Deep in the heart of the cave, Veer lay in perfect stillness on a stone slab, the air around him quiet and thick. Shadows clung to the walls like loyal servants, unmoving, undisturbed.
Until a sharp screech tore through the silence.
Wings beat in panic as the same vulture from the forest burst into the cave, feathers disheveled, eyes wide.
Veer's eyes snapped open in an instant—amber light bleeding into them like molten sun. There was no grogginess. No confusion. Just a sudden, chilling awareness.
Everyone here knew one thing.
Veer did not tolerate being woken up.
But this time… he smiled.
Slowly. Wide. Too wide.
His lips parted as he rose to his feet, voice soft and almost tender.
"Ah… cousin."
He lifted one hand like greeting an old friend, or maybe a stray dog that had finally come home.
"My dear, dear, dear cousin…"
His arms opened like a lover's embrace—welcoming, dangerous.
