The golden warriors escorted Mishka and Varun through the grandeur of Divyanchal, the royal city shimmering under the noon sun. The streets echoed with celebration as banners waved in honor of Swarnaprabha's birthday, golden torches lighting the courtyards.
Upon entering the royal courtroom, Swarnaprabha's eyes fell on the newcomers. Her gaze sharpened, immediately recognizing them as Reevavanshi witch hunters. "Stop!" she commanded, her voice ringing like a bell. "Release them!"
The warriors obeyed without question, stepping back and letting Mishka and Varun regain their footing.
Swarnaprabha led them through the palace corridors to her private chambers, the walls adorned with relics and ancient carvings of battles past. She turned to them, her eyes softening but filled with authority.
"I know why you are here," she said. "You seek the powers of Jishwa."
Mishka and Varun nodded in unison, their expressions determined. "Yes, Your Majesty. We need her powers to prevent the cataclysm."
Swarnaprabha shook her head slightly, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "You need not request it. This is not a favor. It is my duty, as guardian of Divyanchal, to pass the powers to those who can protect the world from annihilation. Follow me, and I will guide you."
Meanwhile, far from the celebration, Kiara, Yuvaan, and Angad stood before the gaping mouth of a cave nestled at the edge of the dense forest. Stalactites hung like jagged teeth, and the wind whistled ominously through its dark entrance.
Yuvaan stretched his shoulders, the weight of the journey evident even on him. "This trek to Brahmansh… exhausting," he muttered, brushing dust off his cloak.
Kiara shot him a teasing glance. "Exhausting? You have powers, remember? You can fly, vanish, summon… anything. But we? We're barely surviving walking in your wake."
Angad chuckled. "Sister-in-law's right. Even the Warlock King needs a break."
Yuvaan smirked, brushing off their teasing. "Let me finish my complaints before you start mocking me. The cave doesn't care for powers. It tests you, all of you, and it won't let anyone take the easy path."
Kiara's eyes narrowed. "Then let's hope our happiness and courage are strong enough to face whatever is inside."
Yuvaan's crimson gaze softened, just slightly, as he glanced at her. "Come on, wifey. This is just the beginning. The real trials are waiting ahead."
The three stepped forward, shadows stretching behind them, as the cave seemed to swallow their forms into darkness.
The mouth of the cave loomed before them, dark and foreboding. As Kiara, Yuvaan, and Angad stepped inside, a sudden surge of unseen force threw them violently apart.
Kiara hit the cold stone floor with a harsh thud, the air crackling around her. She scrambled to her feet, only to realize she was completely alone in a chamber bathed in an ethereal, shifting light. The walls seemed alive, humming with ancient energy, and the air weighed heavily on her chest.
Yuvaan landed in a jagged chamber far from hers. His crimson eyes opened slowly, scanning the darkness. He flexed his wings, sensing the oppressive power of the cave pressing against him, aware that this separation was no accident.
Angad stumbled into a third chamber, dust swirling around him. He looked around, noticing the shadows moving unnaturally along the walls. He had no weapons, no powers like Yuvaan or Kiara's reevavanshi blood—but his determination burned brightly.
None of them could hear one another. The cave had stripped away their usual safety nets: no words, no calls for help. Only their own wits and courage could carry them forward.
Kiara steadied her trembling hands. "I have to get through this. For him, for everyone," she whispered to herself.
Yuvaan's jaw clenched as he rose, crimson eyes glowing faintly. "They think separating us will weaken me… they're about to learn exactly who I am."
Angad's fists tightened. "I don't have powers like them, but I'm not giving up. Not now."
The cave pulsed and twisted around them, corridors shifting as if alive, ancient energy testing their hearts, minds, and resolve. Alone, each had to face trials designed for their fears, strengths, and weaknesses.
Three separated paths, three unique challenges—but one destination: the power of Jishwa.