Kriya stepped into the cave, and the moment he did, a wave of intense aura hit him like a silent storm. It was thick in the air heavy, and pulsing. With each step deeper inside, the aura grew stronger… denser… until it wrapped around him like invisible chains. But as he walked further in, expecting shadows and pitch-black silence, he found something else.
The darkness faded.
Light shimmered from the very walls of the cave, glowing softly like enchanted crystals embedded in stone. Hues of blue, violet, and silver reflected across the rocky surface, illuminating the space.
And then …..he smelled it. The sweet, scent of Madarasa.
Dozens of them bloomed across the floor and walls of the cave…beautiful, glowing purple petals, each one pulsing with life as if breathing. But his eyes weren't wide in awe because of the flowers.
They widened in shock.
There, suspended in the center of the cave, surrounded by light and drifting blossoms….was Astra.
Floating mid-air.
Motionless.
"Astra?" Kriya whispered, but she didn't respond.
He rushed forward, but just as he got close, an invisible force pushed him back. His feet slid, and he stumbled slightly. He steadied himself and rushed again, but again the barrier repelled him, even more fiercely this time.
Kriya stood still for a moment, staring at her then closed his eyes exhaled slowly, stepped forward. His hands rose, forming precise gestures and a faint glow gathered at his fingertips.
"How dare you enter my cave without permission?"
The voice echoed sharply, laced with fury and It vibrated through the walls. Kriya instantly turned, eyes darting across the shimmering walls…but there was no one in sight. The cave was still. Silent. Except for the faint hum of the barrier.
"Answer me, intruder, before I turn you into my next meal!" This time, the voice boomed louder furious than before.
Kriya didn't move…. he scanned the space once again, this time closing his eyes briefly to sense it.
The aura.
It was everywhere. Surrounding him.
""I didn't come to fight or disrespect. I came for her and for the flower which blooms here after having it we will leave without any trouble," Kriya spoke calmly, his voice steady.
"What?!"
The voice rose, sharp and offended but it was quickly swallowed by a dark, guttural laugh that echoed through the cave like.
"How adorably naive…human." the voice cooed mockingly, venom dripping from every word.
"You think you can just walk into my cave, ask politely, and leave with what's mine?"
A pause...then the tone sharpened, colder, crueler.
"Who do you think you're speaking to?" The air around Kriya shifted, the aura pressing heavier now, more suffocating. "Stepping into this space was your first mistake. Thinking you could take my flowers? That… will be your last."
The laugh came again this time louder, "Seems fortune finally smiles upon me, Two meals… served right at my door. After all I've endured, now this?" The voice purred darkly, pleased.
"What a lovely day to feed."
Kriya felt it …..a surge of danger slicing through the air. In a blink, he dodged to the side, the attack missing him by inches. The pressure of the aura grew heavier, but his voice remained calm, steady.
"I told you I'm not here to fight or disrespect. I came to offer something. If you let her go and give me one Madarasa flower… I'll give you something in return."
A low, mocking laugh responded, more amused than before.
"A human… offering me, the seven-tailed demon beast, something?"
"Adorable. Truly adorable...But why would I need anything when I'm starving… and craving suffering? Still…" the voice purred, "I wonder what you taste like…..Why are you closing your eyes? Are you scared? Don't be. I won't eat you first—"
"I'll eat her. She looks weak already… all that venom flowing inside her? Mmm, I bet she tastes divine."
THUD!
Kriya's eyes shot open at the sound, and his head snapped toward the center of the cave. She had fallen. Her body hit the stone floor with a dull, heavy sound. Kriya didn't waste a second he raised his arm and swung it forward sharply. The barrier around her shattered under the force, disappearing like broken glass into thin air.
He rushed to her, kneeling beside her.
Her face was pale. Her body had started turning purple, the marks spreading. Kriya's expression changed….he gently touched her forehead, trying to sense her condition. That's when the voice came again, this time louder, more furious.
"How did you break the barrier?!" A pause followed. The tone shifted. "Wait… are you a blessed one?"
Kriya didn't respond. His focus stayed on Astra. Her breath was faint, and the venom was clearly spreading faster now. Then he felt it…..something approaching. A strong surge, fast and sharp, coming right from behind.