Chapter 7: Shadows of Truth

Zara's pov

I could feel the heavy, suffocating weight of the chains wrapped around my wrists, biting into my skin with every subtle movement. The room was dim, cold, and the air was stale. I didn't know how long I had been here—hours? Days? Time felt like it had stopped the moment I had been dragged away from the temple. The memory of the cold stone walls and the prayer, so full of hope and desperation, seemed like a dream now.

I tried to focus, trying to pull myself together. My hands, bound tightly in steel cuffs, were useless, my magic useless. That fact alone made the panic inside me burn hotter with every passing second. How had I gone from praying for salvation to being trapped in this forsaken place?

The muffled sound of footsteps echoed down the corridor. My body stiffened, alert to the new presence. The door creaked open, and I couldn't stop the shiver that ran through me as the shadows grew longer, swallowing the small bit of light that had filtered in through the dusty cracks in the walls.

I couldn't see his face at first—only the silhouette of a tall figure stepping into the dim light. His presence seemed to fill the space in a way that made my heart skip a beat. He moved with purpose, his steps calculated, not hurried, yet there was a calm authority in them.

The man's voice broke the heavy silence.

"So, you're awake," he said. His tone was neither kind nor cruel—just neutral, but there was an undertone of something darker. Something that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

I tensed, trying to sit up despite the pain in my wrists, but the chains around me kept me firmly in place. I wanted to ask him where I was, who he was, but the cloth still muffled my mouthAll I could do was stare at him, my heart racing in my chest.

He chuckled softly, and the sound seemed to reverberate in the small, cold room. "No need to be silent, Zara. I know you're wondering who I am."

I tried to speak, to form some words through the cloth, but it was useless. Frustration bubbled inside me.

The man stepped closer, his figure now fully visible in the dim light. He was tall, broad-shouldered, with dark hair that fell in waves around his face. But it was his eyes that caught me—the deep, unblinking gaze that seemed to pierce through my very soul. His stare was intense, too intense for comfort.

"I'm Karn," he said, his voice low and measured, "eldest son of Om Raisinghani."

At the mention of his father's name, my heart clenched. The name had sent a chill down my spine when I had first heard it. Om Raisinghani—the man who had spoken to me in such cold, calculating tones, promising me that I held the key to his survival, that I was the one who could break the curse on his family.

But now, Karn. He was different. There was something about him that felt... strange. He wasn't like the men who had dragged me here. His presence wasn't threatening—at least not in the same way.

I wanted to know more, wanted to understand why he was here and why he had come for me. But I was too afraid to ask or even in situation to do considering i have cloth in my mouth . All I could do was study his face, trying to glean some hint of his intentions.

"You must be confused," Karn said, his voice softer now, though still distant. "I understand. My father doesn't give answers easily. But let me tell you this, Zara. You're not here by accident."

I swallowed hard, my throat dry, but no words escaped. I had no idea what he meant.

Karn continued, "You're part of something much bigger than you realize. My family has been cursed for generations. It's why we seek... solutions. And why we need you."

His words hung in the air, each one heavier than the last. The dread in my chest deepened as I realized that, whatever this was, it was far more dangerous than I could have imagined.

But suddenly he came close to me remove the cloth from my mouth and at that moment i realised he is feeling guilty it was clear in his eyes and after so long i took a proper breathe and first thing i said "I don't understand," I managed, my voice was bit hoarse . The frustration built in my chest, and I struggled against my restraints again. "What do you want from me?"

Karn's gaze softened, but only for a moment. "I don't want anything from you, Zara. But my father... he's not as patient. He believes you have something you don't even know about yet. Power that runs through your veins."

I froze. Power? My mind raced as I thought back to the strange, uncontrollable magic that I had always felt inside me, the power I had never truly understood or embraced. Could he be right?

Karn moved closer, his eyes never leaving mine "Your mother knew about us she was aware what she is doing to us but still she cursed us "

But you, you can fix what she broke. You can end the curse. But..." His voice dropped lower, darkening with something I couldn't quite name, "it comes with a price."

A shiver ran down my spine, and I felt the full weight of the situation pressing down on me. This was all so much more than I had ever anticipated. The confusion, the questions—they all crashed in on me at once.

Karn's voice brought me back from the edge of panic. "There's a choice ahead of you, Zara. One that will decide everything. But the truth is—" His eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of something I couldn't read passing through them, "—you might not like what you discover about your mother's past."

I didn't have the chance to respond. The door behind him creaked open again, and a cold gust of air swept through the room. Karn stepped back, glancing over his shoulder, his expression shifting back to that unreadable calm.

