Vasu's POV
It was like Magnus had reached into my skull and pulled my thoughts out by force.
"She must learn how to control her magic," he said, voice heavy with truth.
"Without proper guidance, she will become chaos—like what you saw on the train.
And if she can't control it…"
He paused.
"…her magic itself may become the reason she dies."
For a second, I stopped breathing.
I staggered back as if the words had physically shoved me.
"Death…" I whispered. "No… no…"
Not her.
Not Madhu.
Not the woman who fought so hard just to smile again.
Magnus continued, explaining what had happened a few hours ago—how the enemies had tracked her, how the black witches and hunters could locate her through magic, like sharks sensing blood in water.
If they could find her once…
They could find her again.
And next time—
Next time, I might not be standing between her and death.
My chest tightened so sharply it felt like someone was crushing my ribs from the inside.
I turned away before I did something reckless.
Before I punched a wall.
Before I screamed.
I walked straight into the study room like a man walking into a war zone, and dropped into the chair.
For a moment, I couldn't even look at the world.
I covered my face with both hands, elbows resting on my knees.
This can't be real.
But it was.
And the worst part?
Madhu didn't even know she was in danger.
She hadn't done a single damn thing wrong.
Yet the world had decided she was a target.
My breathing turned rough.
No one is taking her away.
I forced my hands down, staring into the dark space of the room like it held answers.
She was mine.
Not in the toxic, controlling way.
In the way a man clings to the only thing that ever felt like home.
In the way I would die before I let the universe steal her from me.
If anyone wants to touch her… they go through me first.
I stood so abruptly the chair scraped the floor.
I grabbed my phone.
And called Karan.
He picked up quickly.
"Vasu?" His voice was already cautious.
"Karan," I said, keeping my tone low and sharp,
"I need you here. Now. Don't tell anyone. Not Amma. Not Priya. No one."
A pause.
Then his voice hardened.
"Okay. I'm coming."
Relief didn't come—only more pressure.
Because if I had to fight this war, I needed someone beside me.
Someone who loved her like I did.
I ended the call and walked back into the living room.
"M-Magnus," I asked tightly, "where is my mother?"
"She's already at Madhu's home," Magnus replied calmly.
"Jace moved her before things escalated."
I nodded once.
Okay.
At least one person was safe.
I turned back to him, my voice turning lethal—not angry, but final.
"Okay. Madhu will go with you."
Magnus's shoulders relaxed slightly, as if he'd been holding his breath.
"But," I continued, cutting through any hope he had of controlling this,
"under one condition."
Magnus frowned. "Vasu—"
"I will go with her," I said firmly.
My voice left no room for negotiation.
"I will not let her go through this alone."
Magnus hesitated.
For a moment he looked like he wanted to argue, but then he understood something:
I wasn't asking.
I was declaring.
Finally, he sighed.
"Fine," he said. "But you do exactly what we tell you."
I nodded.
Because I didn't care about pride.
I only cared about Madhu breathing.
A soft sound made my body freeze.
Footsteps.
From upstairs.
My heart jumped into my throat.
I signaled Magnus with my eyes.
She's coming. Play along.
He gave a small nod.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath—forcing calm into my bones.
When I opened them, I turned around with a forced smile…
And there she was.
Madhu.
Wrapped in a blanket like the world was too cold for her now.
Hair messy, falling over her face.
Her arms folded around herself, shoulders slightly hunched, steps slow like her body still didn't fully belong to her.
She looked…
Fragile.
Not weak.
Just… drained.
A wave of something hot and painful surged in my chest.
God.
I walked toward her immediately and opened my arms.
"Hey… sweetheart," I said softly.
Her head lifted.
And the second her eyes met mine—
she moved faster.
Like her body didn't care that she was weak.
Like it only cared where home was.
She rushed into my arms and held me tightly, burying her face against my chest.
"Hey…" she whispered, voice thin. "Where have you been?"
My heart cracked.
I held her tighter, resting my cheek against her head.
"Where would I be?" I murmured, forcing lightness into my tone even as rage burned beneath my skin.
"I'm right here."
I kissed her hair.
"But you were sleeping like a newborn baby," I teased softly.
She gave a small sound—almost a laugh, almost a sigh—and clung to me harder.
I felt her smile against my chest as she whispered,
"Stop teasing me… I'm feeling cold."
The moment I noticed her trembling, my heart clenched painfully.
I loosened the embrace only enough to adjust the blanket around her shoulders, wrapping it tighter as if I could shield her from the whole world.
My fingers moved instinctively, brushing a loose strand of hair away from her face and tucking it gently behind her ear.
She didn't look away.
Her gaze stayed fixed on me—quiet, searching… almost scared.
Then her eyes drifted upward.
To the bandage.
"What happened to your head?" she asked softly, her hands lifting toward it without thinking.
The moment her fingertips almost touched the wound, pain flashed through me.
I winced.
Madhu froze and snatched her hand back immediately, guilt crashing into her expression.
"I'm sorry…" she whispered.
"Did it hurt? What happened?"
Her voice began to shake as fear crept in.
"And… how did I end up at your house from the metro?" she asked, stepping back like she suddenly didn't trust her own memory.
