Arishtak’s confidence unraveled like a frayed rope as he faced the towering form of Narsimha. The fierce deity, clad in a lion's visage, radiated an aura of unyielding power. The moment Narsimha’s eyes locked onto him, a primal fear clawed at Arishtak's heart, constricting his throat and sapping his strength.

Gone was the bravado that had emboldened him; he now stood like a shadow before a blinding light. Krishneshwari, cradled in Narsimha’s protective embrace, clung to him as if he were her very breath. The girl's tears glimmered like pearls, illuminating her reverence and pleading for protection. They rolled down her cheeks, not just in relief but in awe of the divine presence that had materialized before her.

The Asur who once reveled in terror now stood paralyzed, his mind racing with the consequences of his actions. He had dared to challenge the divine, and now he faced a ferocious protector. Krishneshwari’s gaze was entranced by the god before her, his fierce visage morphing into a symbol of hope.

As Narsimha stepped forward, the air around him crackled with divine energy. His lion-like mane surged, radiating an aura of unimaginable power. Each step resonated with authority, causing the ground to tremble beneath him. Arishtak, who had been a formidable force moments ago, now cowered like a cornered animal, his eyes wide with terror.

The Asura stumbled backward, desperation clawing at his heart as he sought to escape the wrath of the deity. But with one swift motion, Narsimha seized Arishtak by the neck, his long, sharp nails piercing the Asura's flesh, drawing forth crimson streams.

Narsimha’s roar erupted from his throat like thunder, echoing through the forest, a declaration of righteous fury. The sound was both terrifying and magnificent, drowning out Arishtak’s frantic screams. Krishneshwari watched in awe as Narsimha held her captor in thrall, her fear transformed into admiration.

Arishtak’s scream pierced the air, a raw cry of terror as he realized his doom. With a swift, powerful motion, Narsimha ripped through Arishtak’s neck. Krishneshwari closed her eyes, an ecstatic smile breaking through her fear.

As Arishtak’s lifeless body hit the ground with a heavy thud, the temple air shifted, thick with an ethereal energy. Narsimha, his expression resolute, raised his hand, the blood that had stained his palm shimmering briefly before vanishing like mist under the sun. The lifeless form of Arishtak dissipated into the air, scattered like ashes on the wind, leaving no trace of the terror that had just befallen the princess.

Krishneshwari, still enveloped in the warmth of Narsimha's presence, slowly opened her eyes, her heart filled with peace. Narsimha's gaze pierced through her fear, a storm of divine fury flickering in his eyes, yet there was an unmistakable softness that soothed her trembling heart. It was as if he understood her plight.

With a tender grace, Narsimha reached out, his immense hand cradling her cheek, the warmth of his divine presence enveloping her like a tender embrace. Krishneshwari instinctively held onto his hand, grounding herself in the reality of his protection. Tears streamed down her cheeks, a mixture of relief and gratitude, as she sobbed blissfully.

Narsimha softened further as he observed her. The divine fury that had sparked in his gaze dimmed into a profound compassion. He felt her sorrow, her joy, and the weight of her innocence.

With the gentleness of a father, he brushed away her tears, his touch feather-light yet firm. The sharpness of his long nails was a whisper of danger, yet he navigated her skin with the utmost care, mindful of her fragility.

The softness of his gesture brought a smile amidst her tears, and in that moment, she felt an overwhelming sense of safety. Then, with an unexpected playfulness, Narsimha leaned closer, his tongue, long and agile, extended to lick her cheeks clean of her tears. The sensation was surprising yet not unpleasant, and Krishneshwari giggled, the sound echoing in the sacred space. His tongue swept across her face, leaving trails of laughter in its wake.

She instinctively joined her hands in a gesture of reverence, her heart bursting with divine ecstasy. As Narsimha lowered Krishneshwari to her feet, the air around them shimmered with an otherworldly glow. She gazed up at the magnificent form of Narsimha, his fierce visage softened by an inexplicable warmth that enveloped her.

He turned to the altar, where radiant fruits rested, freshly offered by the local priests that very morning. With powerful grace, he picked an apple, its red skin glistening in the dim light. He took one bite, testing its sweetness, and then extended it toward her.

Krishneshwari's eyes widened in surprise and joy as she accepted the offering, her small hands wrapping around the fruit. She took a hesitant bite, and a smile spread across her face as the flavors burst in her mouth.

Tears brimmed in her eyes as a smile spread across her lips.

"Aap sadev Mera rakshan aise kyu karte hai ?" She asked, her voice trembling with emotion. "T-Tatparya ki.... Aap bahut se pathit vyaktiyo ki sahayata karte hai, kintu aapke avtaro ke darshan ka saubhagya mujhe hi praapt kyu hai ?"

Narsimha's fierce visage softened, a gentle smile breaking through the divine fury in his eyes. "Kyuki tum Krishneshwari ho." he replied, his voice a deep, rumbled like thunder, that resonated through the temple.

A frown creased her brow, confusion shadowing her joy. "Kaun hai Krishneshwari jiski prashansa sab karte hai ? Kaun hai woh jisse sab aas lagaye baithe hai ? Kyuki woh Krishneshwari mai toh nahi hu."

Narsimha’s gaze bore into her, filled with divine compassion. "Iska uttar toh tumhe swayam dhundhna hai, Krishneshwari." He said.

The princess lowered her head, pondering his words. The weight of her perceived unworthiness pressed against her heart.

"Kintu kaise-" She looked up again, but her breath caught in her throat. Narsimha had transformed back into the stone statue, his fierce demeanor now immobile yet eternally watchful.

Her eyes widened in shock, confusion swirling within her. The warmth of their shared moment lingered, but the realization sank in—she was alone once more, left to unravel the mystery of who she truly was. But then, a smile broke through, illuminating her face.

She turned and stepped outside the temple, her heart lighter, her spirit invigorated. As she made her way back to the royal encampment, the forest around her seemed to shimmer with newfound life, echoing the sacred connection she now cherished.

The once-terrifying experience faded into a sweet memory, leaving her aglow with wonder. The vibrant colors of the forest enveloped her, each rustle of leaves echoing Narsimha's protective presence. She felt lighter, as if the warmth of his touch lingered on her cheeks. The sun's rays danced playfully on her skin, igniting a sense of joy within her.

Reaching the encampment, the familiar sight of tents and her friends came into view. A flurry of excitement erupted when they spotted her.

"Rajkumari ! Hum aapko dhundh hi nahi paaye !" They exclaimed, rushing toward her.

Krishneshwari chuckled, a light, airy sound that seemed to shimmer in the air. She simply shrugged, her heart still buoyant.

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A/N

Oooooh the ecstasy 😭✨
I feel so blissful just by writing this chapter ❤️

ALSO !
*puts a tick on Narsimha's name*
*Scratches Arishtak's name* 🌝