As the last echoes of Hana's retreating footsteps faded, the world around them seemed to still. The night was thick with tension, the cool Indian air swirling around them as Disha and Hoseok remained in their embrace. His heart pounded against her cheek, steady and alive, a reminder that despite everything, they were still standing—together.

Disha pulled back just enough to look up at him. She was bruised, dirty, but more beautiful to Hoseok than ever. There was fire in her eyes, a spark of something untouchable—something that no amount of danger could extinguish.

"Are you really okay?" Hoseok asked softly, his voice rough with emotion. His thumb brushed gently over her bruised cheekbone, and she leaned into the touch, craving the warmth and comfort he offered.

Disha let out a breathless laugh, her trademark sarcasm back in full force. "I've survived bad coffee and brutal exams. This? Just a bump in the road."

Hoseok's lips quirked into a small smile, but his eyes held something deeper—an intensity that made Disha's heart skip a beat. "You always act like you're indestructible," he whispered. "Like nothing can ever hurt you. But I know the truth."

His words hit her harder than any punch she'd taken tonight. Disha opened her mouth to shoot back another witty retort, but the look on his face stopped her cold. There was something raw in his expression—something that made her throat tighten.

"I'm not indestructible, Hoseok," she said softly, for once dropping the sarcasm. "But with you... I feel like I can survive anything."

Hoseok's breath hitched, his hand cupping her cheek as he gazed down at her with an intensity that stole her breath. "I don't want you to just survive, Disha. I want you to live—to be happy. And I want to be the reason for that happiness."

Her heart stuttered in her chest as his words sank in. The air between them felt electric, charged with everything that had been left unsaid for too long.

"Hoseok," she murmured, her voice trembling. "What are you saying?"

He took a step closer, his forehead resting against hers. "I'm saying that I love you, Disha. I've loved you since the moment I realized how fearless and strong you are—how you face the world with that sarcastic smile, even when it tries to knock you down."

Disha's breath caught in her throat. She stared up at him, her heart racing, but the fear she had felt earlier was gone. All that remained was him—Hoseok. The man who had fought by her side, who had risked everything for her, who was now confessing his love in the middle of chaos.

"I love you too," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I love you so much, it scares me."

Hoseok's lips curved into a soft smile, his thumb tracing the outline of her lips. "I'm scared too," he admitted. "But for the first time, I'm not running from it."

His confession was like a balm to her soul, and for a moment, the rest of the world faded away. It was just the two of them—tangled in a moment of vulnerability and truth. Disha leaned up on her tiptoes, her lips brushing softly against his in a kiss that felt like coming home.

It wasn't urgent or desperate, but slow and tender—like they had all the time in the world. The intensity of everything that had happened melted away in that kiss, replaced by the simple, undeniable fact that they were meant to be.

But the moment was shattered by a sharp, echoing laugh.

They turned to see Hana standing at the edge of the alleyway, her eyes dark with fury. She had clearly regrouped, flanked by more Nightshade agents, their presence a stark reminder that this wasn't over.

"Touching," Hana sneered, her eyes flashing with malice. "But love won't save you now."

Disha tensed, but before she could respond, Hoseok took her hand, his grip strong and steady. "It's not just love that's going to take you down, Hana."

Hana's eyes narrowed, but Hoseok's attention was no longer on her. He turned to Disha, pulling something from his pocket—a small, ancient-looking pendant that glowed faintly in the dim light.

The artifact.

Disha's eyes widened. "That's..."

"It's the one thing Hana didn't count on," Hoseok said, his voice filled with determination. "This artifact isn't just a relic. It holds power—power that can end this."

Hana's expression darkened, the confidence she had worn like armor cracking for the first time. "You don't even know how to use it," she hissed.

"Maybe not," Hoseok shot back, his voice unwavering. "But Disha does."

Disha blinked, stunned. "What? How could I—?"

"You've always been more than you realize," Hoseok said, his eyes locked on hers. "You're connected to this, Disha. It's in your blood—your spirit."

Disha's mind raced, but before she could question further, Hoseok pressed the artifact into her hand. The moment it touched her skin, a surge of warmth spread through her, like a pulse of energy coming to life.

It was overwhelming at first—the sheer force of the power contained within the pendant. But then, as if some long-dormant instinct kicked in, Disha understood. She didn't know how she knew, but she did.

She could end this.

"You were always destined for something greater, Disha," Hoseok whispered, his eyes shining with pride. "You just didn't see it."

Disha swallowed hard, the weight of his words sinking in. She glanced down at the pendant, feeling its power thrumming in her veins, and then looked up at Hana. The fear she had felt before was gone—replaced by a quiet, steely resolve.

"This ends now, Hana," Disha said, her voice calm but full of authority.

Hana's eyes flickered with uncertainty, but she sneered, refusing to back down. "You think you can stop me? With some old relic and a few pretty words?"

Disha tightened her grip on the pendant, feeling its energy surge in response to her determination. "I don't think," she said softly, stepping forward. "I know."

With a single motion, Disha raised the pendant, focusing all of her will, all of her strength into it. The air around them crackled with energy, the artifact glowing brighter and brighter until it was blinding.

Hana's eyes widened in fear, her confidence finally shattering. "No—!"

But it was too late.

The artifact's power erupted in a brilliant wave of light, enveloping Hana and the Nightshade agents. There was a moment of pure, deafening silence, and then—just like that—they were gone.

The alley was quiet, the tension that had once filled the air now replaced by a strange sense of peace.

Disha stood there, breathing hard, her hand still clutching the pendant. Hoseok stepped up beside her, wrapping his arms around her from behind, pulling her close.

"You did it," he murmured, his voice full of awe.

Disha let out a shaky breath, leaning back into him, her heart pounding with the enormity of what had just happened. "We did it."

And as they stood there, bathed in the aftermath of their victory, they both knew that whatever came next, they would face it—together.

Author's Note:

Hey lovely readers!

Wow, what a ride it's been, right? We're nearing the climax, and I hope you're feeling all the emotions—because I certainly am! 

I can't believe we're almost at the end, with only two more chapters left. That's right! This story has taken some wild twists and turns, and I'm beyond grateful for all your support and feedback along the way.

But the journey isn't over just yet! 

There are still secrets to uncover, hearts to protect, and battles to be fought. And trust me, you won't want to miss what's coming next—it's going to be intense, emotional, and yes, a little bit sassy (because Disha wouldn't have it any other way)!

As we approach the end, I'd love to hear your thoughts—what are your theories? How do you think things will wrap up for Disha, Hoseok, and this tangled web of secrets? 

Let me know in the comments below, and don't forget to share the love!

Thank you all for sticking with me through this journey, and I can't wait for you to see how it all ends.

Much love