The basement was dim, lit only by the faint glow of the scattered orbs. Urvashi's eyes widened as she spotted her orb shining brighter than before, a warning that churned her stomach with unease.
She looked around — Laila, who had accompanied her earlier, was gone. Panic rose in her chest. Closing her eyes tightly, she tried to calm herself, but before she could react, a cold presence brushed against her.
Someone — or something — held her firmly. She opened her eyes.
And froze.
Her body stiffened, turning into shimmering stone.
Above, a faint creak echoed through the mansion. Vihaan's head snapped toward the sound. "Where's Laila?" he demanded, a sharp edge to his voice.
"She's in the basement… with my mom!" Yug shouted, pointing toward the stairs.
Vihaan didn't waste a second. He sprinted down the steps, Gauri, Charvi, and Yug close behind.
When they reached the basement, Laila stood there, calm and composed, her eyes glinting faintly in the dim light.
"Urvashi… she's turned into stone," Laila said, her voice steady.
Vihaan's gaze shot to her. "You were with her! How could this happen?" His voice trembled with anger and worry.
"The attacker is strong," Laila replied. "Come with me — I can protect you."
Vihaan's jaw tightened. "I have a plan, Gauri. We don't follow orders blindly."
"I won't just sit and watch!" Gauri interjected, stepping forward.
Laila raised her hands slightly, calm but insistent. "You're not listening. I can shield you."
Vihaan's eyes narrowed. "Enough. I don't want your protection if it comes with secrets."
"I'm not your enemy," Laila said softly.
"Friends don't have secrets," Vihaan snapped, stepping closer. "Tell us the truth."
Her gaze faltered for a brief moment. "I can't… I can only help."
Vihaan's voice dropped, heavy with warning. "Then I don't see the difference between friendship and enmity."
"I'm protecting you," she insisted, her voice firm, unwavering.
Vihaan exhaled slowly, locking eyes with Gauri. "We also have powers. From now on, we face this together."
Gauri stepped closer, determination blazing in her eyes. "Together," she echoed.
The basement seemed to pulse with tension, the shadows thickening, as all four of them prepared to confront an enemy they could barely see, yet already felt closing in.
The air in the mansion turned thick, tense, as Vihaan's gaze sharpened on Laila. Doubt clouded his eyes. "The attacker… isn't harming us," he said slowly, frowning. "It's as if she's right in front of us."
Laila's eyes flared, her voice low but firm. "Vihaan, you are mistaken. By confronting me, by fighting and suspecting, you are only strengthening the real attacker. The one waiting in the shadows grows more powerful with every hesitation."
Yug shook his head, frustration etched on his face. "No… she can't do this. You're reading this all wrong."
Vihaan clenched his fists, his voice resolute. "Yug… she's right. Somehow, we invited the attacker inside our home."
Laila tilted her head, a shadow of a smile on her lips. "Do you think so?"
Gauri's voice rang out, calm but insistent. "No. We didn't see the attacker directly. He or she didn't appear when we were together. If there is danger, we need the whole truth."
Charvi's eyes widened suddenly, the glow from her stone capturing everyone's attention. She held it up, trembling. "Look… it's shining."
Vihaan's pulse quickened. "Danger," he muttered, his instincts screaming. He and Gauri scanned the dimly lit mansion, their senses on high alert.
"I warned you," Laila said, her voice tense, "the attack would happen."
A dense, dark smoke began curling around them, thick and oppressive. The family recoiled, startled. In a horrifying instant, Charvi's form shimmered and froze — her body turned to stone, the glow of her orb reflecting off the marble floor.
"Charvi!" Gauri screamed, rushing forward.
Vihaan extended his hands, his magic entwining with Gauri's. Blue and crimson energy arced around them, weaving together as they fought to undo the petrification spell.
Sharda, Veena, and Dadi arrived, their faces pale with shock. Each one raised a trembling hand in prayer, murmuring mantras to the goddess as the storm of magic swirled.
With a final surge of combined power, Vihaan and Gauri freed Charvi. The smoke dissipated into thin wisps, leaving only the faint scent of ozone. Gauri enveloped Charvi in a protective embrace, relief washing over her.
Vihaan's eyes snapped to Laila, suspicion etched deep. "I told you… you are behind the attacks."
Laila's expression remained unreadable. "No, Vihaan. I have come to save you."
"From whom?" he demanded, tension radiating from every word. "From yourself?"
"No," Laila said calmly. "Look behind you."