Chapter 23 — The Breaking and the Escape
Pain exploded through Arjun's arm as Ananya's hands clamped around his throat.
The glow in her eyes burned into his mind.
The shadows behind her moved like living things, whispering his name.
> "You are mine… you belong to the fort…"
He fought for breath, panic roaring in his chest.
Her grip tightened.
Everything around him warped.
The altar's pulse became deafening.
And then — a sharp cry cut through the madness.
A figure appeared in the shadows.
It was Riya.
Her eyes burned with fury and desperation.
> "Arjun!" she shouted.
She slammed her palm into Ananya's back.
The grip loosened.
Ananya hissed, recoiling, her golden glow flickering.
The shadows screamed.
Riya stepped forward, weapon in hand — a rusted blade that pulsed with its own strange light.
> "You will not take him," she said.
Ananya turned her gaze to Riya.
Her voice was layered, distorted.
> "She is yours now… but the bride will return."
Riya grabbed Arjun's arm.
> "We have no time! Run!"
They fled.
The corridors shifted violently behind them.
Walls closed, doors vanished.
The fort roared.
It was alive and angry.
Arjun stumbled beside Riya.
> "What happened to you?"
She glanced back at the shadows pursuing them.
> "No time. The fort… it kept me alive. I've been waiting for this moment.
Now we escape… or die trying."
The corridors twisted into a nightmare labyrinth.
Behind them, the sound of Ananya's voice — chanting, whispering — filled the air.
The fort was feeding.
And it was furious.
End for Chapter 23