The Raichand–Malhotra estate still smelled of smoke and steel. Shattered glass crunched underfoot as the family gathered in the grand hall, the very heart of their home. Burned walls bore silent testimony to the enemy's audacity. Guards carried out the wounded; doctors worked in makeshift corners.
But the core of the family—Mukul, Avni, Anaya, the cousins, and the fiancées—stood unbroken.
Mukul sat at the head of the long mahogany table, a position no one questioned. His eyes were calm, but the fury burning beneath them was unmistakable. The others leaned forward, waiting.
"They tested us tonight," Mukul began, voice steady, carrying over the quiet. "Not just our defenses, but our unity. They wanted to see if we were weak—if we'd splinter under fire." He paused, meeting each pair of eyes in turn. "They failed."
A murmur of agreement swept through the hall. Veer's fists clenched on the table. "So what's next, Mukul? We can't just wait for them to try again."
Mukul nodded. "We won't. We move before they do." He pressed a button on the hidden console embedded in the table. A holographic map of the world flickered to life, glowing with red zones. Each mark represented a rival foothold, their hidden networks spread across continents.
"This isn't a local threat. They're global. Which means our response must be global too."
The fiancées straightened. Mukul turned to them first.
"Kiara—you'll oversee Asia. Your network, your precision, your diplomacy will give us leverage where brute force won't."Kiara inclined her head, her eyes sharp.
"Sakura—Japan and the Pacific territories fall under you. Your blades will keep our allies safe, and your honor will inspire those who follow."Sakura's hand brushed the hilt of her sword. "It will be done."
"Aarohi—you'll take North America. Your leadership in crisis tonight proved your strength. You'll lead from the front."Aarohi smiled faintly, her confidence unshaken.
"Liya—you know Europe better than anyone. This is your territory. Turn it into our fortress."Liya nodded, eyes blazing with determination.
"Sirisha—Africa. Its markets, its people, its potential—shape it into something stronger than they can touch."Sirisha pressed her palms together. "They won't breach Africa's soil while I stand."
"And Vanya—South America. Innovation will be your weapon. Build, adapt, and outpace them."Vanya's lips curved into a sly smile. "I'll make sure they can't even predict us."
The cousins leaned in next, their loyalty unwavering. Mukul swept his gaze over them.
"Arin—law. We need legitimacy, and you'll provide it. A firm to shield us from political strikes.""Consider it done," Arin said.
"Aahana—medicine. Build clinics, research centers. Heal the wounds they leave behind, and people will follow us willingly."
"Arav—business. Markets move faster than armies. Dominate them."
"Riaan—cybersecurity. They'll try to sabotage us digitally. Guard our empire."
"Kaira—biogenetics. Innovation is our shield. Make breakthroughs that secure our dominance."
"Kiaan—strategy. Every campaign will pass through you."
"Kian—finance. Funds are the blood of empires. Keep it flowing."
"Veer—combat. Train our forces. You are our shield."
"Vanya—AI. Intelligence will be our edge."
"Varun—economics. You'll foresee their collapses before they even begin."
The Malhotra cousins listened next, their pride evident.
"Rudraksh—military strategy. Lead our soldiers."Rudraksh saluted.
"Ronav—tactical AI. You and Vanya will synchronize the digital battlefield."
"Ritvik—combat medicine. You'll keep our warriors alive."
"Rehan—neurosurgery and innovation. Push human limits forward."
"Rivaan—psychology. Shape morale, guide hearts."
"Rishaan—biotech and BCI. Advance our warriors beyond ordinary."
Each name, each role, fell like a stone into still water, rippling outward. This wasn't just strategy. It was destiny being carved in real time.
Anaya leaned forward, her voice soft but dangerous. "And me?"
Mukul's eyes met hers. "You carry the shadows. Ebon Veil will integrate with the Triad Dominion. Your networks are our unseen hands. With you, we strike where they least expect."
Anaya's lips curved into a knowing smile.
The hall fell silent again. Then Avni spoke, her voice trembling with both pride and fear. "You're planning a war."
Mukul turned to his mother, his jaw tightening. "No, Ma. They brought war to us. I'm making sure we end it."
The cousins, the fiancées, the siblings—all leaned forward, united in the fire of his words. The rival organization had made their move. Now it was time for Mukul's family to answer.
The war council was over. The counterstrike had begun.