The sun was sinking low behind the jagged cliffs when Krishn arrived at the entrance of the warrior clan’s hidden sanctuary. The gifted cave kins had always been a mystery—fierce, remote, and unforgiving to outsiders. But today, all Krishn could think of nothing but his sister. Adrika was here, somewhere beyond these walls, recovering from the injuries that had nearly claimed her life. Their escorts from city of seasons were held at the entry point only they got to go in.

    Beside him, Leo and Emma exchanged uneasy glances. This was no place for outsiders, let alone those who hailed from the capital. But Mads, ever steady, stood unmoved by the tension in the air, his gaze sharp, focused only on the task ahead: finding Adrika.

Krishn’s boots scraped against the stone as he, Mads, Leo, and Emma approached the entrance, a massive stone archway guarded by men with hard eyes and scarred faces. The leader of the guards stepped forward, broad-shouldered and severe. They knew of him as the leader of the clan. He had his long salt and paper locks in intricate braids.

"You're the ones who’ve come for the queen," he said, his voice rough and thunderous. "The clan doesn't forget who gave them these lands. But don’t think our loyalty to her extends to you."

Krishn met his gaze with an easy grin. "We are. It seems word of our arrival preceded us."

The leader let out a rough laugh, glancing at his men. "Come, then. If it weren’t for her, you'd never set foot past this gate."

He turned and led them through the narrow entrance, into the heart of the mountain where the cave kin lived. The torches that lined the passage flickered in the windless air, casting a warm glow on the walls carved by hand over the years.

"I get the feeling they don’t like us much." As they descended, Leo muttered under his breath,

"Just keep quiet, Leo. They’ll throw us out if they don’t kill us first." Emma shot him a sharp look.

           At last, they reached a wide chamber where the scent of herbs hung heavy in the air. The leader stopped at the entrance, turning to face them.

“The queen and her boy are inside. They’ve been through hell, but she’s strong. She always was.”

Krishn nodded, his throat tight as he stepped forward. The leader’s hand shot out, gripping his shoulder. “Remember this,” the man said, his voice low. “We owe her everything. We may not care for the rest of your kind, but she will always have our loyalty.”

Krishn spread his hands, his smile never faltering. "We’re not strangers. I’m her brother, Krishn. You may not care for most from the capital, but we’re here to thank the people who saved my sister’s life. You’ve done more than we could ever repay."

           The chamber was dimly lit, the flickering torchlight casting long shadows across the stone walls. Krishn stepped inside first, his breath catching at the sight of his sister. Adrika was lying on a bed made of furs and blankets, her once regal form thinner, her skin pale from the ordeal. Her eyes, however, were sharp, filled with the fire that had never left her. But when she saw Krishn, that fire flickered, her breath catching as her brother crossed the room to her side. She sat up.

"Bhrata Krishn," she whispered, her voice breaking, a tear slipping down her cheek.

Without a word, Krishn knelt beside her, his warm hands taking hers, his usual charm replaced by the quiet intensity of love. He wiped the tear from her face gently, his thumb lingering on her cheek. "I’m here, Adrike. I’m here."

    The tears came harder then, her body shaking with the weight of everything she had been holding back. She gripped his hand tightly, her other hand covering her face as sobs tore through her. Krishn wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into him, letting her cry, her breath coming in jagged gasps as the weeks of fear and pain spilled out. He was the only one she had ever allowed to see her this way, and in his arms, the strong queen became just his sister again.

"I almost lost my boy. He is... Not well." She said. She was just eager to spill everything infront of her brother.

"As much as I hate to say it these barbarians have good potions. I have seen him way to here. He’s recovering, Adrika. He’s stronger than you think. Just like his mother.” Mads said immediately fearing Adrika didn't get to see Aadi yet.

Adrika pulled back slightly, just enough to look into her brother's eyes, her face streaked with tears. "Jay... he’s gone."

This was unexpected for everyone. They just thought he had been lurking in the corner and any moment now would wobble into the room with his dramatic walk and exasperated sigh.

" He fought Juro’s army to get me and Aadi away. I begged him to come with us, but he wouldn’t... He wouldn’t leave." Her voice broke again, and she swallowed hard. "He died to save us."

The room was silent except for the crackle of the torches and the sound of her sobs. Krishn tightened his grip on her hands, his heart heavy with grief.

