The city felt heavier than usual that evening, as if secrets and danger lingered in every alley. Mukul led the group through a narrow lane, the five women—Meera, Anaya, Kavya, Saira, and Liyana—close at his side. The dragon hovered above, golden wings reflecting the last rays of the sun.
"I heard whispers about a hidden library," Anaya said, adjusting her jacket. "They say it contains scrolls with knowledge of ancient healing techniques… things lost to time."
Mukul's heart quickened. If the scrolls were real, they could explain the sudden healing abilities that had been awakening inside him—and perhaps give him an edge against the forces hunting him.
"Then let's find it," he said, his voice firm.
The group arrived at an old, forgotten courtyard behind a crumbling temple. Moss-covered stones and faded statues gave it an eerie charm. Mukul stepped forward, feeling a familiar tingle in his chest. The dragon's roar echoed softly, like a nudge of encouragement.
Inside the temple, faint light illuminated shelves stacked with scrolls, jars, and mysterious artifacts. Mukul ran his fingers along the spines, feeling the power humming beneath his touch. One scroll, bound in silver and etched with golden runes, seemed to call to him.
He opened it, and images flowed into his mind: herbs that could heal deadly wounds, pressure points that could stabilize the sick, rituals that combined energy and medicine. His pulse quickened—he could feel his skills sharpening already.
Kavya peered over his shoulder, eyes wide. "That's… incredible. Do you understand it?"
Mukul nodded slowly. "Yes. But this isn't just about healing—it's about understanding the balance between life, energy, and… destiny."
Meera crossed her arms, her gaze serious. "So, this is why you're special. It's not just strength or combat skills—it's knowledge that no one else has."
Saira, quiet as ever, stepped closer. "And with it, you can save more than just yourself. You can protect the people who matter to you… and even change the course of events."
Liyana smirked, brushing a strand of silver hair from her face. "Looks like your little team just got stronger… and your enemies just got a lot more nervous."
Anaya grinned. "And I like it. Healing and fighting combined? That's unbeatable."
Mukul felt a warmth spreading through him—not just from the power he now understood, but from the women around him. Each had their own strength, insight, and loyalty, and together, they formed a circle of support he had never imagined.
But the moment of calm shattered as the sound of footsteps echoed through the temple. Shadows stretched across the walls, and Mukul's instincts flared.
From the darkness, a man in a tailored black suit stepped forward, a sinister smile on his face. "So… this is the one everyone talks about. The healer-warrior with the dragon."
Mukul's jaw tightened. "I don't know who you are, but you're leaving."
The man laughed. "Oh, I won't be leaving—because soon, you and your little friends will belong to me… or die trying to resist."
The dragon roared, golden light flashing through the room. Mukul felt the energy of the scrolls surge through him. Healing, combat, strategy—they all came together in a single, focused pulse. He stepped forward, calm and ready.
"You've underestimated me," Mukul said, voice steady. "And you'll regret it."
As the first confrontation began, Mukul realized something. The scrolls had not only strengthened his body and mind—they had given him confidence in the bonds he had formed. He wasn't alone in this fight. He had allies, friends… and maybe something more.
The battle ahead would be dangerous, but for the first time, Mukul felt certain of one thing: together, they could face anything.