Rain fell quietly, soft but cold. The night felt strangely still, as if something had ended.
John lay on the ground, blood slipping from his mouth. His breathing was weak, barely holding on.
"I… raised a demon…" his voice broke as he spoke. Each word carried pain and regret.
His vision blurred as his heartbeat slowed. "…Aryan…" he whispered faintly.
A bitter smile formed on his lips. "It would've been better to raise a street dog…"
He coughed weakly, struggling to breathe. "…At least it wouldn't bite me from behind."
His chest rose one last time, then fell into silence. The life in his eyes disappeared completely.
The rain continued outside, uncaring. The world moved on as if nothing happened.
Aryan stood there calmly, watching without emotion. A low chuckle escaped his lips.
"…Sorry, old man," he said, adjusting his sleeve. There was no regret in his voice.
"Congratulations… you finally get to meet your elder daughter." A faint smirk appeared on his face.
He turned away slowly, completely uninterested. "Guards, clean this trash," he ordered coldly.
The guards moved instantly, their expressions blank. No hesitation, no emotion—just obedience.
Aryan paused near the door, his eyes darkening. "Ashura… Shina…" he whispered softly.
A dangerous smile spread across his face. "…Stay aware. I'm hunting both of you."
The door closed behind him, leaving silence behind. The rain kept falling endlessly.
The atmosphere shifted quietly as Ashura opened the door. He stepped forward, his expression calm as ever.
He glanced back once and smiled faintly. "Thanks… Anjali, for the tea and dinner."
Anjali looked at him, worry clear in her eyes. "It's fine… but it's too late, it's dangerous for you."
Ashura sighed softly, shaking his head. "Don't worry, I'll be fine."
He paused for a moment, his gaze lowering slightly. "I promised my sisters dinner… I can't break it."
From behind, Aaron spoke nervously, his voice unsure. "But Ashura… you're in danger, you know that."
Ashura chuckled lightly, turning his head a little. "Wow… the guy who wanted to kill me is worrying now."
He waved his hand casually, brushing it off. "Relax, I'll be safe."
Emilia spoke hesitantly, her voice softer than before. "…As you wish."
Zara avoided his gaze, clearly holding something back. "…Take care."
Ashura looked at all of them one last time. A small smile appeared on his face.
"Take care, all of you."
He stepped outside and closed the door behind him. The sound echoed softly in the silence.
Everything went quiet again. Only the sound of rain remained.
He left quietly as the door closed behind him. Silence filled the room once again.
Only the faint sound of rain echoed outside. No one spoke for a moment.
Asha finally broke the silence, her voice calm with a hint of curiosity. "That boy doesn't look like someone who'll get captured easily…"
Anjali chuckled softly, her eyes thoughtful. "Maybe… you're right."
Zara turned her head away, avoiding everyone's gaze. "…He bowed his head… I felt bad."
Riven smiled slightly, crossing his arms. "You all know why he did that, right?"
The room fell quiet again as memories surfaced.
Flashback
Anjali spoke calmly, her tone gentle. "You know, Ashura… Zara is the one who gave your sister a second life."
Ashura's eyes widened in surprise. "…Huh?"
He slowly turned his gaze toward Zara. She avoided eye contact, her expression unreadable.
"It's fine," Zara said softly. "I just couldn't watch a girl suffer."
Ashura stepped toward her without hesitation. His expression changed completely.
Before anyone could react, he lowered his head.
"Thank you, Zara…" his voice became heavy. "I owe you everything."
"…Please forgive me for hurting you," he added quietly. "I was just protecting what I love the most."
Everyone stood there in silence, watching him.
Present
Ronan smirked, breaking the tension. "Maybe… he likes our Zara."
Zara's face turned slightly red as she stepped back. "I won't fall for a human boy…"
She turned quickly, trying to hide her expression. "Mom… I'm sleepy. Goodnight."
She walked toward her room without looking back. Her steps were faster than usual.
Anjali smiled softly, watching her go. "Take care, my girl."
The rain continued outside, carrying a strange warmth in the cold night.
Outside, the rain fell quietly, almost silent. The cold air wrapped around the empty streets.
