Payal stood there, her mind spinning in a whirlwind of emotions, caught between disbelief and awe. The overwhelming embrace with Julian left her feeling both cherished and utterly vulnerable. She had never imagined a moment so intense, so consuming. Asra's voice cut through her daze.
"It's done. Now, I am to sleepy—to think about anything. Can we go back?" His tone was calm but carried a weariness that mirrored the depth of the rituals they'd just undergone. He turned to William, silently asking for confirmation.
William no , stepping forward. His calm presence offered a grounding force to the charged atmosphere. Payal felt her emotions still raw, her body heavy with the weight of what had just transpired. The mansion, with its eerie shadows and timeless walls, seemed almost to exhale, releasing some tension into the cool night air.
She was unsure what awaited for her beyond these sacred halls—if the magic would linger or finally settle like dust after a storm. But in that moment, surrounded by the men who had become her anchors, Payal allowed herself to lean on their strength.
We can't leave ! William said directly looking at Asra, we need spend night here as ,tradition, let's go upstairs.
The soft sound of footsteps echoed as they began to move toward the upstairs, the rituals behind them, but their impact forever etched in Payal's soul. Together, they got in the mansion's haunting embrace, stepping toward a future woven with love, destiny, and an unbreakable bond.
When they reached upstairs, there was only one room left—its door locked firmly. The situation was awkward, but William carefully avoided making Payal feel uncomfortable. "It's tradition," he explained quietly, his voice low and steady. Yet, as always, Asra paid no heed to hesitation or embarrassment; with bold confidence, he pushed open the door and stepped inside without waiting for permission.
The room wasn't much different from the rest of the mansion—dimly lit with shadows clinging to the corners, walls draped in dark, heavy curtains, and furniture that seemed to have absorbed centuries of secrets. Payal's skin prickled with unease. The creeping sensation of being watched clawed at her, intensifying the mansion's already eerie atmosphere.
Julian followed closely behind Asra, his energy drained as if the rituals had sapped every ounce of strength. The exhaustion was palpable—today had been a grueling day for all of them. William's eyes never left Payal, his gaze sharp and protective. He sensed her discomfort, the way she pressed herself slightly against the shadows, searching for a way to escape the oppressive darkness.
"Payal…" William's voice was gentle but urgent, almost a whisper. "We have to share this bed. I know it may feel like too much. If you're uncomfortable, we can sleep separately—just tell me."
Payal swallowed hard. The room was too dark, too heavy with unspoken fears. "Let's sleep together,"Her voice trembled, betraying the strength she tried to summon. she answered before he could say more. She is scared—the darkness here, I don't know what's lurking. If we stay together, I won't be so afraid." she was was in her thoughts full of chaos.
William studied her carefully. "Are you sure?" he asked, eyes searching hers. Her nod came quietly, but it was firm—her way of leaning on this small comfort against the unknown.
As they walkeed in the shadowed room, the weight of their bond and tradition settled over them like a protective veil. Even in the mansion's eerie ambiance, together they found a fragile sanctuary—a promise of safety and unity in a night that held as many questions as answers.
The bed was surprisingly large, its dark wood frame polished but worn—an echo of the mansion's centuries-old history. Asra had already settled down, his powerful form sprawled comfortably across one side. Julian lingered at the edge, debating which side to claim, before glancing back at William and Payal.
"Which side do you want to sleep on?" Julian asked Payal gently, his eyes searching hers for a hint.
Payal hesitated briefly, then made up her mind quickly. "I think it's better if I sleep in the middle," she looked softly, a quiet confidence underlying her words. " Her mind running wild a ghost or anything tries to come after me, it will have to pass by them . If I sleep at either end, it's easier for something to haunt me." A faint smile tugged at her lips "Besides, I know no one here can harm me without my permission.
Julian's eyes widened ever so slightly, and Asra, still resting with eyes half-closed, opened them fully in surprise. William studied her carefully, admiration and a little awe in his gaze. For all her fears and uncertainties, Payal's intuition and courage shone brightly. That's what he thought, what if got to know what running in a small head of hers
William stepped closer. His voice was soft but carried the weight of reassurance. "Are you sure about that? I know this is all new to you," he said, his tone gentle but protective.
Payal nodded firmly. "I'm sure. I want to be surrounded by you both. It will make me feel safe."
As they arranged themselves carefully so that Payal lay nestled between William and Julian, the air shifted slightly, as if the very walls acknowledged the new bond forming in this ancient room. There was a sense of unity, a silent promise of protection and belonging that wrapped them all in warmth despite the mansion's lingering shadows.
The night stretched ahead, full of unknowns—but for now, they faced it together.
Payal slept in peaceful silence, cocooned between William and Julian, her breathing soft and even. The warmth of their bodies on either side was a comforting safeguard against the mansion's lingering chill. But as dawn edged around the heavy curtains, faint whispers drifted through the darkness, tugging her slowly from her dreams.
She opened her eyes, the world still blurry and dim. Instinctively, her hand reached out, brushing over rumpled sheets—her palm met warm, bare skin. Slowly, her gaze traced up and found herself nestled against William's chest, his breath gentle as it intertwined with hers. The steady rise and fall of his chest was hypnotic, grounding her in the hazy quiet.
Payal blinked in confusion. How had she ended up here, wrapped safely in William's arms? Last night's exhaustion must have pulled her close, seeking comfort from the nightmare shadows—and William, ever vigilant, had drawn her in protectively. The whispers faded, replaced by the soft pulse of his heartbeat beneath her cheek.
She listened, soothed by his presence, and let her gaze wander across the room. Julian, settled on her other side, offered a reassuring smile, the light glinting off his tousled hair. It was an intimate morning, the kind where love and warmth chased away even the strongest fears.
For a moment, Payal simply breathed—finding solace in the steady embrace that had held her through the night, safe in the trust she for men. The mansion no longer felt haunted but transformed by the bonds they'd built together.