Adarsh_Kartik

"Some doors should never be opened. Some secrets should never be uncovered. But when the Abyss calls, no one escapes."

Aryan, an ordinary IT professional, never expected his life to spiral into darkness. When his close friend Meera goes missing, what starts as a simple inquiry turns into a nightmare of blood, deception, and an ancient cult known as The Pendulum of Death.

The deeper Aryan digs, the more horrifying the truth becomes—people disappearing without a trace, ritualistic murders, and a secret that refuses to stay buried. Alongside his loyal friends Karan and Riya, and the sharp-witted police officer Naina, Aryan finds himself on a collision course with a deadly force that transcends reality.

As they uncover the cult’s twisted rituals, hypnotic mind control, and a leader who claims to have touched the Abyss itself, they realize that stopping them means more than just survival—it means preventing an apocalyptic sacrifice.

But when the Cult Leader offers Aryan a choice—become the new vessel or let the world burn—Aryan must face the ultimate truth.

Because the Abyss never truly dies.

And those who stare into it for too long… never return the same.

Shadows Of The Abyss

The awkward tension in the room slowly eased as Naina and Aryan sat across from each other, still trying to process the unexpected connection. Karan, meanwhile, was thoroughly enjoying Aryan's discomfort.

"So, Aryan," Karan said with a smirk, "you never told me you had such a great impression on Naina when you met her at the police station."

Aryan shot him a warning glare, but before he could say anything, Naina's phone buzzed.

Her casual demeanor immediately shifted as she glanced at the screen. Her jaw tightened.

"What is it?" Riya asked, sensing the sudden change in her sister's expression.

Naina stood up. "There's been a discovery. A body—partially burnt—was found near the highway. I have to go."

Aryan and Karan exchanged worried looks. Another body?

"We're coming with you," Aryan said without hesitation.

Naina sighed. "This isn't a game, Aryan."

"Neither was Meera's death," he replied firmly.

Naina studied him for a second before finally nodding. "Fine. But stay out of my way."

The air smelled of ash and decay as they arrived at an isolated patch of land near the highway. Police officers and forensic teams were already at work, examining the area. A burnt body lay near a pile of charred debris, its features barely recognizable.

But the most shocking part?

This victim was still alive.

Aryan felt his stomach churn as he watched the forensic team carefully place the man onto a stretcher. His body was covered in horrific burns, his breathing weak but persistent.

"He's alive?" Karan whispered in disbelief.

"Barely," Naina muttered, watching as the paramedics rushed the victim to an ambulance.

Aryan clenched his fists. The killer had failed this time.

Or worse—he had left this man alive on purpose.

Naina turned to her team. "I want every inch of this place searched. We need to find out who he is."

An officer approached. "Ma'am, we found an ID near the site." He handed her a half-burnt identification card.

Naina examined it before her eyes widened in shock.

Aryan's heart sank. "I know him. He works at my office."

Karan swore under his breath. "This can't be a coincidence."

Naina nodded. "This isn't just a serial killer case anymore. The killer is targeting specific people."

Aryan exhaled sharply. If Rajat Verma survived, he might be the only person who could tell them who the killer was.

The killer wasn't done yet.

And this was only the beginning of his next move.

Chapter 12: The Burnt Victim