They say sleep comes when the mind surrenders, But tonight, she surrenders only on one condition—if he stays.
~~~~~
"Black Tiger is one of the most powerful and aggressive mountain spirits" KaanKuwar says, his voice edged with seriousness.
"I've heard the name….but don't know much about its true power." Stanzin replies.
KaanKuwar's gaze drifts, distant, like he is recalling something ancient.
"He is not just a spirit" he says quietly "He is a force that guards the wild itself. A presence that does not relent, does not negotiate."
A pause.
"he walks like a shadow with breath. Silent…until he decides to attack."
Stanzin listens, unmoving.
KaanKuwar continues, voice lowering "He doesn't protect, he claims. And once something is under his protection…nothing touches it without consequences."
The air seems to grow heavier.
"His strength is not just in power" KaanKuwar adds "It's in instinct, In violence, In patience. He waits. Watches. And when he moves…it ends."
"That's what she's done, just like her guardian" he says. "She watched Shaamvi, waited patiently" his voice lowers " And now… she moves"
A brief silence settles between them.
"That's why she is powerful," he finishes. "Because her strength is not hers alone. To break her spell… we are not just facing her."
A beat.
"We are facing what stands behind her."
Stanzin exhales slowly, his expressions turns tensed "this won't be easy."
KaanKuwar doesn't respond immediately.
"No" he says after a moment "It won't."
He shifts his focus.
"Ask the shapeshifter how his master looks. Record everything. If we know her face, Shaamvi might recognise something."
Stanzin nods. "I will."
"I'll prepare the ritual to free him," KaanKuwar adds, already turning away. " tell him it will be performed in the Brāhma-muhūrta tomorrow."
.
KaanKuwar steps into Shaamvi's room.
The air inside feels quieter. Slower.
Shaamvi lies on the bed, pale, weak—but her eyes are open now.
She sees him.
A faint movement of her fingers call him closer.
He walk to her side and sits beside her.
"How are you doing?" he asks softly.
Her lips part, but no sound reaches him.
He leans closer.
"Better" she whispers, her voice barely there.
A small breath leaves him—real relief
His hand moves to her hair, brushing it back gently.
"I'll make sure tomorrow you feel better than today," he says, voice low, certain.
Her lips move again.
He bends closer, his ear near her breath.
This time her words reach him.
"What are you…really?"
A pause.
He pulls back slightly, studying her face.
"Why don't you heal first?" he replies, gently deflecting.
Her eyes don't leave him. Then, softer…"Can you stay with me tonight?"
A fragile breath.
"Don't leave, whatever you are… I feel… easier when you're here."
Something shifts in his expression—subtle.
Then, unexpectedly, her lips curve faintly.
"You can stay in my bathroom… with all the taps open," she murmurs weakly.
"You can flood it again."
For a moment—
He just looks at her.
Then a quiet laugh escapes him.
She lets out the faintest laugh too.
And for a second… the weight lifts.
He adjusts the blanket around her.
"You should sleep"
Her eyes remain on him. "Only if you stay."
A small pause stretches between them.
"I wasn't planning to leave." He replies.
Her lips part again.
"Good."