"Vasu… what happened?"
My brows pulled together.
I caught her trembling hands in mine before panic could swallow her whole.
"Don't you remember?" I asked gently.
She stared at me for a second… then slowly shook her head.
A cold dread crawled into my chest.
I swallowed hard, forcing my voice to stay steady.
"Then what do you remember?" I asked softly.
She closed her eyes, breathing unevenly, as if trying to chase the fragments of the night back into place.
"We were both in the metro…" she whispered.
"You told me to stay… and you went to the next compartment."
She opened her eyes again, and this time her gaze held mine like she was reliving it.
"I waited for you to come back," she continued, voice trembling.
"But you didn't… so I came to check on you…"
Her breathing hitched.
"I was shocked to see you on the ground," she said, her voice cracking,
"and a guy standing in front of you…"
Her eyes widened, tears rising faster now.
"You were bleeding."
The words shattered her.
She gasped like the fear returned all at once—fresh, raw.
Her eyes filled with tears but she blinked hard, trying to stop them from falling.
I didn't let her.
I pulled her into my arms instantly, holding her tight—too tight—like I could erase the memory just by crushing her against me.
"Then what do you remember?" I asked again, my voice low as my hand moved soothingly over her back.
Her arms tightened around my waist.
"Nothing…" she whispered.
And that one word broke me more than anything else.
"Everything went blank…"
We stayed like that for a while—silent, breathing, clinging—until her trembling began to settle.
Slowly, I pulled her out of the hug, but kept my hands on her as if letting go would break her again.
I cupped her face gently and wiped the tears rolling down her cheeks, my thumb brushing them away like I could erase the fear too.
I sighed, forcing my voice to stay calm.
"Yes…" I murmured. "Because you fainted."
Her eyes widened slightly.
"My old friend was there on the train," I continued softly.
"He helped me apprehend that guy… and he brought you home safely."
I tilted my head toward Magnus.
Madhu turned to him, and despite the exhaustion and fear still clinging to her, she managed a small smile.
"Thank you," she whispered.
Magnus only nodded, quiet and steady.
But then Madhu turned back to me and hugged me again—tight, desperate, like she still didn't fully trust the world not to snatch me away.
"I was so scared…" she whispered, her voice cracking.
"When I saw you like that…"
Her arms tightened around me.
"And that guy… he was holding a gun too…" she continued, trembling harder now.
"I thought… I thought…"
She swallowed, her voice breaking completely.
"…that I might… lo—"
I crushed her into my chest immediately, holding her like she was my whole life.
"Shh… shh…" I whispered, my heart splitting open.
"I'm fine. We're fine."
I pulled back slowly, wiping her tears again, trying to steady her breathing with mine.
Then I removed the blanket carefully and set it aside.
"Go freshen up," I said gently.
"We need to talk."
She nodded obediently and began walking toward the study room.
I frowned.
"Madhu," I called softly, "where are you going?"
She turned back, confused.
"The washroom…" she said, pointing toward the study.
I couldn't help the smile that touched my lips—small, warm, protective.
"Go to our room," I corrected gently.
Her eyes softened.
A faint smile appeared on her lips, and she turned and walked upstairs.
The second she disappeared, Magnus stepped closer, folding his arms across his chest.
"So," he asked calmly, "what's your plan?"
I exhaled hard, the weight of everything crushing down again.
"Honestly?" I muttered under my breath. "I don't know."
Then I looked him straight in the eyes.
"But I swear to you… nothing will happen to her."
Something unreadable flickered across his face.
He reached into his coat and handed me a card.
"Call me once you both are ready," he said simply.
I nodded.
Before I could even breathe properly—
Hope entered the living room.
And she wasn't alone.
Two men followed behind her.
Hope looked anxious—almost desperate.
"Where is she?" she asked immediately.
"Is she awake?"
"Yes," I said. "She's upstairs freshening up."
Hope nodded quickly, rubbing her palms together like she was trying to calm herself.
I walked toward the stairs and called up,
"Madhu, come down once you're done."
Her voice floated back softly.
"Yes… just give me five minutes."
That's when I noticed the front door opening.
My body stiffened instantly.
Karan.
I turned to Magnus.
"Can you give us a moment alone?"
Magnus nodded without question and stepped away.
Karan walked in with a wide smile—
but the second his eyes landed on my bandage, his smile vanished.
"What the hell happened to you, Vasu?" he demanded.
"I'm fine," I snapped quickly.
"We need to talk."
His eyes narrowed.
"…About Madhu?"
I nodded.
And then—
I told him everything.
Everything.
The train.
The gun.
The magic.
The witches.
The Institute.
Karan stared at me like I had lost my mind.
Then he exploded.
"No!" he shouted.
"No, this is impossible—Vasu, you're imagining things!"
My anger flared.
"Karan—"
He cut me off again.
"You're stressed. You're hallucinating—"
That was it.
I pulled out my phone with shaking hands and shoved it in his direction.
"Then watch."
I played the video.
Karan's voice died.
His face drained of color as he watched—watched Madhu glowing, watched the energy wave, watched her save me.
