The Secrets of the Elements

What next?

"Leaving the safety of these walls is risky, and venturing into the barren land seems equally dangerous," Advika concluded.

Maya, adopting a playful tone, responded with a hint of sarcasm. "Oh, absolutely! Practising within these four walls is the epitome of safety," she remarked, crossing her arms and flashing a mischievous smile. However, her gaze shifted to Advika's injured hand, causing her smile to fade slightly as she recognized the toll their journey had taken.

Tej's guilt resurfaced, weighing heavily on his conscience. He questioned his decision to proceed with the mission, the one that had brought them all together and led them down this path. Observing his friends engrossed in discussing their next steps, he couldn't help but wonder if he had made the right choice. They appeared genuinely committed, their enthusiasm evident, but deep down, Tej questioned the consequences of his actions.

"We need to prioritize our own protection," Maya asserted. "I'm familiar with a ritual that can help. Advika, you might also be aware of it."

Advika nodded, acknowledging Maya's suggestion. "Drawing the protection circle," she confirmed, a sense of urgency in her tone.

Maya stood up from her chair. "You're right. I should have done this earlier. But it's never too late," she acknowledged, taking responsibility for the delay. 

"There's no need to apologize, Maya," Zarna reassured her, interrupting her self-criticism. "We all make mistakes, and you couldn't have known that Tej would be affected..."

The sentence remained unfinished as the group paused, the weight of their recent experiences hanging in the air. They understood that mistakes happen, but the focus now lay on taking the necessary steps to safeguard themselves and rectify any oversights that may have occurred along the way.

"Zarna," Advika cut Zarna mid-sentence. "Sorry, I mean you didn't know we'd be bewitched," covered up Zarna.

"Okay guys, night night, see you all in the morning," said Maya and left the room. Zarna followed.

Advika squeezed Tej's hands. "Take care, don't think too much," she said and smiled. "Remember it's my job."

"Of course it is, he said. Smarty Spark, he thought.

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Daksh's clenched fist collided with the trunk of a nearby tree, the impact reverberating through the abandoned forest. Tears streamed down his face, their presence stark against his typically stoic demeanor.

Standing amidst the remnants of what was once his father's training grounds for self-defense, Daksh felt the weight of loss and destruction. Azazel's men had ravaged the place, abducting numerous children who had come here to learn. In response, Indra had relocated to a hidden location, establishing a secret academy to continue their mission.

Rutuja, catching sight of Daksh's unusual display of vulnerability, hesitated in her words. This was the first time she had witnessed tears in his eyes, a glimpse into the depths of his emotions. Daksh, known for his unwavering strength and fearlessness, seemed momentarily exposed.

"Daksh," Rutuja began. Taking a tentative step closer, she offered her support, recognizing the rare vulnerability he displayed in that moment.

Daksh swiftly wiped away his tears, gathering his emotions and composing himself. Putting on a forced smile, he approached Rutuja. "Are you following me?" he inquired, attempting to divert attention from his earlier display of vulnerability, masking it with a hint of playfulness.

Rutuja, sensing something amiss, couldn't help but express her concern. "What's wrong?" she asked. 

Daksh, still trying to maintain his facade, seized the opportunity to tease her. "Concern for me? I must say, I like it," he remarked, taking a step closer to her.

Reacting to his proximity, Rutuja instinctively pushed him away. "It's not about whether I want to know or not," she retorted firmly. "Just don't wander around like this. It's dangerous, Daksh. You need to be careful."

"What are you doing here?" Daksh questioned, his voice tinged with surprise and a hint of frustration.

Rutuja met his gaze, her expression softening with concern. "Rishi mentioned that you were missing," she replied, her eyes briefly glancing towards the trunk of the tree, hinting at the source of her information.

Daksh's frustration became apparent as he muttered under his breath, his fists tightening involuntarily. The mention of Rishi seemed to stir up mixed emotions within him.

Interrupting the tension, Rutuja's gaze shifted to Daksh's hand, noticing a trace of blood. Reacting swiftly, she reached out and held his injured hand gently. "Daksh, you're bleeding," she exclaimed.

He withdrew his hand from her grasp, dismissing her concern with a hushed whisper. "It's nothing," he murmured, unwilling to acknowledge his pain or accept her assistance.

"Let's go home; it's late. You need to apply something on this," Rutuja insisted, tugging at Daksh's arm, urging him to accompany her.

As she tended to his wound, Daksh's gaze remained fixed on her, observing her care and concern.

In that moment, memories of his childhood flooded his mind—the laughter and camaraderie he shared with his brothers, the warmth of his family before the devastating attack. The weight of the loss he endured as a nine-year-old overwhelmed him once again, a burden that seemed impossible for a young Daksh to bear. That fateful night had robbed him of everything he held dear, leaving behind a void that haunted him to this day.

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