The temple air was thick with tension. Mukul's pulse raced, not from fear, but anticipation. The man in the tailored black suit had stepped forward, his smile cold, and the golden dragon above rumbled like a warning.
Mukul glanced at his allies—Meera, Anaya, Kavya, Saira, and Liyana—each standing ready. Their eyes reflected determination, loyalty, and a silent promise: whatever came, they faced it together.
"You should have stayed hidden," Mukul said, voice steady.
The man laughed, pulling out a concealed blade. "And miss meeting the legendary healer-warrior? Never."
In an instant, the fight erupted. Mukul moved first, instincts and ancient training guiding him. He sidestepped the man's strike, grabbing a fallen staff and disarming him with a swift motion.
Anaya struck from the side, precise and calculated, her movements a perfect complement to Mukul's. Kavya's laughter rang as she used agility and cunning to distract two more attackers lurking in the shadows. Saira's calm presence directed Mukul toward weak points in their enemies' stance, while Liyana's gadgets and swift reflexes incapacitated several men silently.
Mukul felt a surge of power as he called upon the dragon's energy. A golden aura surrounded him briefly, enhancing his speed and reflexes. The man in the black suit faltered, realizing he was facing more than just a boy—he was facing an entire force, united by loyalty, skill, and destiny.
"You underestimate us," Mukul said, moving like a blur, striking, dodging, and defending in perfect rhythm.
The dragon swooped down, not to attack, but to disorient the enemy. Its wings created gusts strong enough to send weapons clattering, while its golden eyes glowed, almost commanding respect.
Despite the chaos, Mukul noticed the subtle glances of his allies—concern, admiration, even warmth. Each of the women had risked themselves to protect him, and in return, he felt the stirring of something deeper. The harem of allies around him wasn't just for companionship—they were his strength, his strategy, and his heart.
The battle reached a critical moment. The man lunged with a hidden dagger, aiming for Mukul's side. Time seemed to slow. Mukul's hand shot out, catching the blade, twisting it, and disarming his opponent with a fluid motion taught by memory, instinct, and the guidance of the dragon.
Breathing heavily, Mukul stepped back. The attackers, realizing the fight was lost, scattered into the shadows, leaving behind only whispers and the echo of footsteps.
Mukul exhaled, shoulders tense but proud. He looked at the five women, all smiling, some teasing, some serious, all alive.
"You all did amazing," he said, brushing sweat from his forehead. "I couldn't have done it without you."
Anaya smirked. "Of course you couldn't. Someone had to keep you alive."
Kavya teased, "And someone had to make sure you didn't trip over your own destiny."
Saira's calm voice added, "We fight better together. Remember that."
Liyana grinned. "And don't forget—you might have the dragon, but we have your back."
Mukul felt a warmth in his chest, the satisfaction of victory mingling with the realization that the bonds he was forming were stronger than any power he had known. The dragon circled overhead, golden light bathing them in reassurance.
The night had been a duel of skill, courage, and strategy, but it was also a reminder: Mukul wasn't just a healer-warrior. He was a leader, and these women—his allies, his confidantes, perhaps even his heart—were the strength that would carry him through the battles to come.
And somewhere in the city, new threats were already stirring, waiting for the right moment. But Mukul, the dragon, and their circle of formidable women were ready. Together, they would face whatever darkness came next.