As she sprinted through the corridors, the cold air clawed at her lungs, threatening to shatter her fragile breath. The sky above seemed to mourn alongside her, its grey clouds weeping tears of rain that pounded against the pavement like a dirge. Every step felt like an eternity, each gate she passed a hurdle between her and the unbearable truth.
Finally, she pushed open the door, its creaking hinge a death knell that echoed through her soul. The room was crowded, yet the silence was oppressive, a heavy shroud that suffocated her. The air was thick with grief, and Jemisha's heart sank, her legs trembling beneath her.
She forced herself forward, each step heavier than the last, as if the weight of her sorrow was anchoring her to the floor. The faces around her blurred, their tears and whispers mere background noise to the anguish screaming within her.
And then, she saw him. Lying still, his chest motionless, his eyes closed as if in eternal slumber. The warmth that had once radiated from his presence now felt like a distant memory, a cruel taunt that only intensified her pain.
The moon would never set the same again, its gentle glow now a reminder of what she had lost. The sun would rise tomorrow, but its warmth would be hollow, a cruel mockery of the light that had been extinguished.
As the reality of her loss crashed down upon her, Jemisha's legs gave way, and she collapsed on her knees her body frozen, her tears mingling with the rain that continued to fall outside, a symphony of sorrow that seemed to have no end.
Her mind reeled in despair. How could this be? Her father, a pillar of strength, gone? The thought was unbearable, a cruel joke. 'What went wrong?' she silently pleaded, her eyes scanning the room as if searching for answers. 'How could someone as strong as him perish so easily?'
The anguish threatening to consume her, Jemisha felt her body buckle. Black spots danced before her eyes, and she feared she might collapse.
Just then, a desperate cry pierced the air. "Jemi-Jemisha!"
She turned to the voice, her gaze meeting the person's tear-stained face. Her elder sister rushed toward her, embracing her tightly.
"Amiya...my sister..." Jemisha sobbed, her words tumbling out in a torrent of grief. "I'm sorry...it's all my fault...I shouldn't have gone with him...it's all my fault our father is dead because of me."
Amiya's expression transformed from sorrow to alarm. "What do you mean, it's your fault?" she asked, her voice laced with concern, her face etched with confusion.
Jemisha's tears fell harder, her body shaking. "If only I hadn't gone...if only I had stayed back..." Her voice trailed off, lost in the depths of her despair.
***
*A day ago*
"Father! Father!" Jemisha exclaimed, rushing towards the Duke, with her maid, hurrying behind her.
Upon reaching the Duke, the maid bowed. "M'lord."
Jemisha's eyes sparkled as she asked, "Father, may I come with you on the search?"
The Duke's expression turned serious. "Jemi, monster hunts are no trivial matter. We can't predict what dangers might come when we are on hunt."
"I know, but I'm stronger now," Jemisha countered, her voice filled with determination. "I've mastered my tamas, and Mrs. Maya praises my skills. I'll be a valuable asset!"
The Duke chuckled. "I have no doubt you'll be helpful, but, Jemi, my child—"
Jemisha interrupted, her words tumbling out. "It's just that...you and Ami will both be away, leaving me alone here and Ami also joined you on hunts since she was 12, and I'm old enough now. I'll watch your back... like a team."
The Duke's face softened, his laughter warm. "Well..If you put it that way, I do need a partner to guard my back but promise me you'll listen and won't try anything by yourself."
Jemisha buried her face in her father's chest, her voice muffled against his cloak. "I promise! I won't!"
The scent of leather and wool enveloped her, comforting her.
"Then let's depart," the Duke said, his voice filled with resolve. "We must make haste."
***
*At the Monster's Fief*
The Knights voice cut through the tense air.
"Chief, we've secured the perimeter and deployed the Urja Navgatih," a knight reported.
Duke Shakti strode into the tent, his gaze scanning the maps. "Any civilians nearby?"
"No, Your Grace," the knight replied. "We evacuated travelers and secured the zone."
Shakti nodded. "Assemble units. We'll begin the hunt."
The tent erupted into activity as knights prepared for battle.
"I want four units to surround the area," Shakti continued. "I'll lead the beast slayers to the center, ensuring Sorceress Nadi can lead the mages to destroy the Shaktisrot Patthar."
"Yes, Duke Shakti!" his men responded.
Shakti's gaze shifted to Lieutenant Ajat. "Ajat, I want you to stay back and ensure Lady Jemisha's safety."
Ajat's eyes narrowed, his voice laced with unease. "B-but, Duke, I'm not sure.. if..I'm the right person for this task."
Shakti's expression darkened. "What do you mean, Lieutenant? You're questioning my orders?"
Ajat hesitated, his voice barely above a whisper. "No, Duke, it's just... Lady Jemisha's... abilities. I'm not sure I can—"
Shakti's gaze snapped to Ajat, his eyes blazing with displeasure, as he strode towards him with purposeful steps, the air thickening with tension.
Ajat took a step back, his eyes darting around the tent. "N-no, Duke, I didn't mean to imply—"
Shakti's voice turned icy. "I'm sure you have attended the Royal Academy, Lieutenant and you have learnt about the Goddess Blessing of Cosmos's. You're aware of it's significance. And yet, you dare to question the goddess's will?"
Ajat's face paled, his voice trembling. "I-i apologize, Duke. I'll ensure Lady's saf-"
he was cut in between
"There's no need! I dont need an imprudent to be near the lady. Anyway I was going to have her stay at the camp. I'll have her stay in my tent".
