Before Raghav could utter a sound, the old man seized him by the shoulders. With a heartless, twisted laugh, he hurled Raghav into the fiery maw of the lava pit. The searing heat surrounded him as darkness consumed his vision.
---
Raghav woke with a start, feeling as if he'd emerged from an eternity of restless slumber. He blinked, groggy, disoriented. A dull ache throbbed through his body, as though he'd been beaten mercilessly. Looking around, he found himself in a dimly lit cave, its damp, musty air a stark contrast to the blazing heat of the lava pit he'd last known.
"Where…am I?" he muttered, stumbling to his feet. His muscles screamed in protest, but the urgency of his bewilderment pushed him onward. Stumbling out of the cave, he followed the soft murmur of water until he found a river at the forest's edge. Kneeling, he cupped a handful of water to his mouth, relishing its coolness. But as he gazed down into his reflection, he gasped.
The face staring back at him was…younger. Much younger. Somehow, he had reverted from his 32-year-old self to the fresh-faced features of his 22-year-old self. He touched his face, half in disbelief, half in wonder.
Raghav shook his head, a small, uncertain smile touching his lips. Whatever strange magic was at work, he was grateful for this bizarre second chance.
---
He wandered deeper into the forest, taking in the vibrant greens and golden light filtering through the trees. His mind turned to Anuj. Where would he be? he wondered, half-muttering to himself. The thought gave him a purpose, a direction. Soon, he stumbled upon a village nestled in the trees, its narrow pathways bustling with life.
Following the scent of roasting meat, he found a modest tavern and ordered a hearty meal. As he ate, his ears pricked up at the conversation of a group of adventurers at the next table.
"Did you hear?" one adventurer whispered. "A hero was summoned to the royal palace. They say he's blessed by the gods themselves."
"More than that," another replied. "Rumor has it he casts no shadow.
The pieces fell into place in Raghav's mind. This hero could only be Anuj. Relief flooded him—his friend was safe, protected under the watchful eyes of the palace.
---
After finishing his meal, Raghav arranged for a room at the inn, paying with a gold chain he wore around his neck. That night, Raghav drifted into sleep.
...
...
...
Without warning, a monstrous figure lunged at him from behind, throwing him across the room
To Be continued-**__