The stone corridors of the castle echoed with quiet tension as Savignya and Rohak arrived outside Arya's chamber. Two guards stood firm at the entrance, their hands resting on their weapons. They didn't raise their weapons—but they blocked the way without words. Their eyes recognized Savignya, yet duty bound them more than rank or familiarity.
Savignya's gaze sharpened. The guards looked down, uncomfortable under her stare, but remained rooted in place.
Then came the sound—measured, heavy steps advancing slowly through the corridor. An unseen weight pressed on, stilling the breath of those nearby. The guards instinctively straightened and turned. As soon as they saw her, they dropped to one knee.
Vayodhara.
She moved like a storm contained in form. Clad in her usual dark robes, each step seemed deliberate, composed, yet filled with warning. Her presence filled the space—quiet, absolute, and terrible.
Savignya bowed her head. Rohak, almost without thought, dropped to his knees. His mouth had gone dry. The fear was not of her power alone—it was of the cold detachment she carried like a cloak.
"If you wish to meet him," Vayodhara said, her voice calm but unwavering, "then go ahead. I understand he was your colleague. Your friend, even. But be warned—he may not recognize you."
She gestured for them to rise.
"Thank you," Savignya said quietly, lifting her gaze. "But... what did you do to him?"
Vayodhara looked at her with mild curiosity, then turned her eyes ahead. "I trained him. Sharpened him. That boy carries too much potential to be wasted in warlord feuds. I merely unlocked what was already there."
She tilted her head slightly, as if remembering something.
"Do you know, he's now the third-ranked State Guard? Only Uddhara and Vena are above him. They've served the longest, so surpassing them won't be immediate. But he's climbed quickly. Seven others trail behind now."
Rohak blinked in disbelief. Savignya held her expression firm, but her fingers clenched at her side.
"Such a strong man," Vayodhara continued. "Wasting his gifts on local skirmishes. He's a weapon. The state needs weapons more than heroes. You agree with that, don't you, Savignya?"
Her gaze was direct now, stepping closer.
"Yes, my lady," Savignya replied, voice calm though a sheen of sweat began to form on her brow. "The state must be protected at all costs. But Arya is capable of more. Not just as a fighter. He can lead. He sees through chaos and pulls people together."
Vayodhara's expression did not change, but something in her tone sharpened. "And lead where? To the army's highest ranks? Or to the state head's chair itself?"
"That's not what I meant. He's not aiming for that," Savignya replied quickly. "But using him solely as a weapon misses the depth he offers. He's not only strong. He's intelligent. Calm under pressure. Able to unite people."
Vayodhara stepped closer still, almost uncomfortably so. "You've studied him well. Strange, considering you only met him a year ago. You took quite an interest in him. You fought beside him during the war of the warlords. And now... now you come to 'rescue' him from the evil Vayodhara?"
She smiled slightly. Not kindly.
"Yes, my lady," Savignya answered, her voice steady but low. "I haven't known him long. But I've seen enough to believe he's an asset to the state in more than one way."
There was a brief silence.
Then Vayodhara's hand came up. She touched Savignya's chin with one finger and gently lifted it.
"Well then. Meet him. Or leave the castle. I have no time for half-measures."
Savignya bowed and moved past the guards. Rohak followed her, his eyes brushing Vayodhara's as he passed. She smiled at him. He nearly stumbled from the intensity of her gaze.
Inside the chamber, the air was dim. A single window let in thin sunlight. Arya sat on the edge of his bed, posture straight but eyes distant. When he saw them, he stood.
"Why are you here?" he asked plainly.
There was no warmth. His tone was flat, almost formal.
Savignya looked closely. His face was the same, but the light in his eyes had dimmed. He seemed hollowed out. Not cold—just distant, unreachable.
"Are you well?" she asked gently.
"Yes," Arya replied. "Why are you here?"
"I came to see you," she said. "Do you remember Rohak?"
Arya looked at Rohak without recognition. "Not really. You should go. I need rest."
Rohak stepped forward. "Arya, please come back."
Arya's eyes sharpened.
"Go away!"
The voice struck like a slap. Anger had flared in him suddenly, shocking in its intensity.
Savignya raised her hand, stopping Rohak from saying more. They stepped back, leaving the room in silence.
The corridor outside was colder than before. Trishan stood there waiting.
"Did he speak to you?" he asked.
Savignya shook her head. "No. Not really."
Trishan studied her face. "Do you still believe in your dream?"
Savignya paused. "I don't know. I've been wrong before. I could be wrong again."
Trishan nodded slowly. "It's not that you're wrong again, Savignya. Sometimes, the timing is wrong. That boy... he might be the one you were waiting for. You made a mistake once. But this doesn't feel like a mistake."
He placed a hand gently on her shoulder.
She looked up at him. A small, grateful smile broke through her fatigue. There was hope again.
Rohak watched them both in silence.
"I'll stay," he said finally. "I owe that much to the twins."
Trishan raised an eyebrow. "You? Staying here? Not afraid anymore?"
"I'm still afraid," Rohak said honestly. "Especially of you. But I'll survive."
Savignya chuckled softly. "Look at you, stepping up."
The spy had entered the heart of the state. The first step had been taken.
Now came the hard part.