Chapter 55: Fire That Asks Nothing

They sat across from each other.

No time passed.

No need to pass.

Aarav breathed.Agnimaas didn't.

Because flame doesn't breathe.

It burns.

For hours, there was no sound.

No voice. No mantra. No ritual.

Just the hum of raw presence between two beings who had forgotten how to pretend.

Then Agnimaas finally spoke—its voice wasn't loud.It was exact.

"Why are you here?"

Aarav's throat tightened.

"Because I heard you call."

Agnimaas blinked.

"I don't call."

"Then why do I feel you?"

"Because you're not looking for a teacher."

The silence between them deepened.

"You want permission to become what you already are."

Aarav inhaled.

The flame around Agnimaas flickered—just slightly.

"I don't want power."

"You're lying," Agnimaas said. "You want power that doesn't ask for praise."

"That doesn't need followers."

"That doesn't bend."

Aarav looked down. His fists trembled.

Agnimaas leaned forward.

"I don't bless. I don't punish."

"I burn what's not real."

"If you want me… sit here, and burn."

Aarav didn't nod.

He didn't bow.

He just closed his eyes.

And stayed.

Above ground, the sky dimmed.

Not with night.

But with recognition.

The fire had found its walker.