The city skyline glittered under the night sky, but Mukul's thoughts were far from the lights. Somewhere in the towers above, powerful men pulled strings, controlling wealth, crime, and even law enforcement. And now, Mukul was in their crosshairs.
Meera walked beside him, her heels clicking on the pavement. "You really think the corporate world is tied to the mafia?" she asked.
Mukul nodded. "It's all connected. The black suits, the secret club… they're just tools. The real power is hidden in the offices, boardrooms, and accounts that nobody dares to question."
A soft voice interrupted their thoughts. "You're right."
Mukul turned to see Anaya, her sharp gaze calculating every move. "I've been tracking some of the transactions. Illicit funds, shell companies, and hidden accounts—this empire stretches farther than you think."
Kavya appeared next, twirling a pen between her fingers. "And it's not just money. They manipulate people, decisions, even the media. Whoever controls it controls the city."
Saira, calm as ever, added, "And if they discover your dragon, your powers… your influence, they won't hesitate to destroy everything you care about."
Mukul absorbed their words, feeling the weight of responsibility. The women around him weren't just allies—they were his confidantes, his strategists, and… in some way, his heart. He felt a strange warmth, realizing how intertwined their fates were with his.
Before he could speak, a drone whirred past, projecting a holographic message onto the street in front of them:
"Mukul Sharma, you are meddling in affairs beyond your capacity. Stop, or face consequences."
Mukul clenched his fists. "They know I'm here. They know what I can do."
Meera's eyes narrowed. "Then we fight smarter, not just harder."
The dragon's roar echoed from above, a reminder that Mukul wasn't alone. He drew strength from the golden light circling the night sky, feeling the ancient power within him awaken.
Suddenly, a helicopter landed on a nearby rooftop. Out stepped a man in a tailored black suit, flanked by bodyguards. He smiled coldly. "Mukul Sharma. I've been expecting you."
Before Mukul could react, Liyana appeared beside him, leaping from a shadowed ledge. "Looks like introductions are in order," she said, smirking.
Anaya, Kavya, and Saira flanked him as well, forming a protective semi-circle. The tension was palpable, but there was also unity. Each woman's presence reminded him that he didn't have to face the darkness alone.
The man stepped closer. "You meddle in my empire, and you endanger everyone around you. I can offer protection… for loyalty. Or I can destroy you and everyone who stands with you."
Mukul's gaze swept over the women beside him and then to the dragon circling above. His heart pounded, but his mind was clear. "I don't bow to fear," he said steadily. "And I protect those who stand with me."
A gust of wind from the dragon's wings rattled the rooftop, and the man's smirk faltered. The first battle of influence and power had begun.
Mukul realized the truth: this city wasn't just a place of danger—it was a chessboard, and he had the queen, knights, and bishops at his side. Strategy, courage, and loyalty would decide the outcome.
As the helicopter's blades whirred louder, Mukul felt a surge of confidence. With his allies—and the dragon—by his side, no shadow could overwhelm the light they carried.
The night was far from over, but for the first time, Mukul felt prepared for the storm.