Om had come dangerously close to Anshika's face.
So close… that she could feel his breath.
In that moment, Anshika was completely sure—
He was about to kiss her.
Her heart started racing wildly.
Without even thinking, she quickly shut her eyes and began panicking inside her head,
"Oh my God… is this really happening? This is that moment… the moment! Damn, I should've put on better lipstick today… and why didn't I bring a mouth freshener? What if my breath smells? Ugh, stop it, girl! Don't think all this… just live this moment!"
Her thoughts refused to stop.
"But wait… isn't this all happening too fast? Oh God, what do I even do now? I don't want this to happen so quickly… but at the same time, my heart doesn't want to stop him either…"
She kept mumbling silently in her mind, completely lost.
Meanwhile…
Om stood right in front of her, watching her tightly shut eyes and nervous expression.
And then—
He smiled.
Suddenly, he said,
"Not in the mood to tell you right now."
And just like that—
He leaned back.
Pulled away.
Anshika's eyes shot open instantly.
Her face turned even redder, her eyes wide in shock as she stared at him.
And then—
Her thoughts came crashing back again,
"Ugh, what was I even thinking! You really thought this arrogant guy would fall for you that easily? Well done… you just embarrassed yourself!"
But just then—
Om extended his hand toward her, smiling lightly.
"So… shall we start this friendship again?"
For a second, Anshika just looked at his hand.
Inside, she was happy.
Really happy.
But of course… she wasn't going to show it that easily.
With a slight attitude and a soft smile, she placed her hand in his and said,
"Fine… you're lucky you got a chance to be friends with Anshika."
The moment she said that—
Both of them burst into laughter.
A new beginning had just been made.
Something soft…
Something unspoken…
Something real.
—
While a love story quietly began under the stars…
Far away in Badallok—
The atmosphere had turned heavy.
Tense.
The Serpent Messenger's words had shaken both Ambu and Neerja Devi to their core.
With a hint of fear in her voice, Neerja Devi said,
"Serpent Messenger… from what you're saying, it seems the demons are preparing to attack Earth once again… and this time, on a much larger scale."
The Serpent Messenger sighed deeply, his face filled with worry.
"Yes, Your Majesty… I fear this attack will be far more terrifying and destructive than the last one."
Before the weight of his words could settle, Ambu quickly spoke up,
"But even after all this… is the Demon King just sitting silently?"
The Serpent Messenger turned toward him, his expression dark.
"King Ambu… I'm afraid the one sitting on the throne of the Demon Realm right now… is not the same Demon King as before."
A pause.
His voice grew heavier.
"There is a new ruler now… a far more dangerous one. He despises every other species apart from demons."
Then he looked at Neerja Devi.
"And I believe… you already know him, Your Majesty."
Hearing this, Neerja Devi slowly lowered her gaze.
A realization had already struck her.
"That explains everything…" she said quietly.
"That's why the demons have returned to their true nature. Their king has given them courage."
Her voice grew firm… yet laced with concern.
"This is a grave threat. Not just to Earth… but to the entire universe."
A chilling silence spread.
"They've held onto their anger for centuries… and this time, they will come fully prepared."
She looked ahead, her eyes sharp.
"And it seems… their preparations have already begun."
Ambu's voice trembled slightly as he spoke,
"But… Your Majesty… what do we do now? This is a massive crisis!"
In that very moment—
Neerja Devi stood up.
Her fear was gone.
Replaced by determination.
"We will not step back."
Her voice echoed with power.
"Protecting Earth is our duty… and our dharma."
She took a step forward.
"Yes, the demons are powerful… but their darkness can never stand against our unity and righteousness."
Turning toward Ambu, she commanded,
"Send word to every royal court… to every leader of every species. Tell them—Earth is in danger. Life itself is in danger."
Her voice rose, filled with authority.
"The time has come… to repay the gift of life we have been given."
A pause.
"Tell them… this is a summons from Badallok."
Then she turned to the Serpent Messenger.
"And you—bring the Serpent King here."
Her eyes burned with resolve.
"Prepare for a grand council. After centuries… all species will gather once again."
Hearing her words, a surge of energy filled both Ambu and the Serpent Messenger.
They bowed deeply and turned to leave.
But after taking a few steps—
The Serpent Messenger stopped.
And turned back.
Ambu followed him, confused.
Seeing them return, Neerja Devi frowned slightly.
"What is it, Serpent Messenger? Is there something else?"
He lowered his head slightly.
"Yes, Your Majesty… in all this, I forgot to tell you something important."
Neerja Devi gave a calm nod.
"That's alright. Tell me now… what is it?"
The Serpent Messenger hesitated for a brief moment.
Then said,
"Your Majesty… the demons are searching for something."
A pause.
"And I believe… that thing is connected to you."
The moment those words left his mouth—
Neerja Devi's eyes widened in fear.
A fear so deep…
It felt like she already knew.
Like she had been dreading this exact moment.
Still, trying to steady herself, she asked,
"Serpent Messenger… what exactly are they searching for?"
The air grew still.
Heavy.
As if the answer…
Could change everything.