The Child of Unnatural Time Devansh sat on a wooden bench placed upon the white marble floors of the Third Main Corridor of the palace. The bench stood near a closed door from which Yodhika’s cries echoed loudly. Inside the chamber, Yodhika lay on a vast bed while two doctors attended to her. One moved…

Meeting and Banquet Devansh sat on the edge of his bed, lost in thought. Yodhika stood before him, her head bowed. Devansh looked at Yodhika, his face a mix of anger and worry.“Are you sure?” he asked. “Yes,” she replied hesitantly. “How?” Yodhika raised her head and met his eyes. “I… I can’t say.” Devansh’s…

What Must be Done Yodhika stared at the floor, pacing from one wall to the other of her bedroom. Her movements were tense, uneven. She stopped near the calendar hanging beside the door. One date was circled in red. A week ago. Her breath hitched. It grew heavier with every second. This is impossible, she…

Bringing Them Together Rudhra changed into the clothes he had received as a replacement from the palace store and stepped outside. As he walked, something brushed against his thigh. He stopped. A sudden unease crept up his spine. Slowly, he slid his hand into his pocket. His fingers touched something small and solid. He wrapped…

Something Different King Devansh sat on the throne, his gaze sweeping across the gathered assembly. Along with the heads of the thirteen noble families, Ashura and his five squad leaders stood in attendance, flanked by Sabo, Dr. Chaithra, and Elder Jeron. Today, however, there was an additional presence—the Warden of the Amirthyas, Perumal Thirumurthy. Queen…

The Hum Dr. Chaithra pressed her fingers hard against the handle of her chair, tense. She took a few deep, silent breaths as she looked around the large meeting room in the basement of the palace. The attendees included Ashura, with his five squad leaders standing at a distance behind him, Sabo, Yodhika, and Adhrivan.…

An Unexpected Ally Rudhra walked through the streets of Avantaveera after training with Yodhika, earlier than usual. It was the fifteenth day since they had hatched their plan to save the Amirthyas. He glanced to his right. Mr. Raghav from Building C was buying meat from the town’s only meat vendor, Mr. Veda. The two…

Rudhra’s Hesitance Rudhra tore a piece of idli from his plate, dipped it into the tangy sambar his mother had prepared, and put it into his mouth. He glanced at the time. He had two more hours before he needed to be at Site A for training with Yodhika. For the past ten days, he…

A Vague Plan Rudhra paced impatiently around Site A, his hands clasped behind his back. His sword trembled at his side, echoing the unease running through his body. Yodhika finally stepped into Site A, her footsteps slow and measured. “Where were you?” Rudhra asked, worry sharp in his voice. “I needed more time,” Yodhika replied,…

Bitter Truth “Where are we going?” Rudhra asked as Yodhika led him out through the palace gates. She had covered her face with a black kerchief. “Just keep quiet and follow me.” Rudhra did as told, confusion etched across his face. “Do you know why Akira—your past King—trusted the Pranvars?” Yodhika asked as they walked.…