He stumbled backward like the truth physically hit him.
Then he sank onto the sofa, both hands covering his face.
"…Holy shit," he whispered.
I stepped toward him, voice breaking.
"Now you understand," I said softly.
I crouched in front of him, forcing him to look at me.
"Karan… I need you."
His eyes were glassy.
"If I'm going to protect her—I need you beside me."
I gripped his shoulder tightly.
"Please," I begged.
"For Madhu… her life is at stake."
Karan shook his head violently.
"My head is messed up, Vasu!"
"I know," I said firmly.
"But we don't have time."
I straightened and explained Magnus's plan—slowly, clearly—then called Magnus back.
"So," Karan said slowly, "what is your plan?"
"I'm taking Madhu to the Institute."
And everything changed.
Karan opened his mouth—
I cut him off instantly.
"Listen," I snapped. "This is the only way to save her. She will be fine."
I threw my hands up, frustration spilling.
"And we need a story. Something we tell our families. Something we tell Madhu."
Footsteps.
From behind.
My body froze.
I turned toward Karan sharply.
"She doesn't know," I warned him under my breath. "And I'll be the one to explain. Don't you dare open your mouth."
Karan swallowed and nodded stiffly.
Then I turned—
And saw her.
Madhu walked into the living room.
Her hair was still slightly damp, her face pale, her eyes soft and trusting… like she had no idea her world was about to flip upside down.
My legs moved on their own.
I walked to her, smiling like everything was normal, like nothing was falling apart.
I stretched out my hand.
Madhu took it.
And I pulled her to my side, wrapping my arm around her protectively.
Holding her.
Shielding her.
Even from the truth.
"So…" I said gently. "I want you to meet someone."
I gestured calmly.
"This is Magnus—my friend."
Madhu nodded politely.
"And this is Hope… Magnus's cousin."
Madhu shook hands with both of them, smiling.
"They were the ones who helped us get home safely," I added.
"Especially Hope… she took care of you."
Madhu's expression softened instantly.
She walked straight to Hope and hugged her tightly.
"Thank you so much," she whispered.
I couldn't hear what she said next—something too quiet, meant only for Hope.
But I saw Hope's face.
Shock.
Surprise.
Something deeply emotional.
Slowly, Hope wrapped her arms around Madhu, blinking rapidly like she refused to let her tears fall.
"I'm glad… we could help," Hope said softly.
They pulled away slowly, their eyes locked.
Then Hope cleared her throat, as if forcing herself back into control.
"Okay," she said quickly. "It's getting late. We should leave."
She looked at Magnus.
"These two need rest."
Then she hesitated…
And Madhu took a step back, confusion flickering across her face.
Hope walked past Madhu and me without another word, her face still tight with worry.
Magnus paused near the door and gave me a look—silent, meaningful.
Now.
I understood instantly.
I nodded once.
Then I turned back to Madhu.
She was standing there quietly, eyes moving between all of us, sensing the tension even though she didn't fully understand it.
I stepped closer, lowering my voice so only she could hear.
"Listen," I said gently but firmly, holding her hands.
"You stay with your brother. I'll be back in a while."
Her brows pulled together.
Before she could speak, I added—leaving no space for protest—
"And tonight, you're staying with me. That's final."
Her lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to argue.
But I leaned down and kissed her forehead—soft, lingering.
A promise pressed into her skin.
She didn't fight after that.
She never could when I kissed her forehead.
I turned to Karan and leaned closer.
"Keep an eye on her," I whispered.
"If you sense something wrong… don't panic."
Karan's face stiffened, but he nodded.
"I'll be back," I added, my voice tightening.
"Don't leave her alone."
Then I walked toward the front door.
Every step felt heavy.
Not because I was leaving the room—
But because I was leaving her.
Magnus lifted his head as I approached.
"Okay," he said calmly. "Take care."
His gaze held mine, serious now.
"She'll be fine, Vasu."
I exhaled slowly.
"If you need any help, you know how to reach me," he added.
"And don't worry… no one will find her."
He paused, his voice dropping.
"I've already cloaked you and your families. My witches have placed a veil.
Anyone searching for Madhu will see nothing but silence."
For the first time that night, a little of the tension eased from my chest.
Hope turned back toward me.
She looked hesitant—like she had a hundred emotions locked behind her eyes.
Then she said softly, "Take care of her."
Her voice broke slightly.
"And… don't let her stay away from you. Not tonight."
I nodded.
"I won't," I promised. "Never."
Hope climbed into the car.
Magnus opened the door for her.
As he was about to enter, I stepped forward, my voice low but sincere.
"I trust you, Magnus."
He stopped.
Turned.
For a moment, the confident warlock façade faded—and I saw something real in his eyes.
He smiled.
Not playful.
Not arrogant.
Just… solid.
"You should," he replied simply.
Then he got into the car.
The engine roared to life.
And as the headlights swept across the driveway, the car sped away into the night—fast, silent, like it was carrying the last piece of this madness with it.
I stood there watching until the darkness swallowed them whole.
Because even though Madhu was still inside…
I could feel it.
The world had shifted.
And nothing would ever be the same again.