The village of Dhaula's Edge sat quietly between two cliffs, hidden behind tall ridges and whispering trees. It wasn't much — a dozen stone huts, a small water spring, and a shrine to the old beast gods — but after the blood and chaos of the night, it felt like paradise.
Aryan limped into the healer's tent, holding his side. His ribs still ached from where the corrupted beast had tossed him.
Vaidehi stood inside, preparing herbal mixtures. The scent of mint and crushed leaves filled the air.
"You again," she said, not looking up. "Sit. Shirt off."
Aryan blinked. "That forward, huh?"
She smirked. "You want those bones to heal crooked?"
He winced, laughed, and sat. She gently pressed along his side, her fingers glowing faintly with healing light.
"You're lucky your Vanara returned in time," she said.
"Not luck," Aryan murmured. "It chose me."
She paused. "Hmm. That bond… it's rare. You don't just command your beast. You move with it. That's not taught. That's earned."
Aryan looked at her. "What about you? Your crane — Laksha — she obeys you like you're royalty."
Vaidehi smiled quietly, but didn't answer. For a moment, something flickered in her eyes — sorrow, maybe. Regret.
But then a soldier burst in.
"Squad Nine, report! Sergeant Bhairav wants a debrief in the upper shrine!"
Aryan groaned. "Can I finish healing first?"
"Nope. Officer orders."
Vaidehi handed him a shirt and helped him stand. "You'll live."
At the Upper Shrine
The squad gathered under a massive stone arch carved with old beastbinder runes. The wind howled softly through the cliffs.
Sergeant Bhairav stood by a map drawn on the floor.
"The creature from last night wasn't just branded," he said. "Its body was changed — twisted. That requires blood magic. Ancient stuff. Unbinder-level rituals."
Kael folded his arms. "So what's the plan?"
"We track the source," Bhairav said. "A ruin was spotted east of the Vale — old beastbinder territory, long abandoned. We suspect it's being used by Unbinders. You'll be sent to scout it."
"Us?" Devran asked. "Alone?"
"You'll be joined by another squad."
Aryan stiffened. "Who?"
"Elite support. You'll meet them at the next camp. Dismissed."
As the others left, Aryan lingered.
"Sir," he asked, "why are Unbinders attacking now?"
Bhairav stared into the distance.
"Because something has awakened. And some fools would rather destroy the Empire than face the truth."
That Evening
Aryan sat by the river alone, skipping stones. His Vanara crouched beside him, grooming its fur, tail flicking calmly.
He could still hear the beast's howl in his head. The brand. The scream. The fear.
Vaidehi walked up behind him.
"You're quiet tonight."
"Just thinking."
She sat beside him, watching the river.
"You did well," she said. "Better than most first missions."
Aryan shook his head. "I almost got you hurt."
"You saved me too," she said softly. "I think that evens it out."
They sat in silence.
Then she added, "My brother was a beastbinder. He died fighting Unbinders. I joined the division to understand why."
Aryan turned. "I'm sorry."
She nodded slowly. "You fight well, Aryan. But don't lose yourself in the war. Stay human."
He looked at her — really looked. Her face lit gently by moonlight, her hair brushed by the wind.
"I'll try," he whispered.
The river flowed quietly.
And somewhere in the distance, the earth trembled.