"He was a warrior, Adrika. He died protecting you, just as he wanted to. His sacrifice wasn’t in vain." He comforted her.

"Krishn!!... May I?" Emma asked and he let her sit at his place.

“Darling, I don’t know whether to hug you or slap you,” Emma said, her tone sharp but playful. “You’ve been through hell, but you still manage to pull off that ‘queen in distress’ look.”

Adrika let out a breathless laugh, shaking her head. “Emma...”

Emma clicked her tongue, crouching down beside her. “No, don’t you ‘Emma’ me. You scared the life out of me, babe. You and my godson." She reached out, taking Adrika’s hand with a firm grip, though her voice softened. "I thought I was going to lose you both.”

Adrika’s eyes filled with tears again. “Aadi... I didn’t know if—”

Emma held up a perfectly manicured hand. “Stop right there. He’s a fighter, just like his mother. And you know me—I wouldn’t let anything happen to him. We’ve been keeping an eye on him like he’s the damn prince of the realm, which, you know, he kind of is.”

Adrika blinked through her tears, a small, relieved laugh escaping her. “Thank you, Emma. You always know how to make me laugh.”

Emma flipped her hair over her shoulder, her grin dazzling but sharp. “Of course, darling. That’s what I do—save the day and look fabulous doing it.” She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a more serious tone. “And your baby? He’s safe. Sky’s taking care of him like the boss he is. We’ve all got this covered.”

Adrika’s breath hitched, her relief palpable. “I don’t know what I’d do without you."

"Good thing you don't have to find out. Now I'm going to give these cave men some lectures about fashion. How dare they dress you in rags.. Krishna, Leo come with me. Let's give Maddie some time with Rika." She said pushing Krishna out with her.

         Adrika raised an eyebrow and glanced at Leo, who stood beside her, his arms crossed but his expression caught somewhere between admiration and confusion.

“Leo,” Adrika said quietly, a note of amusement in her voice, “how is she so comfortable here? It’s her first time in Island, yet she’s acting like she owns the place.”

“I... I don’t know, I mean, that’s Emma—she can blend in anywhere. But this? It’s like she knows every corner of this place.” Leo blinked, his brow furrowing.

“You sound suspicious.”

Leo looked at Adrika, his shock deepening. “I mean, I’ve seen her talk her way out of anything, but this feels... different. Are you sure this is her first time here?”

          At that moment Emma called for him again so he gave Adrika a hug before going out. Adrika turned to Mads who had been standing beside the other side of the bed, patiently waiting. He came to her and sat down. The bond between Her and Nakul have finally severed. The child was born. Nakul would always her first love. But he was dead and centuries have been passed. She looked up at him, her eyes full of love, and the fragile hope that had been buried under the weight of everything she had lost. She clutched his hand, her breath still shaky.

"I was so afraid, Mads. Every moment, I thought I’d lose Aadi, that I’d never see you again. I’ve been so scared."

Her voice faltered, but Mads gently silenced her with a kiss on her forehead.

“I know,” he whispered, his hand holding hers as if it were the only thing keeping them grounded. “I love you, too.”

        Adrika's welcome in city of seasons was unexpected by all of them. By the time they reached the news of the legend returning was already spread. As Adrika entered the City of Seasons, a wave of awe swept through the crowd. Her name had never faded, whispered in prayers and woven into the fabric of the city's very being. To them, she was more than a legend—she was the creator, the deity who had once shaped their world and vanished, only to return centuries later. The streets were alive with celebration, banners in the colors of different clans draped across the buildings, crowds gathering to catch a glimpse of the one they had worshipped for generations.

Children held flowers from the gardens she had planted long ago, their petals still vibrant with life. The elders, eyes wide with reverence, knelt as she passed, whispering stories of the goddess who had built the city with her own hands. Every corner echoed with songs sung in her honor, and statues of her likeness adorned the plazas, freshly garlanded for her arrival.

The city had changed, but the devotion remained unwavering. Faces she had never known smiled at her with the same love and awe that she had once inspired, as if her presence had been woven into their lives for centuries. In their eyes, her return wasn’t just a miracle—it was the fulfillment of a promise, the return of their goddess to the city she had blessed long ago. She was indeed home.

     When she reached the entrance of her home and elderly woman who was said to be the caretaker of the royal family welcomed them. Sam and Dean came rushing. Looking like literal prince, both of them. The clothes of Island seem to look good on them. Dean first hugged her then Aadi. Kissing his forehead, muttering about scaring him to death. Sam followed soon.

