The moonlight bathed the desert in silver, casting long shadows as the caravan finally came to a stop near the ancient ruins of Tarangvan — once a thriving village, now reduced to broken stone and whispered legends. Avantika stepped down from her horse, her silver anklets chiming faintly, the sand warm beneath her feet despite the night. Devsena followed, her eyes narrowed, hand resting near the hilt of her blade.
They were not alone.
Vrinda stood in the center of the ruins, her eyes closed, arms lifted toward the sky — chanting. The air around her shimmered like heat waves, despite the cool breeze. The twins exchanged a glance, unsure if they should speak.
Suddenly, a faint tremor pulsed beneath their feet. The sand before Vrinda began to swirl, revealing something buried — a stone chest etched with ancient symbols… and their family crest.
"Mother?" Avantika's voice broke the silence.
Vrinda opened her eyes slowly. "You were never meant to see this… not yet."
Devsena stepped forward. "What is that? What's going on?"
Vrinda sighed, the burden of years heavy in her eyes. "This chest holds the truth of your birth. Of why you were separated. Of why… your powers are not a gift — but a warning."
The lid creaked open on its own, releasing a cold gust of air. Inside, wrapped in layers of golden silk, was an old scroll. Vrinda reached for it but paused.
"I was not just a mother… I was once a guardian. A protector of the Tatva Aksha, the ancient seal that balances the elemental forces of our world. When you two were born — one of water, one of fire — the sages feared a prophecy."
Devsena's eyes darkened. "The Dvandva Prophecy…"
"Yes," Vrinda nodded. "The prophecy speaks of twin flames who, if brought together without balance, could awaken an ancient force powerful enough to collapse the very threads of time. I did what I had to — to keep you safe… and to keep the world from burning."
Avantika stepped back, the shock palpable. "You… you gave me away? You chose prophecy over your daughter?"
Tears welled up in Vrinda's eyes. "I didn't give you away. I entrusted you to the river — the only force strong enough to hide your signature from the Seers. I watched you disappear… and died a little every day since."
A sudden cry tore through the air — it was Arjuna, arriving with something in his hand. "You need to see this."
He unrolled a torn parchment. On it — a sigil of two opposing elements, merging into a single storm. "The Dvandva Prophecy… it's already begun."
The sky rumbled above them.
The ground shook.
And far away… beneath the mountains of the North, something began to stir.
The twins looked at each other. No longer just daughters. No longer just elemental vessels.
They were keys.
And the door was about to open.