Sunlight streamed through the curtains, spilling over the bed where Yuvaan lay half-awake, his shirt discarded in sleep. The quiet hum of the mansion contrasted sharply with the storm of last night's events.
He stirred and caught sight of Kiara in front of the mirror, drying her hair. The soft morning light kissed her features, and a small, genuine smile curved his lips.
Sliding out of the bed in just his underpants, he approached her quietly, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind. "Morning, wifey," he murmured, his lips brushing the side of her neck.
Kiara stiffened for a second before relaxing into his warmth. "Morning," she replied, though her tone carried a hint of exasperation at his sudden embrace.
Yuvaan chuckled and leaned closer, his voice teasing. "So… did you enjoy last night? Finally becoming one," he whispered, the words laced with mischief.
Kiara smirked over her shoulder, her voice playful but feigned indifference. "It was… fine."
Yuvaan's eyes narrowed theatrically. "Really? 'It was fine'… that's all you have to say?" His tone was mock-offended, a teasing glint in his crimson gaze. "I've had… experience with many women, and they'd give anything to feel what we felt."
Kiara's eyebrows shot up, and without missing a beat, she jabbed him lightly in the stomach. "Jealous much?" she teased, shaking her head. "Why don't you go to them then?"
He feigned a dramatic clutch to his chest. "Jealousy is harmful, wifey. Very harmful. And you… you're the only one I care about," he said, his tone softening as he pressed a kiss to her temple.
Kiara rolled her eyes, trying to hide her smile, and shook her head. "You're impossible," she muttered, then tossed the towel over her shoulder and went downstairs, leaving Yuvaan smirking in the morning light.
He called after her, still grinning, "Just remember… I'm impossible in all the right ways."
The mansion, though still shadowed by the night's darkness, felt lighter, warmer—a small, stolen moment of joy amidst chaos.
Kiara carefully made her way to the temple, her feet still tender from last night's ordeal. The soft fragrance of incense filled the room, mingling with the gentle glow of the morning lamps.
"Moti baa… Mom… Aunt…" she greeted, bowing slightly before Chandrika, Bhoomi, and Susheela. "Good morning."
Chandrika's eyes shimmered with relief as she held Kiara's hands. "Har har Mahadev… thank God, Kiara. You gave us strength, and you gave yourself courage. May the battle truly be over now."
Bhoomi smiled warmly, pulling her daughter-in-law close. "You've made us proud, Kiara. Last night, you saved more than just Yuvaan—you saved our family."
Susheela nodded, joining in the prayers. "Your devotion, Kiara… may Lord Shiva bless you always."
Kiara returned to her place beside them, bowing her head in respect and joining the morning puja, whispering her own prayers for Yuvaan, their family, and the world.
The peaceful moment was interrupted by the sound of the main doors opening. Varun and Mishka stepped inside, their expressions grave.
"Battle's far from over," Varun said, his voice low but firm, as they walked toward the temple.
The family immediately stood, moving to greet them. Varun approached Kiara first, folding her in a protective hug. "Chutki!" he said softly, relief evident in his voice. Mishka followed, smiling at the reunion.
Kiara hugged her brother tightly, feeling a surge of comfort and reassurance. "I'm glad you're here," she whispered.
Varun nodded toward the elders. "Good morning, moti baa, ma'am, aunt," he greeted respectfully, bowing slightly.
Chandrika's eyes softened at the sight. "You've come at the right time," she said. "It seems peace is still a fleeting visitor, but we are ready for whatever comes next."
Mishka gently squeezed Kiara's shoulder. "You did well last night. But we must stay vigilant—Taamsi and the darkness will not rest easily."
Kiara nodded, her gaze drifting to the temple altar. "We'll face it. Together."
The soft morning light fell over the gathered family, their hands clasped in prayer, but their hearts braced for the trials still to come.
Varun's expression grew serious as he addressed the family. "The real battle is yet to come," he said, his eyes meeting each of them in turn. "The great eclipse is the day after tomorrow."
Chandrika frowned, worry etching her face. "The great eclipse… what's going to happen then?"
Varun took a deep breath. "It's the day of the Reevavanshi and the Kaal Vansh will wage war against each other."
Gasps rippled through the room. Bhoomi tightened her hands together, and Susheela leaned forward.
"War… against each other?" Kiara asked, disbelief and dread lacing her voice.
"Yes," Varun continued. "On that day, a very dark and powerful weapon—the Dark Stronghold—will be sought. The Dark Abyss in the mountains of Paanchgiri opens during the eclipse. If the dark forces seize it… they could bring cataclysm, ending the world. That's why we Reevavanshi fight, to stop them at all costs."
Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed from the staircase. Yuvaan casually descended, an apple in his hand, as if morning sunlight held no consequence to him.
"Now, you have the support of their king… or I could say former king," Yuvaan said with a smirk, tossing the apple lightly in his hand. "I must have been dethroned by now, I suppose."
Varun shot him a pointed look. "It's true, you are with us. But even with your strength, we still need one crucial person."
Yuvaan raised an eyebrow, leaning casually against the railing. "Oh? And who might that be, my least favorite?"
Mishka's voice cut in firmly. "Jishwa."
The room fell silent at the name. Even Yuvaan's smirk faltered for a fraction of a second.
Kiara's heart sank, remembering the girl whose very existence was intertwined with the fate of the Reevavanshi. "Jishwa… she's the key?" she whispered.
Varun nodded gravely. "Without her, even with Yuvaan by our side, the Dark Stronghold cannot be stopped. We need her powers, her presence… she's the balance."
Yuvaan's eyes glinted crimson, a dangerous mix of amusement and calculation. "So… the one person I least enjoy, is the one who can save the world," he mused, biting into his apple.
Kiara's fists clenched. "Then we must find her… before the eclipse."
The room was heavy with tension, the calm of the morning shattered by the looming shadow of the coming war.