"Seems like we have celebreating lamp festival early."

     Adrika turned to face Sky from the window of her chamber looking at the city celebrating. Her heart stopped. For a moment she felt Nakul was infront of him. Wearing dress from Island and royal jewels he looked the replica of her husband. He had the baby with him. She rushed to take him.

"Did you miss me? Right.. oh my God!! I'm so sorry Mera bachha!!"

"He did missed you." Sky said as they both sat side by side on the bed.

"But he has to get used to me not being around sky." She said holding the baby close. "Rehna to ise tumhare pas hai."
(He has to stay with you.)

"Adrika..."

"I haven't forgotten my promise Sky. I will bring your wife back and my concious may die in her. So.. for now.. give me a promise." Sky nodded with distress. "Promise me that you will take great care of this child. You will do anything to preserve his morals..."

"I don't understand..."

"Promise me you won't let my Son to be the evil for which another Adrika or Krishn have to be born."

"I promise." Sky said. "I promise I'll do anything to avoid your greatest fear." He pulled both of them in a hug.

           It was later Adrika finally revealed to the people of the court of Island about their motive and the dangers of Juro getting his hands on her infant son. They were informed that the child is born without any morals and empathy but with tremendous power. So letting him be manipulated by Juro could be catastrophic. Adrika desired to get the dagger that could kill him. Which they have already gotten out of its permanent resting place. She took it in hand and instantly felt pain.

"The memory is fresh Bhrata Krishn." Adrika murmured gripping the blade tightly.

"Our main focus would be getting to Juro with the dagger before he could get to the kid." Dean said.

"Don't worry about that. The kid won't be around here." Krishn said.

"But Juro can feel his energy. If we shift him he will know." Leo retorted back.

Adrika immediately understood what her brother has in mind, "we won't move Advit until the war has been started. Once it is. Although Juro knows he won't be able to leave. Moreover, we won't let him leave."

"Precisely! And I have just the person in mind who can move Advit." Krishn said smirking.

"Adri!!" They all turned to see Adrika's parents came in. Adrika run to her father.

"I hope we aren't late. Jay ka voicemail Mila. We treated the boy too harshly." Mr. Chauhan said. (We got Jay's voice mail)

"You are just in time Kakashree." Krishn said as he walked up to them to hug him, then Nivedita.

"Khush Rahiye. I'm fighting right." She asked.

"I wouldn't dream of going to war without you Mata" Krishn joked. "Kakashree will take our little prince out once the war started."

"The army is ready, my queen. We are just waiting to finish this evil once and for all." An islander said.

"Wait shall we do." Adrika said looking at the horizon.
    
              They waited for the battle to come to them. And it did. 7 days later. They had perfected their battle strategy by then. Unlike Juro's army who had numbers but not much direction. Aadi took charge of the Island army with Mads. Leo was with other wizards. Although Krishn was with Adrika, everyone knew he would not fight unless necessary. Nivedita and Emma was on the other side of the army. The battlefield was a mess of clashing steel, fire, and magic, filling the air with roars, screams, and the crackling of power. Juro stood in the center, towering over his army of witches, wizards, hunters, and vampires. He was covered in a thick, shadowy aura that seemed to absorb light itself, making him almost untouchable. Their plan was to get to him as soon as possible.
  
      On the other hand Suryavir left holding the baby to his chest wrapped in a baby wrape. They were taking the jungle route. As expected some of the Juro 's force were after them but they were no match for him. While taking care of the last of them he put the baby on a rock. The infant was laughing watch him fight. He came to him after he was done. He took off his shirt to put on new one.

"Your mother was right. You have no empathy or concept of fear at all. You are going to be a difficult child to raise after all." He checked on him and put on a cap on the baby to protect him from the wind. "Alright. Let's run. We have at least a day before we could get any civilization. And we need to get their before we ran out of your food, more importantly your diapers."

       Battle on the other hand was going furious. Juro's army managed to keep him out of their reach. Adrika, frustrated by this, used her most powerful move. She started swimming Wind and life force around her to attack all of the enemy army at once, and her forces broke through, decimating Juro’s army. The remaining vampires, hunters, and dark wizards scattered, many retreating, their numbers cut down by Leo’s spells, Mads’s ferocity, and Emma’s relentless attacks.

