The destruction of the Lower Parel node caused a minor power spike across the district, but the Vow was quick to react.
"We need to move to Byculla," Vikram said as they escaped the mill. "The second transmitter is in the old Victoria Mill. But they know we're coming now."
"They've deployed the Chaya-Dutas' hounds," Rahul warned over the radio. "I'm seeing reports of biological-dark matter hybrids moving through the Byculla railway yards. They're fast, Vikram."
They reached the Byculla railway yard, a vast graveyard of rusted train cars and overgrown tracks. The rain was pouring, washing away their tracks, but Vikram knew it wouldn't stop the hounds.
"They track bio-electricity," Vikram said. "Every time we use Prana, we light up like flares to them."
Suddenly, a low, guttural growl echoed from the top of a rusted passenger car.
A beast slid down the metal side. It looked like a massive wolf, but its body was made of shifting, semi-solid shadows, its eyes glowing with a malicious red light.
"Rohan, behind you!" Vikram yelled.
Another shadow hound leaped from the darkness, its jaw open, revealing teeth of solidified dark matter.
Rohan rolled out of the way, drawing his stun baton. The beast struck the wet gravel, leaving frost on the stones where its paws touched.
"Keep your bio-electricity low!" Vikram called out, taking a defensive stance. "If you flare your Prana, they'll target you!"