As Ravi stepped into the meeting chamber, he was struck by the dim glow of countless candles floating in midair. Their golden light flickered against the ancient stone walls, casting eerie shadows. In the center of the room stood a grand, circular table, large enough to seat twenty but currently occupied by only five figures.
At the extreme end stood three giant statues—the Lords of Hunfu: Brahma, Creator; Vishnu, Preserver; and Shiva, Destroyer. They seemed to imbue the space with their otherworldly essence, a powerful reminder of preservation, creation, and destruction's balance.
Ravi was spoken to by a priest, his white robes fluttering as he bowed respectfully in front of the child.
"My Lord, if I may keep the child through the duration of the meeting?" he asked politely.
Ravi hesitated briefly before giving a careful nod, handing Aadi over. The priest cradled the baby with practiced ease and walked toward the head of the table, where the Elder's chair awaited.
Ravi turned his gaze to the five individuals seated at the table. Each one exuded an aura of power and authority. They were the Twilight Five—the sworn protectors of the Elder.
Ravenna – First Pillar
Thorne – Second Pillar
Zephyr – Third Pillar
Seraphina – Fourth Pillar
Lucia – Fifth Pillar
Zephyr spoke up first. A sly smile curled across her mouth as she settled back in her seat. "Well, well, long time no see, Ravi. How is Riya?"
Ravi looked back at her steadily. "She is fine."
Zephyr's gaze flashed towards the priest with Aadi in his arms. "And this child. is he yours?"
Ravi nodded. "Yes, he is my son. His name is Aadi."
Zephyr nodded in approval. "Are you here to introduce him to the Elder?"
Ravi sighed. "Yes, but I have a question. Why are you all here? Did Elena call you?"
"Yes," Zephyr answered, rising and walking towards the priest who was holding Aadi.
Before another word could be spoken, a forceful blow struck Ravi. Thorne had covered the distance between them in a heartbeat, his hand clamped around Ravi's collar. His eyes blazed with anger.
"You insolent bastard! How dare you call the Elder by her name!" Thorne snarled.
Ravi was unruffled by Thorne's hostility. "Ah, Thorne. Years apart, and you still haven't changed. Still the same hot-headed fool."
Seraphina, obviously delighted, clapped her hands enthusiastically. "Yes! Fight, fight, fight!"
Lucia sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Both of you, stop. The Elder will be here any moment. And Seraphina, don't encourage them."
Before things could get more tense, Ravenna's voice sliced through the commotion like ice. "Everyone, take your seats. The Elder is here."
Thorne immediately released Ravi and stepped back to his own chair, but the fury in his eyes had not dissipated. Zephyr, also watching Aadi intently, returned to her own seat.
A gentle mist crept into the room, curling around the pedestal of the statues before separating to show a thin but powerful woman. She moved with slow, measured steps, her very presence choking the room with unbridled power. She held in one hand a long, ancient staff, and her eyes, though old, burned with an undeniable flame.
All but Ravi stood in deference while Elder Elena seated herself at the head of the table.
"I notice we are all here," she said calmly but with authority. "Let us start."
As the others sat down, Ravi reclined, observing her. "You've aged since I saw you last."
Elena laughed. "Yes, while others my age sleep in ease, I am here, still babysitting stubborn souls."
Ravi smiled. "Babysitting, eh? Yes, you certainly did a wonderful job of that."
The warmth left Elena's face. "Enough nostalgia. You are not here for gossip."
Ravi's smile was gone. "Then tell me why you brought me here. Surely, this is not merely to visit my son?"
Elena leaned forward, her fingers steepled. "You are right. But before I tell you, I think the others in this room have questions."
Ravenna nodded, her piercing gaze narrowing. "Yes, Elder. We want to know—who are we precisely supposed to keep you safe from?"
There was silence in the chamber. The Twilight Five shared a look, tension creeping onto their faces.
Elena's response was matter-of-fact. "From Ravi. And I called Raj to safeguard me from Ravi too."
The room air became thick. Even when the understanding hit them, none of them could speak up, but there was one question on their minds: Why?
Each individual in the room was surprised at the name of Raj.
Ravenna hesitantly asked, "Elder, do you refer to Omniscient Raj?"
Elena nodded curtly.
Thorne laughed. "With respect, Elder, do you not believe we, the Twilight Five, can shield you from Ravi? His power was warded long ago. He is weak now. I could go up against him alone."
The look on Elena's face darkened. "You idiot. Do you even know who you are talking about? The one you refer to as weak is one your total strength could not halt even in full power."
With every word, a suffocating pressure weighed upon Thorne. His bravado disintegrated as beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. His legs shook before he fell onto both knees, his arms struggling to hold him up.
"I. I am sorry, Elder." Thorne stuttered, his voice hardly louder than a whisper.
Elena took a deep breath, steadying herself. "Go back to your seat."
Thorne complied, his fists balled at his sides. Humiliation seethed inside him. He glared at Ravi, promising himself silently that this humiliation would not be without reply.
Ravi stood still, his eyes fixed on Elena. He refused to acknowledge the accusatory glances fixed upon him.
Ravenna spoke. "Elder, may I pose a question?"
Elena nodded.
"Where is Omniscient Raj?"
An abrupt quiet descended upon the room. The air thickened, the dance of candle flame fading as though the universe itself was holding its breath. A low thrum, almost undetectable at first, vibrated through the walls, as though the beat of some hidden power stirring.
Then, suddenly, the temperature in the room changed—a cold, creeping wave of pressure fell, smothering but somehow light. The very fabric of space shook. Shadows slid on the floor, reaching unnaturally up toward the head of the table, as if summoned by some unseen master.
A voice—serene, low, and commanding—cut through the silence.
"I am here."
The shadows condensed, creating a swirling emptiness alongside Elder Elena. Out of the shadows, a man appeared as if crossing over the limits of life itself. His pace was measured, unflustered, as if time curved at his command. He was attired in a flowing cloak, its material waving like dark fluid. A hat with a broad brim concealed his sharp, inscrutable face, leaving half of his countenance hidden in shadow. With his left hand, he gripped a tall, arcane staff whose etchings glowed with a feeble light infused by energy more ancient than stars.
The instant Omniscient Raj emerged, the foundations of the room appeared to genuflect in homage. All priests present went to their knee instinctively. The Twilight Five inclined their heads respectfully, their natural arrogance gone as they recognized silently the figure in front of them.
The three were not influenced—Elder Elena, Ravi, and the priest holding Aadi.
Raj folded his hands in a polite gesture to Ravi. "Namaste."
Ravi was not intimidated by the dominant energy and responded similarly. "Namaste."
The intense stare of Raj focused on Ravi. "It is a long time. This is our second encounter."
Ravi scowled. "Second encounter? I don't recall the first."
A small, knowing smile flashed on Raj's face. "You will, in time."
Ravi shrugged, not caring for riddles. "Enough of the small talk. Elena, tell me—why have you invited me? Why did you ask that I bring Aadi? Why invoke the Twilight Five and an Omniscient?"
The air in the room was electric, the eyes of all staring at the Elder, awaiting the truth to be unveiled.
The actual meeting will start now.