone. All alone in this world with a vengeance. 

Revenge is utmost.
Our fight hasn't ended.
It has just begun. And it was about to get more intense, nastier, and bloody. 

The culprit will be punished and revenge had to be taken.

The Red Dragons didn't get weak with Dad's dead but have only gotten stronger.

♣♣♣

NAIRA'S POV

"Naira..."

" Mom. Please don't stop me."

" But... Are you just leaving? Like a coward? In the middle of the night?"

" It's not that I don't love you, Mom. But, now I don't have anyone left here. I have lost everything. You too have lost everything. I have lost everyone here whom I loved and who truly loved me. There is no point in looking back. "

" But... I am here. Your Dad is here. Are you leaving us because of his one mistake? "

" One Mistake? Mom... That mistake has taken a toll on our life. Don't you remember what happened with Jake? I can't forget it. And I can't forgive him. Ever... He has ruined our life. He has ruined my life. Yours too."

" Are you really doing this to us? Are leaving your family? Running away from your responsibility... "

" Mom... I don't feel responsible anymore. I don't have much time. I have to go. And I never had a family. Do you remember the last time Dad called me his daughter? I know you don't.... "

" Will you ever come back?" She asked holding my hand before I would run away in the dark.

" Maybe never... I suggest you leave him too But I know you won't. Your love for him has blinded you from all the things he has done, Mom."  I replied ruefully.

" You'll realize honey... That nothing feels wrong with the person you love. Someday it will happen to you too and then you'll remember this. "

" No. It won't happen ever. It's never gonna happen to me. And I hate myself for being born in this family...''

" But... When your father will know......"

" He won't care Mom. He never does. I know even you don't care. Bye. Take care. Be happy and most importantly be safe."

Saying so I left. Not a single tear flowed down my eyes. Time has definitely made me strong. Perhaps stronger. I know I was a coward but sometimes it's better to be a coward than to witness your soul die in the hands of a murderer.

So, I ran, not looking back once to the life I lived for 19 years. For me, those 19 years were filled only with misery and hatred which grew more with every passing day. I was headed to start a new life.
I was going to do something that I always wanted to do.

As I stepped out of the iron gates the air felt fresh. It never felt this rejuvenating as if some weight was lifted off my heart. As I took another step forward, I didn't dare look back at the hell that I'd left. As I looked towards the sky it felt as if life still had meaning and I, a purpose.

♣♣♣

But, little did the girl with blue eyes and auburn hair know that her story hasn't ended with her running away it had just started. A story with a lot of unknown secrets. A story with a dark past awaits her. 

Little did the young man of 24 years know that a few years down the line he was gonna find himself in a situation where he'd have to choose between his duty and his heart. 

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Vruksha