⚔️ Vanyadesh: The Question Devsena Can't Ignore
Devsena burst into Samridhi's chamber — eyes wild, flame tattoo glowing.
"You lied to me. Again."
Samridhi rose, tired. But not surprised.
"The mirror…"
"I SAW her," Devsena snapped.
"She has my face. Her voice. Her… mark."
Samridhi closed her eyes.
"Then the time has come."
She walked to a hidden compartment in the wall and pulled out something wrapped in velvet.
Inside were two blades — identical in design, but one burned warm, the other shimmered with condensation.
"These were made at your birth.
Forged for the heirs of Tatva.
Your mother… Queen Vrinda… knew you would be separated."
Devsena held one — the fire blade.
It sang in her hand.
"Where is she?" Devsena asked.
"My sister."
Samridhi sighed.
"If you both awaken fully…
she will come to you. Or you will go to her.
That is the law of the bond."
🌊 Samudra Desh: Avantika's Dive into Memory
Meanwhile, Avantika stood waist-deep in the sea, her song echoing softly.
Beside her, Arjuna held out a glowing crystal.
"This will let you see again. Into the mirror. Into her."
Avantika nodded, bracing.
As she touched it to her forehead — the world faded again.
She saw Devsena training with the flame sword.
She saw herself — reflected in Devsena's eyes.
And then… she saw Vrinda. Holding both babies. Crying. Screaming Samridhi's name.
The boat. The storm.
The wave that separated them.
Avantika gasped, breaking the vision.
"She's not just my twin," she whispered.
"She's my other half."
Arjuna looked at her gently.
"So… are you ready to find her?"
"I have to. Before someone else does."
🕯️ Elsewhere: The Enemy Moves
In the ruined shrine of the Sixth Element, the hooded enemy placed two dolls on a map.
One of Devsena, burning.
One of Avantika, flowing.
He whispered into the air.
"Let them bond. Let them remember.
And then…
let them burn each other."
From the darkness behind him, a girl stepped out.
Eyes blank. Wearing the crest of Samudra Desh.
"You'll deliver the whispers?"
She nodded.
"Yes, master."
And she vanished into the mist.