The sun dipped lower behind the temple walls, casting the sky in deep shades of amber and violet. The air had cooled, but the lingering warmth of the day clung to the stone beneath their feet, as if the heat itself refused to leave.
Aaravi could still feel the weight of Vihan's gaze.
It was not the kind of gaze she was used to—the kind that looked through her, past her, as if she were nothing more than an extension of her role.
No, this was different.
He was looking at her as if she was something unfamiliar yet known, something unexpected yet inevitable.
She did not know how to handle that.
Not when she still felt the echo of his fire beneath her skin.
Vihan broke the silence first. "You called me here."
Aaravi exhaled slowly. "I did."
His brow furrowed slightly. "But why?"
She hesitated. Not because she didn't know the answer, but because she was not sure how to explain it.
How did one put into words a call that had not been spoken, but felt?
How did one explain a pull so strong it defied reason?
She had seen his pain. Had felt it as if it were her own. And yet, she had also seen something else—a fire that refused to die, a soul that had been lost but was still searching.
"You needed to come," she said at last.
Vihan's jaw tightened, as if he did not like that answer. "I don't believe in fate."
Aaravi tilted her head. "And yet, you are here."
A muscle in his jaw twitched, but he said nothing.
Mira made a pleased sound from beside them. "Oh, I like this. Stubborn man meets stubborn woman. This will be delightful to watch."
Aaravi shot her a look. "Mira."
"What?" Mira spread her hands innocently. "I'm just saying, this is much more entertaining than listening to the temple monks debate the meaning of enlightenment."
Vihan turned to Aaravi. "Is she always like this?"
Aaravi sighed. "Unfortunately."
"I am a gift," Mira said. "You should all be grateful for my presence."
Aaravi groaned, rubbing her temples. Vihan, however, was smirking now—not fully, but enough for her to notice.
Aaravi inhaled deeply. "Come inside. You've had a long journey."
She turned, leading the way toward the inner temple, the stone beneath her feet cool now that the sun had fully set. The scent of burning incense curled through the halls, mixing with the lingering aroma of freshly brewed tea and herbs.
Vihan followed, his footsteps heavy, solid.
She could sense his tension even without looking at him. He was not a man accustomed to waiting. Not a man accustomed to being led.
Still, he said nothing as they walked through the open corridors, past prayer rooms and quiet chambers where temple healers moved in their practiced routines.
Mira fell in step beside them, humming thoughtfully. "I'll arrange for food and a room. But do try not to set the temple on fire while I'm gone, will you?"
Vihan huffed a quiet laugh. "No promises."
Aaravi rolled her eyes, but she didn't miss the way his shoulders had loosened, just slightly.
Mira disappeared down another hall, leaving them alone.
Aaravi finally stopped when they reached an empty room. It was small but comfortable—a simple sleeping mat laid out beside a low wooden table, a lit lantern casting a warm glow against the stone walls.
Vihan glanced around, then back at her. "Do you always take in wandering warriors?"
"No," Aaravi admitted. "You are the first."
His expression darkened slightly. "Why me?"
She hesitated, watching him.
Because you are the first person who has ever needed me in a way that is not just for healing.
Because I have seen you. And you have seen me.
Instead, she said, "Because you are here."
Vihan studied her, his gaze searching, but he did not push further. Instead, he exhaled and nodded. "Then I suppose I will stay."
Aaravi released a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
She turned to leave, but before she could take another step, his voice stopped her.
"Aaravi."
She turned. "Yes?"
His golden eyes burned, but his voice was quieter now. Softer.
"What did you see?"
Aaravi's breath caught.
She knew what he meant. He was not asking about the past.
He was asking about what had not yet come.
About the future.
A flicker of fire.
A crown.
Their hands intertwined.
A destiny neither of them had yet spoken aloud.
Aaravi held his gaze, steady and unwavering.
"I suppose," she murmured, "we will find out."
Vihan's lips parted slightly, but no words came.
She turned before he could speak, stepping back into the hallway. The door slid closed between them, but the weight of his presence remained.
She pressed a hand to her chest, where the echoes of the vision still lingered.
For the first time in her life, she did not know what came next.
And yet, somehow, that did not frighten her.