Ashura walked forward, holding his umbrella loosely. His steps were calm, but his mind wasn't.
"…It means she saved my sister…" his voice broke slightly. "I owe her something big."
His grip tightened a little as he kept walking. "Zara… Aaron… Riven… Ronan… Asha… Emilia…"
"I promised all of you," he murmured softly. "I'll protect you and make sure you all return home safely."
The rain tapped gently against his umbrella. The night felt heavier with every step.
After a few moments, he lowered the umbrella. "Yawn… I'm here," he said with a small smile.
He walked up to the door and tapped the bell. Ting Tong.
Ashura stood there quietly, his gaze calm but distant. "…But now I have a responsibility."
"A world that wants to kill me… huh." A faint smirk appeared on his lips.
He closed his eyes for a second, exhaling slowly. "…It's one versus a whole organization."
His eyes opened again, colder than before. "Sounds fun."
The door opened quietly.
"Ashura…" Neha looked at him calmly, then smiled softly. "You're home."
Ashura glanced at her, slightly surprised. "What are you doing here?"
"Of course, I came to check on my friend!" she said loudly, puffing her cheeks. "Don't act like you don't know."
"Okay, okay… don't get angry," Ashura sighed. He gently slid her aside and walked inside.
Neha chuckled, following him. "I remember how you cried… now you're acting tough."
"You idiot… don't tease," he muttered, shaking his head. A faint smile still appeared on his face.
From the kitchen, Avni walked out with an annoyed expression. "It's dinner time, Ashura… you disappeared since lunch."
"You always do this," she added with a sigh, clearly frustrated.
"Sorry, didi…" Ashura chuckled lightly, scratching his head. "Let's eat together."
Avni looked at him for a second, then nodded. "Fine… but don't do this again."
Ashura turned toward Neha. "You too, come join."
"Okay, didi," Neha nodded happily, stepping in beside them.
The house felt warm again, filled with quiet comfort. For a moment, everything seemed normal.
At Shina's residence, the door opened slowly.
"Dad, you're late…" she rubbed her eyes sleepily. Then she paused, her expression changing.
"…Huh?" A bright smile formed on her lips. "Aryan bhaiyya!"
She stepped forward happily and hugged him tightly. Her face lit up with pure joy.
Aryan smiled back, but something about it felt… off. "How are you, Shina?" he asked softly.
He gently caressed her hair, his touch calm yet distant. "I'm fine… very fine," Shina replied, smiling brightly.
"Come inside," she said, pulling him in without hesitation. Her happiness felt genuine.
From behind, Shizu watched silently, her gaze sharp. Her expression didn't change, but her thoughts did.
Why did he come here again…?
A faint uneasiness settled in her chest. Something about this moment didn't feel right.
At Ashura's home, he sat on the ground and yawned. His body finally relaxed after everything.
"So… it looks like Ruhi's friend gang is here," he said, glancing around with a tired expression.
Avni nodded lightly. "Hmm… yeah," she replied, her face turning into a soft, happy smile.
Ruhi chuckled happily, clearly enjoying the moment. The atmosphere felt light and peaceful.
"Neha, you look like an idiot," Ruhi teased playfully. Her eyes sparkled with mischief.
Neha puffed her cheeks in response. "You too!" she shot back, making both of them burst into giggles.
"Hey Ashura, join us," Ruhi said with a gentle smile. Her voice carried warmth.
Neha nodded quickly. "Yeah, come on!"
"No… sorry," Ashura yawned again, shaking his head. "I don't feel like it."
"Pleaseee…" Ruhi made a cute, innocent face. Her eyes pleaded silently.
"Ahhh… I lost again," Ashura sighed in defeat. He stood up and walked toward them.
He sat down beside them quietly, his expression softer now. The tension around him slowly faded.
Neha chuckled, glancing at him. "You never deny Ruhi's words… why?"
Ashura answered calmly, without hesitation. "Because I love her."
Ruhi laughed softly, not taking it seriously. "Thanks, bro," she said, patting his back.
The room filled with soft laughter, unaware of the storm approaching.
"So… what are we doing?" Ashura asked calmly. His eyes moved between them with mild curiosity.