"Think about it, Zara," he said, his voice almost pitying. "You may not have a choice "

I was alone again.

The oppressive silence around me was almost suffocating. My thoughts echoed in the room, louder than the walls closing in around me. The weight of Karn's departure hung heavy in the air, his words still a puzzle I couldn't quite fit together.

*What do they want from me?* I wondered again, twisting my hands against the cold, unforgiving steel cuffs. I had tried again and again to summon my magic, but the energy I once commanded now felt as distant as a fading dream. The gloves, cruel and restrictive, held me in place, their metal wrapping around me like a constant reminder of my captivity. My magic—my freedom—was locked away from me, just like my future.

Karn had left me in this sterile, cold room, and his parting words kept replaying in my head. His father, Om Raisinghani, was a cruel man, a shadow of a person, whose very presence had sent shivers down my spine. Om's cold eyes and indifferent demeanor had made it clear—he was not the kind of person I wanted to ever cross. But Karn... Karn had been different.

When he had looked at me, there was no malice in his eyes. If anything, there had been an almost... guilty expression. Like he was sorry for what was happening, but bound by forces far beyond his control. It had been fleeting, but it stuck with me. Om had given off the vibe of someone who reveled in power, but Karn? He seemed tortured, like someone being forced into a role he didn't choose.

That thought lingered as I sat in the dark, alone and helpless.

*I'm not their puppet,* I thought defiantly. I wasn't going to just sit here, chained and broken. I wasn't about to let them control my fate. I would find a way out.

I closed my eyes, breathing deeply, trying to calm the storm of thoughts whirling inside me. I had to focus. I had to find a way to break free, and it would have to be soon.

The hours passed in miserable silence. I thought about what Karn had said again—about my family, about my mother, about the power inside me. I wondered if there was truth in his words or if it was just manipulation, a way to make me feel small, helpless, and confused.

I had gone to the temple seeking answers, seeking guidance, but now here I was. I didn't even know where here was.

I let out a bitter laugh, the sound dry and bitter in the quiet room.

"Really, God?" I muttered, staring up at the ceiling as if expecting an answer. "I came to you for help, for answers, and this is where I end up? Kidnapped, chained up like some prisoner in a forgotten dungeon?"

I let out an exasperated sigh, my voice tinged with sarcasm. "I thought you were supposed to help me. But I guess that's a myth, huh? Where's the magical, divine intervention when you need it? Oh wait, you're too busy making sure I get stuck in some creepy, dark room with steel gloves, no magic, and nothing to do but think about how much I hate being here."

I paused, glancing up at the ceiling again, my tone softening with frustration. "Do you even hear me, God? Because if you do, I could really use some help right now."

I shook my head, still trying to control the anger bubbling inside me. It wasn't helping, but it was all I had. I had no idea what I was supposed to do next.

A loud *thud* echoed through the room, shaking me from my reverie. It was followed by the unmistakable sound of glass shattering. My heart leaped into my throat. *What now?* I thought frantically.

Before I could make sense of what was happening, a figure emerged in the doorway, a shadowy silhouette framed by the dim light outside the room.

It was him.

Vey.

He stood there, leaning casually against the doorframe, a cocky grin stretched across his face as if this were the most normal thing in the world.

"Well, well," Vey said, his voice a low drawl. "What do we have here? The damsel in distress, all locked up in chains. How very... cliché."

I couldn't help the dry laugh that escaped my lips. "I'm glad you find this amusing," I said with a roll of my eyes. "Because I certainly don't."

Vey's grin widened, clearly unphased. "Of course you don't. Being chained up and all that—must be a real drag." He clicked his tongue. "Honestly, Zara, you're making it too easy for me. I was expecting some epic struggle, maybe some heroic last stand, but here you are, all tied up and looking so helpless." He walked into the room with a flourish, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "It's almost like you wanted to be rescued."

I shot him a skeptical look, raising an eyebrow. "You really think I wanted this?"

Vey winked. "Come on, I'm irresistible. How could you not want to be rescued by me?" He gave an exaggerated bow, hands sweeping out dramatically. "Vey, the great and mighty, here to save the day!"

I couldn't help but roll my eyes. "You're delusional, you know that?"

His grin only grew wider. "Oh, I know. But that's half the fun, isn't it?"

I crossed my arms over my chest, glaring at him. "You know, you're really not making this situation any better. First, I get kidnapped by a bunch of people I don't know, then I get locked up in this weird, creepy room, and now I have you making sarcastic comments about my chains? What kind of rescue is this?"

