Destination

Visha made sure Nati was alright as she examined her neck in a haste. Nati could only chuckle at her childish thoughts. Did she really think the Gandharva could hurt her by just that? Just how naive could this little one be? It wasn't until she saw a tinge of anger in Visha's eyes that shock gripped her. She could see a slight spark in her pupils, but it was smaller than before. Nati stared at her in curiosity as Visha gripped Divrat's arm and forcefully turned him to face her. Not only Nati but Divrat was shocked as well by the sudden spike in Visha's strength. Just a minute ago she was struggling to get Nati out of his grasp but now she violently turned his body to face herself. As soon as he saw her, he too noticed that tiny speck of light in her pupils. To humans it won't seem much different than just reflected light but he knew that this was proof that this girl had the blood of a higher being than humans. The regret from before subsided a bit, he had understood Nati's words the first time and knew she wasn't human. But now he had seen proof, atleast not all of the things were a trick.

"We just formed an alliance, didn't we?" Visha asked while gritting her teeth.

"What do you mean?" Divrat asked, confused about the real meaning of this question.

"A simple yes and no would suffice."

Divrat could feel a strong aura around Visha and hence complied with her request. He nodded in affirmation.

"You hate humans, don't you?"

"Get to the point!"

Visha scoffed at him before replying, "The alliance states, you are to offer protection when needed. We need that protection now."

Divrat was taken aback for a second by her demand, "Human intervention will come under the witches' work."

"True. But the stone is being used to enforce soul magic and control all the beasts of the Spirit Forest. And THAT is your territory." Visha said and flashed a fake smile his way before turning back. All Divrat could do once he understood her words was grit his teeth in anger. This little one had used the alliance as a way to get back at him for hurting that Yakshini. How petty!

Nati too couldn't help but laugh at the way this girl's mind worked. Visha knows she cannot beat up Divrat directly, so she just tortures him the way she can. Her new 'Master' was quite spiteful. Nati gave Divrat a smug smile before turning to follow behind Visha as well.

***

Ashwin stared at the four sturdy half-horses walking with them. These tall figures had been here ever since he woke up two days ago. He was gkad to see Danish, Laksh and Visha back. But Visha had been carrying a sleeping bird around ever since they were back. When he asked Danish about the sturdy newcomers all he said was that they had formed an alliance and that's why these four were accompanying them. That vague explanation wasn't enough to satisfy his bubbling curiosity. But no matter how much he had tried to pry more information out of him, it was all in vain. That Danish had suddenly turned so tight-lipped, it was unbelievable. He had asked Shaurya but he didn't know either. He was the leader of this team atleast he should've known what happened here. But all he said was that whenever he asked Danish the reply was the same. "Not enemies, that's all you need to know." This was the first time they had seen Danish this dominant ever since he stepped down from his position as the leader of the team. Even Shaurya was aware that even now he was the leader in only name. He had never taken decisions without consulting Danish.

If even Shaurya was shunned like that, then there was no way he'd find out anything. All he could do for now was suck it in. Trisha on the other hand refused to budge away and kept walking beside Danish to nudge him into spilling the beans. But even she was getting irritated by that tightly shut mouth of his. Just where did this perseverance come from? He hadn't been like that ever before. He was well aware of her family background and has never dared to offend her. But now, no matter how much she pestered him, he wouldn't give in at all. Was he no more afraid of what she could do in this coven? Her family is one of the noble families of Bhairavi Clan. Currently, her Grandmother is one of the Elders and her brother was only second to that Dhira in talents. If only the previous Master hadn't picked up that gutter rat, her brother would've been the heir. They were the biggest threat to her throne, even Dhira had to mind her. How could a mere teammate ignore her like that?

Danish walked ahead as he ignored her deadly glares and joined Visha, who was startled at first but understood when she saw Trisha stomp her feet behind her. So this stunt was pulled to lose Trisha. Danish knows how much she hated Visha and hence decided to walk beside her.

"Maybe I should start charging people for waving the pests away." Visha said nonchalantly.

Danish felt awfully embarassed and opened his mouth to apologise but was stopped by Visha.

"Save it. Why don't you just tell them? Why run away like this?" she asked. She had always seen Danish being a kind guide for all of them, like a teacher nurturing them with care. Some part of her was curious too about this sudden change.

"Because I don't know what to say either. Even I don't fully understand what I witnessed. All I can tell was, it was something beyond my reach and understanding." he shrugged his shoulders. He had seen what had happened but couldn't grasp its gist fully. He could tell it was some sort of alliance from the mark on Visha's arm. But too had questions as to why the Gandharvas agreed, what had been promised to each other, how did they get involved in a broken alliance between the priesthood and the Gandharvas. What role did Visha have in all of this? Why was she chosen to bear that mark and not the leader of this team? He could tell there was definitely something about her that he had missed.