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### Chapter 3: A Heart Divided

The world around Aruna erupted into chaos as she fought to protect her son and herself from the sister she had once adored. The clang of metal resonated in her ears, a brutal symphony of betrayal that threatened to drown out her thoughts. Every strike of her staff against Lira's dagger echoed the rift that had grown between them, a reminder of the sisterhood that had been replaced by ambition and bloodshed.

As they battled fiercely, Aruna's heart raced, torn between the love she still felt for Lira and the dreadful realization of what her sister had become. Kavi stood frozen nearby, his wide eyes reflecting the horror of their fight. She could see the confusion etched on his tiny face—how could the two most important women in his life be at war?

In a swift move, Lira lunged, attempting to pierce Aruna's defenses once more. But Aruna sidestepped, channeling all her strength into her movements, striking back with a powerful swing of her staff. It connected with Lira's side, sending her staggering away.

"Lira!" Aruna yelled, her voice breaking. "This isn't you! Fight against the darkness! We can find a way to end this without more bloodshed!"

Lira glared, fury mingling with an unexpected flicker of uncertainty. "You've always been soft, Aruna. That's why you've never understood. Strength is everything now!"

Their eyes locked, and for a moment, the veil dropped; Aruna could see the pain behind Lira's anger. A part of her sister still lingered, buried beneath layers of hurt and manipulation. "I do understand, Lira! I feel the pain too. But this won't solve anything!"

Lira lunged again, and Aruna barely managed to deflect the attack, their weapons clashing violently. Each hit sent shudders through Aruna's spirit. She could feel Kavi's presence weighing heavily on her—this fight was not just for survival; it was a fight for the future she wanted for him.

"I will protect you, Kavi!" she called, glancing back at her son, who stood rooted to the spot, fear coloring his features. "You have to believe me!"

"Mommy!" Kavi cried, his voice laced with desperation. "Please don't hurt Aunt Lira!"

Aruna's heart ached. She wished she could shield him from the reality of their world, but the truth was inescapable. With every word their mother had taught them, she understood how deeply Lira had strayed from the path of righteousness.

"I'm not here to hurt her," Aruna pressed, turning back to Lira. "I want to save her! It's not too late!"

But Lira's eyes blazed with defiance. "You think you can save me? You're a fool! The Black Claws are my family now. We're stronger together!"

With renewed ferocity, Lira attacked, pushing Aruna back with a series of swift strikes. Aruna stepped back, her movements instinctive, but she could feel herself getting overwhelmed. She needed to end this, not just for herself and Kavi but for Lira. The darkness needed to be vanquished, and the sister she loved had to be freed from its grasp.

"Your strength comes from fear, Lira!" Aruna shouted, frustration spilling into her voice as she managed to parry another blow. "But I refuse to fight you in hatred! You can still choose love over power!"

In that moment of vulnerability, Lira hesitated, the dagger faltering in her grip. Just as Aruna thought she might reach her sister, a flicker of doubt clouded Lira's expression, quickly replaced by rage.

"Enough of your lies!" Lira screamed, launching herself at Aruna again, fueled by a blend of fear and desperation. The two sisters clashed intensely, each move fighting not just for survival but for the bond they had once cherished.

Aruna felt her strength waning. Every hit wore her down further, and she knew that if she didn't end this soon, they both might be lost. She steeled herself, readying her next move. "I'm sorry, Lira!"

In a powerful strike, Aruna aimed to disarm Lira once again. But Lira was prepared, twisting at the last moment to avoid capture. As their weapons connected, a blinding flash of energy erupted between them, momentarily stunning both fighters.

Kavi, finally sensing the severity of the situation, took a few hesitant steps forward, his voice shaky. "Mommy... please!"

Aruna's heart twisted at the sound of her son's plea. This was a fight she never wished to involve him in, and yet here they were. "Stay back, Kavi!" she shouted, frantic.

"Mommy!" Kavi's voice grew louder, the raw emotion shattering the tension within Aruna's heart. "I don't want you to fight! I want us to be a family again!"

Those simple words struck true, cutting through the fog of rage and vengeance. In that instant, everything came crashing down: the years of training, the losses, the hatred. Aruna dropped her staff slightly, her heart opening with understanding.

"Family…" she murmured, feeling the weight on her chest lift, even as tears pooled in her eyes. "Family is what matters most, Lira. We can fight for that. Together!"

But Lira's eyes narrowed, stubborn determination refusing to yield, her world built on dominance rather than love. "I can't go back, Aruna! I won't!"

The world felt fragile, teetering on a knife's edge as the two sisters stood in the ruins of their shared history. The truth hung between them—love still existed, but it was battling against a tide of resentment that threatened to drown them both.

In a moment of despair, Aruna made her choice again. "If fighting is the only way to get through to you, then I will do what I must. I won't lose you, Lira. I refuse!"

With a fierce resolve, she regained her footing, ready to charge into the fray once more. Because if there was any hope left for redemption—not just for herself, but for her sister and the future of their kind—it was worth every blow.

As they faced off once again, their shared memories and unspoken bonds hung heavy in the air, a bittersweet reminder of what once was and what could still be. Only time—and the fight ahead—would reveal the outcome.