Neha grinned instantly. "We're playing truth and dare… come on, join!"
Ashura hesitated and shook his head. "No… never."
"Why?" Neha leaned forward with a teasing smile. "Scared your secrets will come out?"
Ruhi chuckled, covering her lips. "You're a crybaby…"
"Ahh… I'm not," Ashura frowned slightly. "Fine… let's play."
Neha spun the bottle excitedly. It slowed down and stopped… on her.
"Oh shit…" she covered her mouth quickly. The others burst into laughter.
"Truth or dare?" Ruhi asked with a mischievous smile.
"Truth…" Neha replied, trying to stay calm.
"Who do you love?" Ruhi asked instantly, eyes shining.
Ashura glanced at her seriously, waiting for the answer. The room felt a bit more focused now.
"Umm…" Neha hesitated for a second. "…My father."
A moment of silence… then everyone chuckled.
"That's illegal," Ashura said dryly, shaking his head.
Ruhi puffed her cheeks. "Fine, next time you can't escape."
Ashura took the bottle and spun it. It rotated slowly… then stopped on him.
"Ohh shit…" he lowered his head slightly. The others leaned in instantly.
"Truth or dare?" Neha asked teasingly, her smile growing wider.
"Truth…" Ashura replied without hesitation.
Neha leaned closer, her voice playful but sharp. "…What's the relationship between you and Shina?"
The room went silent.
Ashura sighed and leaned back on the sofa. His eyes stayed calm, but something felt distant.
"Hmmm… she's cute… beautiful… a perfect wifey material," he said casually.
"But…" he paused for a moment. A faint, cold smile appeared on his lips.
"She has a good sense of humor… something most girls lack," he continued calmly.
"She gets angry and jealous too easily," he added, shrugging lightly. "That's just how she is."
"For now… she's more like my best friend," his voice softened a little. "I didn't accept her as my bride yet."
Everyone listened quietly, the mood slightly different now. His words felt honest… but incomplete.
From behind, Avni chuckled softly. "What a bold reply…"
"I thought you'd say… she's your fiancée," she added, teasing him lightly.
Ashura didn't respond immediately. His expression stayed calm, but his eyes didn't.
At Shina's residence, she served tea with a gentle smile. "Drink it, bhaiyya," she said happily.
"My brother…" she added softly as she sat beside him. Her eyes were filled with warmth.
Aryan took a sip of the tea calmly. He gently caressed her hair.
"This is tasty, my sister," he said with a soft smile. But something about it felt… hollow.
Shizu sat in front of them, watching quietly. "Aryan ji… you arrived quite early."
"Yeah… business work," he replied shortly. "Any questions?"
"No," Shizu shook her head slowly. Her eyes remained sharp, observing everything.
Just then, Shina's phone rang. "Wait…" she said, picking it up.
"Hello…?" she answered casually. Then—
"…What?"
Her expression darkened instantly. The phone slipped from her hand.
"No… no… no…" her voice trembled as fear took over.
"Shina ji!" Shizu stood up quickly, moving to hold her.
Aryan remained seated, glancing at her calmly. As if… he already knew.
Shina's eyes filled with tears as she grabbed the phone again. "You're lying… right?"
"…It's real," came the reply.
Her voice broke completely.
"Aryan bhaiya…" she cried, hugging him tightly.
"Dad… is no more…" her words shattered as they came out.
"Someone killed him…" she screamed, her voice filled with pain.
"AHHHHH—!"
Her cry echoed through the house. The warmth from before disappeared completely.
"Don't worry…" Aryan hugged her back gently. He forced out a fake, broken breath.
"Who told you?" he asked softly, pretending to be shaken.
"A… an officer…" Shina replied in a trembling voice. "He said… he found dad's body in his office…"
"Why…?" her voice cracked completely. "Who killed our father… what did he ever do…?"
Shizu stood beside them, her eyes wide with shock. She couldn't speak for a moment.
"Shina ji… don't cry…" she said softly, though her own eyes filled with tears.
"Shizu…" Shina sniffed, her hands shaking. Her tears refused to stop.
