Chapter 2: Shadows at Midnight
It was midnight when Rudra's world shattered forever.
A strange noise echoed through the house, sharp and violent — voices, harsh whispers in the dark:
> "Find them. Don't leave anyone alive. Not even the pets…"
Fear gripped his small frame, but somehow, Rudra found the courage to creep toward the sound. The light from his parents' bedroom door flickered dimly, half-open.
> "Mom… Dad…?"
What he saw froze him to the bone.
Meera lay on the bed, lifeless, her body drenched in blood — her head severed, resting cruelly beside her. The beautiful smile she once wore was now just a cruel memory.
His legs wouldn't move. His mind screamed, Is this real? Am I dreaming? But the coppery stench of blood proved it was all too real.
A shout broke his trance.
Father! Maybe his father was still alive. He ran — stumbling, heart pounding — to his father's study. Ashok was there, but barely alive, blood pouring from his wounds as he struggled to remain conscious.
"Dad—what—what's happening? What about Mom?"
Ashok coughed, blood trailing from his lips. He clutched Rudra's small hand with surprising strength.
"Listen to me, Rudra…" His voice was weak but determined. "You have to survive. You must grow strong. Stronger than anyone who has ever lived or will ever live."
Tears blurred Rudra's vision. "I promise, Father! Just don't leave me! Please!"
But fate was cruel.
Two figures appeared in the doorway, clad in black robes, wearing grotesque skull-shaped masks.
> "Looks like the bastard had a brat too."
"Tch. Let's finish this quickly. Weak humans bore me."
As they advanced, Ashok traced something on the bloodied floor with trembling fingers. A soft, pale light enveloped Rudra's small frame. Rudra held his father's hand tighter, terrified of the unknown.
"You must live… This is goodbye, my son… But we'll be watching you…"
The masked killers lunged forward, but before they could reach him—FLASH! — Rudra was gone, lost to the light of ancient magic.