The Goddess Blessing of Cosmos marked a pivotal period in the history of the Empire of Akaashamaya. The Temple received a divine prophecy proclaiming that Duke and Duchess Shakti will be blessed with children who would embody the very essence of the cosmos itself. Two celestial forces, intertwined yet distinct, would be personified through the siblings. One would radiate warmth, illuminating the path forward, while the other would embody resilience, navigating the unknown with courage and mystery. The prophecy spoke of two queens, one reigning over the realm of daylight, the other presiding over the celestial balance.
And the prophecy was proved as such, The one representing warmth, light, vitality, and wisdom, akin to the Sun, known as Queen of Daylight, Amiya Shakti, the eldest child of the House Shakti.
The other child symbolizing resilience, mystery, and courage, akin to the Moon, known as Queen of Night,Jemisha Shakti, the younger child of the House Shakti
Despite being interdependent, with each's existence complementing the other, society's prejudice always cast a shadow over the siblings. While Amiya was embraced for her warmth, people viewed Jemisha with suspicion due to a peculiar mark on her hand resembling dark lichtenberg figures that extended to her fingers, evoking fear and wariness in those around her, despite her tender age.
The Duke, aware of the skepticism of society, despised the people's ignorant frame of mind. He made sure that those ignorant fools were reminded of their half-wit knowledge, but the person he always made sure knew that it was a blessing was his dear daughter Jemisha.
He turned around and walked towards Jemisha.
Duke Shakti crouched down, his eyes warming as he gazed at Jemisha. His large hand gently cupped her small head, his touch warm and comforting. "Dear, it's a blessing of the Goddess who trusted you with the great power, and I know you are more than capable of harnessing that gift. You don't need to mind these dullards' thoughts."
"Dullards! Hahahaha," Jemisha laughed.
"No, I meant intellectually challenged wits," Duke Shakti clarified, his eyes twinkling.
"You said dullards," Jemisha playfully scoffed.
"I did, please don't let Aunt Nadi know that I said it," Duke Shakti said, embarrassed, realizing his mistake.
"Haha! I won't, I promise."
"Won't tell me what?" A person asked, entering the room.
"Aunt Nadi!" Jemisha exclaimed, hugging her warmly.
"My dear Jemisha, you've grown quite tall," Nadi said, smiling.
"Thank you, Aunt Nadi!"
"But what are you doing here? Your Grace, you know it's dangerous. Why did you bring her? We still aren't sure of this region. There could be dangers lurking around!" Her voice was tinged with worry and anger.
"It's okay, Nadi, Jemisha will be staying at the camp, and I'll be casting the radius around her," Duke Shakti reassured.
"Still, brother-in-law, how can you? Even without any Elite Guard?" Nadi asked.
"No guard is worthy enough to stand by her side, and you know I won't assign any dimwits near her," Duke Shakti replied.
"Father said he won't allow any dullards to be near me, Aunt Nadi," Jemisha said, concern etched on her face.
"Brother-in-law! I asked you not to use such words in front of the kids!" Nadi exclaimed.
"I apologize," Duke Shakti chuckled. "By the way, don't you have to go, Nadi? You have to cast the spell; you should go ahead first, I'll follow you."
"I have to go, but I'm still a bit concerned. Will you be okay alone, Jemisha?" Nadi asked, with concern in her eyes.
"Yes, Aunt, I won't go anywhere, don't worry," Jemisha said.
Just as Nadi was about to speak, a knight came running in to fetch her. "Lady Nadi, it's time to leave! We're ready!"
"Okay, let's go," Nadi said as she donned her worn leather gloves, adorned with subtle silver threading that enhanced her magical control. Next, she fastened the Mahakala Khanda to her side, its crystal-tipped staff gleaming with an inner light.
Her attire complete, Nadi's gaze locked onto Duke Shakti and Jemisha.
Sorceress Nadi Magikar, the grand sorceress of the royal commander, stood tall, her presence commanding attention. Her eyes, aglow with a deep understanding, reflected her unmatched magical prowess. As Jemisha's and Amiya's maternal aunt, Nadi had been a constant presence in their life after their mother's passing, guiding them through the complexities of their unique gift.
"Aunt Nadi, you're leaving already?" Jemisha asked, concern etched on her face.
Nadi's expression softened. "I must ensure the Urja Navagith is calibrated correctly, dear. It's crucial for tracking the monsters and containing them within the fief range."
"The Urja Navagith," Duke Shakti explained to Jemisha, "is an device created by the great magicians at the academy, it harnesses the cosmos's energy to locate and track these creatures. Its precision is vital for our success."
Jemisha's curiosity sparked. "And what about the Shaktisrot Patthar, Aunt Nadi? What's its significance?"
Nadi's eyes turned serious. "The Shaktisrot Patthar is an ancient energy stone, imbuing the monsters with power. Its destruction will sever their connection to the cosmos's energy, rendering them vulnerable."
Duke Shakti added, "Your aunt's expertise in tracking these creatures, combined with the commanders' battle prowess, will give us the upper hand. The mages will then destroy the Shaktisrot Patthar, disrupting the monsters' energy flow."
Jemisha's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with questions. "But where do these monsters come from?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity.
Aunt Nadi's expression turned enigmatic, her eyes clouding over. "That is something we still don't know. We just know they emerge from... darkness, with the ability to manifest anywhere in the empire. Their patterns and workings are still unknown."
Nadi's gaze locked onto Jemisha's, her eyes warm with reassurance. "But don't worry, we're working on it. We adults will handle it." She smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners, as she placed a sweet in Jemisha's hand.
"Ok let's go," Nadi looked at the Duke "Your Grace, be careful on the ground." Her face laced with concern
Duke Shakti gave her a reassuring nod and with a final nod, Nadi departed, leaving Duke and Jemisha alone in the tent.