Aryan held her tighter, his grip firm. "I promise you, Shina…"
"I will find the one who killed dad," he said, his voice acting broken.
Shina clung to him, her body trembling. "Bhaiyya…" her voice was barely audible.
Shizu swallowed hard, her throat dry. "Master John… left us…" she whispered painfully.
"What a terrible news…" she added, her gaze slowly shifting toward the window.
Outside, everything was silent. Only the rain continued to fall.
At Anjali's lab, she stood quietly, mixing different liquids. The room glowed faintly with strange colors.
From behind, Riven walked in holding a tray, chuckling. "Tease me again and I'll throw this on all of you."
"Ugh… kid," Zara sighed, crossing her arms. Still, a small chuckle slipped from her lips.
Emilia suddenly pinched Asha's nose. "You know you're an idiot, right?"
"Idiot?!" Asha tried to back away quickly. "Mom, see this!"
Anjali turned around calmly. "Yes… what's happening?"
Everyone instantly stood straight like soldiers. "Nothing, mom," Asha said, forcing a smile.
"She bullied me…" Asha added, making a fake sad face.
Anjali lightly tapped Emilia on the head. "No trouble while working."
"Sorry, mom…" Emilia fake cried, rubbing her head.
Ronan giggled from the side. "This is fun…"
Aaron stood near the window, looking outside quietly. His expression turned slightly distant.
"It's late," Anjali said softly. "Children, go and sleep."
"Okay, mom," they all nodded together.
One by one, they left the lab and walked toward their rooms. The place slowly returned to silence.
At Ashura's home, Rivaan burst through the door. His clothes were soaked from the rain as he gasped heavily.
"Ashura…" his voice trembled. There was something wrong in his eyes.
Nyra walked toward him quickly. "What happened? Did Rishabh fall asleep on you again?"
"No, idiot…" Rivaan replied, glancing around nervously. "Where is Ashura?"
Hearing his voice, Ashura stepped forward. "Yeah, dad… what is it?"
Rivaan looked at him, his expression darkening. "Your father-in-law…"
His voice broke for a moment. "…Mr. John is dead. He was murdered an hour ago."
"…What?" Ashura froze, his eyes widening in shock. "How…?"
The room fell silent.
Scene Shift
Inside a hidden lab, three girls were tied tightly. Their mouths were covered as muffled cries echoed.
"Mpph…!" one of them struggled, tears falling uncontrollably.
A boy stood in front of them, injecting something into her arm. His lips curled into a twisted smile.
"This is insane…" he laughed, his body trembling. "I can feel it… the power inside me…"
A strange glow spread across his skin. A dark mark slowly appeared on his face.
A scientist stepped forward calmly, her voice cold. "Sir… we have successfully created a Humaris."
"A fusion of human and Luminarisis," she added with a smirk.
The bald man burst into loud laughter. "HAHAHAHA… finally!"
"Our first subject has succeeded," he declared proudly. "Find the rest… quickly."
The boy stepped outside, his aura flaring dangerously. His eyes burned with excitement.
"Mr. Raizen…" he muttered, then chuckled. The laugh grew darker with each second.
"I will find Ashura."
Behind him, one of the girls trembled violently. Her body weakened as the injection spread.
Pain consumed her completely.
Then—
She fell unconscious.
Before losing consciousness, the girl struggled weakly. Her muffled voice trembled through the silence.
"Mother… please… save us…"
Her breath came out heavy through her nose. Each inhale burned as her lungs ached in pain.
"We… are dying… slowly…"
Her body weakened completely. Darkness slowly consumed her vision.
Somewhere… in another dimension
A queen suddenly stood up from her throne. Her gaze sharpened instantly.
"My daughters…" her voice trembled slightly. "They are in danger."
A chill ran through her entire body. Goosebumps spread as her instincts screamed.
"Where are you… my girls…?" her voice turned desperate. Helplessness filled her eyes.
Her aura flared violently, shaking the very space around her. The air itself felt heavy.
"I will destroy everything…" her voice turned cold, filled with wrath.
She slowly dropped to her knees. For the first time… the queen looked powerless.
Chapter 13 Ends