Vey chuckled. "Oh, trust me, it's the best kind. You'll see. Besides," he said, with mock seriousness, "a little sarcasm is the least of your worries. But don't worry, I'm here now. I'll make sure you're out of here in no time."

As if to prove his point, he reached forward and began undoing the steel gloves that had been restraining me. His hands brushed lightly against mine, sending a strange shiver down my spine. I wasn't sure if it was from the touch or the proximity, but there was something about the way he moved that made it hard to breathe.

"Okay, okay," Vey said, with exaggerated effort. "Enough with these ridiculous chains. You need to be free so you can... you know, be your fabulous self again."

The gloves finally fell away with a soft clink, and I stretched my arms, the blood rushing back into my fingers. It felt so... normal. So liberating. I hadn't realized how much I had missed just being able to move freely.

Vey stepped back, looking me up and down with a smirk. "There we go. Much better." His gaze lingered on me for a moment too long, and I was about to say something when he raised his hand. "Hold on, don't thank me just yet. I know, I know. You're speechless. Happens all the time when I'm around."

I couldn't help but scoff. "You're unbelievable."

Vey chuckled again, his eyes twinkling. "Ah, come on. You love it. You're probably already smitten with me. You can admit it. It's okay. We'll get there."

I rolled my eyes again, shaking my head. "I think I need to take a breather before I fall in love with you."

Vey's grin only widened. "Don't worry. We've got time."

I stood up cautiously, my legs still shaky from being confined for so long. Vey was right behind me in an instant, his hand at my back, steadying me as I regained my balance.

I took a deep breath, feeling the tension in my shoulders slowly dissipate. But then, I looked around the room, my mind still racing.

"Vey," I began, my voice low, almost uncertain. "How did you know I was in trouble? And how exactly did you find me?"

Vey shot me a playful look, his lips curving into a mischievous smile. "You could say I've got my ways. I always know when you're in trouble, Zara. It's like an... instinct."

I stared at him, raising an eyebrow. "An instinct? Is that your official excuse for magically showing up out of nowhere?"

Vey's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Well, not just that. I've been keeping an eye on you, princess. You've got a bit of a...aura of getting into these situations, and I'm always here to bail you out."

"Ok so now its my fault that i am in a dungeon like some zoo animal "

I paused, considering his words. "You've been... watching me?"

Vey didn't flinch, not even a little. "Of course I have. It's my job. I'm like... your personal bodyguard. You just don't know it yet."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "You know, I'm starting to think you're not just some charming troublemaker. What's really going on here, Vey?"

Vey's smirk faded slightly, and for a brief moment, his expression turned serious. "Long story, Zara. And trust me, you don't want to hear it now. But we'll talk. I promise. Just not tonight."

The playful edge returned to his voice as he gave me a sideways glance. "But for now, just know that I've got everything under control. You're not alone in this, and I don't want the beautiful princess like you to struck here like this."

I thought about that for a moment, his words hanging in the air between us. There was so much I didn't understand about Vey, about everything that was happening to me, but for now, I had to trust him. He was my only option.

"Alright," I said finally, my voice low. "But don't think I'm going to just take your word for it. We're not done talking, Vey."

He raised an eyebrow, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Oh, I wouldn't dream of it. But for now, let's get you out of here, princess."

I felt a strange sense of relief wash over me as he led me down the dark hallway, but even as we moved through the shadows, a nagging feeling at the back of my mind refused to let go. There were still so many questions. And Vey, with his charming smile and quick wit, was the only one who seemed to have the answers. But somehow, I didn't think he was going to share them easily.

As Vey helped me out of the cold, empty room, my mind kept racing. I had gone to the temple, asking for help. Praying for answers. And now here I was, in some dimly lit corridor, being rescued by a guy who seemed to know far too much about me. What was I supposed to think about that?

I couldn't help myself, and a thought flashed through my mind.

*Seriously, God?*

I glanced upward as if expecting some divine intervention, but of course, there was nothing but silence.

*I come to you with a simple prayer. "Give me answers, God!" And what do I get? A pair of steel gloves, a creepy old man, and a lot of cryptic stuff that just leaves me more confused. And then, of course, you send me... That self proclaimed hero.*

I shook my head, rolling my eyes.

*You could've sent someone a little less... smug, you know?*

I paused, then added, more thoughtfully, *But hey, I guess you work in mysterious ways. Gotta admit, though, this is a weird way to answer prayers. Not sure how I'm supposed to handle this.*

Then, just as I was about to continue my internal monologue, Vey, still leading me down the hall, glanced back at me.

"You talking to yourself again?" he asked, a smirk tugging at his lips.

I sighed. "You have no idea, Vey."