The night in Indraprastha was unlike anything Aryan had ever experienced. The air was thick with the scent of sandalwood and burning oil lamps, the hum of distant conversations mixing with the rhythmic clang of weapons from the training grounds. This wasn't a museum exhibit. This was real.
Yudhishthira led the way through the palace corridors, his steps measured and calm. Bhima, walking beside Aryan, was less patient. His large frame radiated barely restrained energy, his fingers twitching as if eager to crush something—or someone.
"You said you don't know who you are," Bhima finally said, his voice skeptical. "That's a poor lie. A man always knows his roots."
Aryan kept his expression neutral. He had no real answer that wouldn't make him sound insane.
"I woke up by the river, with no memory of how I got here," Aryan said, carefully choosing his words. "But I know things… things I shouldn't."
Yudhishthira gave him a measured look. "Like what?"
Aryan's pulse quickened. How much could he say? Would revealing his knowledge of the future change everything?
Before he could respond, another voice cut through the night.
"Bhima, Yudhishthira!"
Aryan turned just as Arjuna stepped into view.
His heart pounded. The warrior who would stand against Bhishma, Karna, and Dronacharya. The man blessed by the gods themselves.
Arjuna was dressed in a simple angavastram, his bow slung casually across his back. His sharp gaze fell on Aryan immediately.
"So, this is the lost traveler?" Arjuna asked, stepping closer. "Strange. He does not look like a common man."
Aryan forced himself to remain calm. Arjuna was far more perceptive than Bhima, and far less trusting than Yudhishthira.
"He knows nothing of his past," Bhima said, folding his arms. "But he speaks like a scholar and carries himself like a man who has seen war."
Arjuna studied him for a moment before speaking. "Then let's find out."
Before Aryan could react, Arjuna unsheathed a small dagger and tossed it toward him.
Instinct took over.
Aryan caught the blade midair. His fingers closed around the hilt with practiced ease.
A sharp silence filled the space.
Yudhishthira raised an eyebrow. Bhima smirked. Arjuna's lips curled slightly, as if he had confirmed something.
"A man who has never fought would not react so fast," Arjuna said. "So tell me, traveler—what else are you hiding?"
Aryan swallowed.
He was playing with fire. And he had no idea how long he could keep from getting burned.