They knew they would get Juro one way or other now. But amid the victory, a shout went up. Aadi was missing.

Adrika’s heart sank as she searched the battlefield. Then Juro’s voice, dark and triumphant, boomed through the air. In the distance, they saw Aadi bound and held by Juro’s followers, his flames extinguished, struggling against their grip.

Juro sneered, his eyes gleaming with the satisfaction of this final move. “Come to me, Adrika,” he called, his voice filled with dark promise. “Or your son pays the price.”

With a look of cold fury, Adrika stepped forward, her power thrumming as she prepared to face Juro alone. Emma yelled for Krishn to do something but he just looked ahead.

"If any of you take a mere step forward I'll snap the boy's neck." Juro threatened making all of them stop. "Come darling." Adrika looked back as if saying all of them to back off. Once she reached him. He smiled at her. "Hi love.. so where is our son?"

"He isn't yours. And never will be." Adrika whispered with gritted teeth.

"He will. So will you. Do you know what I was doing,when you were running around planning all this. Finding this place so you can hide my son from me?" He chuckled. Adrika looked confused. "I made memory wiper. I will erase all the memories of you about your past and you will feel like you are born again. With clean slet. And you have already seen how convincing I am to make you believe that no one can love me more than me.. because it's true. With no memories of Nakul or Mads.. it will be easy for you to love me as well." He hold her by waist to emphasize his words.

"You are sick." Adrika said disgusted by his rambling.

"You won't be able to remember this anyways. Now that I have you and with Aadi in my custody there is nothing you can do."

"I'll kill you."

"You wish you can but your brother's curs....."

        But his words cut out by a sharp pain. Astonished, he looked down to see a dagger went through this heart. He looked up to Adrika. Her face filled with Anger and disgust.

"Don't be so sure." She said pushing him down and immediately sending a force field to release Aadi.

      Everyone ran to them while Juro sat on a rock leaning against another.

"Good plan Adrika. Using Aadi as a bait. No way he could have seen that coming." Sam said. But Adrika sat down with Juro.

"Yah we are even now." Juro said in a wiesy voice pulling that dagger out of his chest. "My own. Poetic."

"Thanks. But it was like carmic. We had to go to literal hell and free a witch's soul for that information." Adrika said, Pulling an arrow head from her thigh that she was shot with during war. They both were talking like old friends.

"Is she going mad?" Emma asked Leo.

"Come on.. sit down. I'm dying. Let me have my last conversation in peace." Juro said slightly waving his hand. They all say down around them.

"What is your win Ashwatthama?" Krishn asked. "You aren't vindicated right now. There must be something."

"Her." He said leaning to Adrika. "I never had you. Never will. But no one of the two that got you loved you more than I do. Just now Mads didn't came to save you. Because he couldn't put Aadi in risk. They love their morals more than you. Ask your heart Adrika will any of them burn the world and watch it burn for you? I will. You may not want it but I will. They will sacrifice you for the world Adrika because they are good guys. But not me." He coughed some blood.

"Don't talk too much Kumar. It's hurting you." Adrika patted his thigh.

"Stop caring for me. I'm dying. You will hurt yourself. Hate me. It will help you."

"I don't. I can't hate you. Not anymore. All I'm feeling since I come here is anger and hate. I'm tired of it. and again, why would I hate a dying man."

"Mind that big heart of yours Adrika. Krishn... Krishn... You wanted to know my win right. This is my win. My love for your sister... (Cackle) My win is when the greatest lover of Adrika idivida will be mentioned it won't be the man she married or the warrior she died with, it won't be Nakul or Dristadyumn. it will be me. Always me.."

"Wow!!" Dean let out making Juro laugh.

"Now. I know I did a lot of sin but as I'm dying can you give a drop of that kid's blood. So I can heal and die as my original form. " He gasp out as the glamour charm was fading and his original pus covered rotten skin was showing slightly.

"Unfortunately that won't work.." krishn said. Juro looked at him and smiled

"Apki Leela samajhne ki mujh main samarthy nai hai.. aur ab toh samay vi nai hai... Adrika. I am sorry for everything." He said softly.

"Go to sleep Kumar."

      Adrika replied as she felt his head dropping to her shoulder. She also closed her eyes... Passing out.

AN

The end...
Not quite. next chapter will be some revelations and plot twists.

Stay tuned.

That pics collage is island fashion BTW.

Vote
Share
Comment

Love
Pragyna