The night air carried an unusual stillness as Mukul and his five allies—Meera, Anaya, Kavya, Saira, and Liyana—returned to their safe house. The city seemed calm, but Mukul could feel the dragon's energy flickering nervously within him. Something was coming—something bigger than the previous attacks.
"The dragon's restless," Mukul murmured, placing a hand over his chest. Golden light pulsed faintly beneath his skin.
Meera glanced at him, concern in her eyes. "What does that mean? Are we in danger again?"
Kavya tilted her head, teasing lightly to hide unease. "Or maybe your dragon is just grumpy. Dragons can have moods too, right?"
Anaya rolled her eyes. "This is serious. He's warning us for a reason. Stay alert."
Saira's calm voice added, "Dragon's sense disturbances that we cannot. We should prepare for whatever comes."
Liyana twirled her dagger with a mischievous grin. "And maybe have a little fun while we do it?"
Mukul closed his eyes, letting the dragon's energy guide him. Images flashed before him—dark clouds swirling above the city, shadowy figures moving with purpose, and a golden roar that shook the foundations of his senses.
"We're being watched," he said finally. "And the network isn't acting alone. There's something else… something mystical."
Before anyone could respond, a faint shimmering light appeared at the safe house window. The women moved instinctively, weapons ready. Mukul stepped forward, golden energy coiling around him like protective threads.
A figure emerged from the light—a spectral dragon, translucent but radiant, with eyes that gleamed like molten gold. Its voice echoed directly in Mukul's mind.
"You have awakened the path, warrior," it said. "Danger approaches. The black-suited network will strike with allies' unseen. Trust not only your strength, but your bonds. Protect those who protect you, and heed the signs I give."
The dragon circled above, its golden aura intensifying before fading into a single glowing ember that floated toward Mukul.
"This… this is a warning," Mukul said, catching the ember. It pulsed in his hand, warm and alive. "It's showing me the next move of the network… and it's powerful."
Meera's eyes widened. "What kind of power are we talking about?"
Mukul shook his head. "Ancient. Mystical. They've called upon forces beyond ordinary men. We'll need strategy, strength, and trust more than ever."
Kavya smirked. "Well, we've got strategy, strength, and… me."
Anaya rolled her eyes, but her lips curled into a small smile. "And we have each other. That's what counts."
Saira added softly, "We will protect each other. That is the truest power we possess."
Liyana winked. "And don't forget charm. It has a way of distracting enemies."
Mukul smiled, looking at the five women. They were his allies, his protectors, and his family in a sense. Each brought unique skills, insight, and strength to the group. Alone, none could face what was coming—but together, they were unstoppable.
He lifted the glowing ember, feeling the dragon's energy connect with his own. "We'll prepare. We'll anticipate their moves. And we'll fight with everything we have."
The spectral dragon let out one final roar, golden light cascading through the room, before vanishing. The calm returned, but the sense of urgency lingered.
Mukul turned to the women. "Rest for now, but stay alert. Tomorrow, we begin the next stage. The network will escalate, and we must be ready—together."
Kavya grinned. "Sounds like another adventure. Count me in."
Anaya nodded. "We survive, we adapt, we strike."
Saira's calm eyes met his. "We protect each other. That is our true strength."
Meera added firmly, "And together, we'll face whatever darkness comes."
Liyana twirled her dagger one last time. "And maybe teach some fools a lesson along the way."
Mukul laughed softly, feeling the warmth and power of their bond. The dragon had warned them, and they were ready—not just as warriors, but as a team, a family, and something more.
The night was still, but the city, the shadows, and destiny itself were about to test them—and Mukul knew, with the women at his side, they would rise to meet it.