Chapter 10: The Shattered Veil

The once-glorious **Deva-Kshetra** was now **shrouded in tension**, the divine flames along the towering pillars **burning dimmer** than before. The air itself felt heavy, **tainted by the presence of Vritra's echo**.

The Devas stood in **grim silence**, their celestial eyes hardened with resolve. Even **Indra**, ever brash and defiant, **clutched his golden spear tightly**, the crackle of faint lightning **running along its length**.

In the distance, the **skies over Deva-Kshetra flickered** ominously with storm clouds, as if the realm itself sensed the **awakening darkness**.

And at the center of it all—stood **Aryan**.

The mark on his wrist **still glowed faintly**, the lingering energy from his **vision of Vritra** leaving a trace of cold dread in his veins.

Vikram, still rattled, **clutched Aryan's arm**.

"Bro… you **literally saw the king of demons**," he whispered, his voice hoarse with disbelief.

"And now you're just… standing here like it's **Tuesday**?!"

Aryan gave him a **faint, tired smirk**, but his eyes were resolute.

"No more running," he muttered.

"No more being afraid."

---

### **The Gods' Council**

The Devas gathered around the **stone dais**, their faces grave.

Yama stood at the head, his **violet eyes glimmering coldly**. His scythe was still faintly pulsing with residual energy from the **Blood Pact**, and his voice was **low and authoritative**.

"Vritra's prison was sealed beyond the realms, bound by the **Veil of Aether**," he said darkly.

"**But now… the veil is weakening.**"

Varuna's face was solemn, her eyes flickering with concern.

"If the prison is compromised," she murmured, her voice barely a whisper,

"Vritra won't be the only one to escape. The **entire legion of Ashuras** will be freed."

The hall fell into a **tense silence**.

Indra's eyes **flashed with fury**.

"Then we strike first," he growled, his voice cold and final.

"We gather the **celestial armies**. We **march on the veil**. If it's weakening, we **destroy it completely**—before the Ashuras can escape."

Agni's eyes **burned brighter**, and he gave a **sharp nod**.

"Agreed. No more waiting. We end this."

But **Yama's voice** cut through the room, low and final.

"No."

The gods turned toward him, their expressions darkening.

Yama's gaze was **unflinching**.

"If we march into the void, the Ashuras will be waiting. The veil's magic is **fractured**—but not yet broken. We have **one chance** to stop Vritra before he crosses into our realm."

His **violet eyes shifted** to Aryan.

"And it lies with **him**."

---

### **Aryan's Fate**

Aryan blinked, confused.

"Wait—**me**?!"

Agni's fiery eyes **narrowed** slightly.

"He's not ready," he said sharply.

"He's strong—but he's **barely awakened**. Vritra will tear him apart."

Yama's expression was cold and unwavering.

"He doesn't have to be ready. He has to **survive.**"

Aryan's **fists clenched**. His body still **ached from the last battle**, but his eyes were steady.

"What do you mean?" he asked quietly.

Yama slowly stepped forward, his voice **low and measured**.

"The Blood Pact you formed… it is not just a bond," he said softly.

"It is a **vessel.**"

The gods stared in silence.

Yama's voice was grim.

"The shard of the Wraith you absorbed—it was a test. The sigil marked you as **a conduit** between realms. You can now **cross the veil**."

Aryan's eyes widened slightly.

"Cross the veil?" he repeated slowly.

Varuna's eyes narrowed, her voice low.

"You mean… **send him into the void**?"

Yama's gaze was sharp.

"Exactly."

Vikram's eyes **bulged in horror**.

"OH HELL NO!"

He immediately grabbed Aryan's wrist.

"**Nope! No way!** We just got you all badass with the glowing sword powers and the demon-slaying skills! You're **not going into some freaky death dimension!**"

Aryan slowly looked at Yama, ignoring Vikram's outburst.

"How long… would I have?"

Yama's eyes narrowed.

"**One hour.**"

The gods turned to him in shock.

Agni's fiery eyes **blazed with outrage**.

"An **hour**?! That's all?!"

Yama's gaze was **unflinching**.

"If he crosses into the void, the **veil will resist him**. He will have **one hour** to reach Vritra's prison. If he fails, the veil will **collapse completely**—and the Ashuras will flood into our realm."

Aryan's breath **hitched slightly**, but he remained steady.

"And if I succeed?"

Yama's **lips thinned slightly**.

"Then you will **seal the void**—from within."

Vikram's face paled.

"Wait. **From within?** You mean—"

Aryan's eyes narrowed.

"**I won't come back.**"

Yama's violet eyes were cold.

"No."

---

### **The Devas' Reluctance**

Varuna's fists **clenched**, her golden eyes flashing with defiance.

"This is madness," she spat, turning on Yama.

"You would **send him into the void alone**? To die?"

Indra's **storm-gray eyes** narrowed.

"If he falls, we lose the only **conduit we have**. The Ashuras will escape anyway."

But Yama's eyes were firm.

"His divine spark is growing. **Faster than any of us expected.**"

He turned toward Aryan, his voice low and cold.

"He is **not bound by the laws of Deva or Ashura**. His blood is mortal. That makes him… **unpredictable.**"

For a brief moment, the hall fell into a **tense silence**.

Then, **Aryan stepped forward**.

His hands were trembling faintly—but not from fear.

From **determination**.

His eyes were **steady and unwavering**.

"I'll do it," he said firmly.

"No hesitation."

Vikram **stared at him** in disbelief.

"Are you **INSANE?!** You'll die in there!"

Aryan **turned toward him**, his eyes **calm but resolute**.

"Maybe. But if I don't do this… **we all die.**"

Varuna's eyes **softened slightly**, but she still shook her head.

"You don't have to do this, Aryan."

But he held her gaze firmly.

"Yes. I do."

---

### **The Descent into the Void**

Yama stepped forward, his scythe **gleaming faintly with violet light**.

Without another word, he **traced a sigil in the air**, his fingers moving with precise, deliberate motions.

The space before him **split open**, forming a swirling **rift of shadow and violet light**. **The void.**

The air around it **hummed with power**, crackling with unstable energy.

Yama's voice was low and final.

"Once you step through… there is no turning back."

Aryan's eyes **remained steady**.

He turned to **Vikram**, his eyes briefly softening.

"Hey…"

He forced a faint smile.

"Try not to break anything while I'm gone, yeah?"

Vikram's throat tightened, his voice hoarse.

"Bro…"

But **Aryan didn't look back**.

Without hesitation—he **stepped into the rift**.

The moment he crossed, **the entire chamber flickered with a violent pulse** of golden and violet energy.

And then—he was **gone**.

The **veil of reality** shuddered faintly.

And far beyond the rift, **Vritra's eyes snapped open** in the void.

The **Ashura king** smiled faintly.

"Finally," he growled softly.

"**Come to me, mortal.**"