Vikram materialized ten feet away, his chest heaving, a thin layer of frost covering his shoulders. His eyes glowed with a deep, silver-gray light.
"Band IV," Rohan said, walking closer. "You're a Wraith now."
"It's not just about invisibility," Vikram said. He held out his hand. He focused his Prana, compressing the dark photons in his palm. The air warped, and a solid, black blade of shadow materialized, floating above his hand.
He flicked his wrist. The shadow blade shot forward, striking a stone pillar. The stone cracked with a loud pop as the construct dissolved, leaving a clean, deep gash.
"Umbral Solidification," Vikram said. "I can protect us now."
Suddenly, Rahul's walkie-talkie crackled. Rhea's voice came through, filled with static and panic.
"Rohan? Vikram? Do you copy?"
Rohan grabbed the radio. "Rhea, we're here. What's wrong?"
"Malhotra's enforcers found the Dharavi safehouse!" she cried. "Patil's police are with them. They're arresting everyone. Appa... Appa tried to hold them off to let the younger kids escape. They took him, Rohan!"
Rohan's face went pale. The radio slipped from his hand, hitting the stone floor.
"No," Rohan whispered. "Appa..."
Vikram picked up the radio. "Rhea, where are they taking him?"
"To the old textile mill in Lower Parel," Rhea said, her voice shaking. "They've set up a temporary detention camp there. Vikram, it's a trap. They want you."
Vikram looked at Rohan, whose eyes were filled with anger and fear.
"We're going back," Vikram said, his voice cold. "And we're going to burn their network down."