The keeper of time

Chapter 7: The Silent Shift

Anaya's footsteps echoed off the ancient stone floors as they entered the temple, each step amplifying the strange energy buzzing in the air. The air inside was cooler, the walls adorned with faded murals of gods and goddesses she had only ever read about in history books. Her skin tingled as though she could feel the eyes of the past watching her every move.

Aryan led the way confidently, his presence commanding and sure, though she could tell from the way his eyes darted around that he was being cautious. There was something about his demeanor that demanded attention without him having to say a word. Anaya hated how she found herself following him without question, as if his confidence was infectious.

"Keep close," Aryan's voice cut through the silence, low and authoritative, but there was a teasing edge that made her bristle.

Anaya rolled her eyes, unable to help the sarcasm that slipped out. "Oh, I wouldn't dream of getting lost without my all-knowing tour guide."

Aryan glanced back at her, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "I'll take that as a compliment, even if your tone is dripping with sass."

"You would," Anaya muttered, just loud enough for him to hear, but not enough to give him the satisfaction of a full comeback.

Riya, walking just behind Anaya, shot her a sidelong glance, her eyebrow raised, while Arjun remained uncharacteristically quiet. He was usually quick with a joke or a lighthearted comment to ease the tension, but since Aryan had joined them, his energy had shifted. He seemed more reserved, as if Aryan's presence had dimmed some of his light.

Aryan paused near one of the large, carved pillars, his eyes scanning the intricate designs with an intensity that made it clear he knew more than he was letting on. "This temple is sacred ground," he began, his tone more serious now. "If we're not careful, we'll set off every trap that's been laid here to protect the fragment."

Anaya narrowed her eyes. "And you're just now telling us about the traps?"

Aryan gave her a sidelong glance, the teasing glint back in his eyes. "I wanted to see how far you'd get before you asked for help."

Her jaw clenched, irritation flaring in her chest. "Well, forgive me for not having ancient trap knowledge in my repertoire," she snapped, feeling her temper rise. The mix of adrenaline, fear, and Aryan's constant, infuriating presence was starting to grate on her nerves.

Aryan took a step closer, his tall frame towering over hers, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "Relax, princess. I've got you."

Anaya's breath caught in her throat for a moment, the proximity sending an unexpected jolt of heat through her, but she quickly masked it with a scowl. "Don't call me that," she bit out, her fists clenching at her sides, both annoyed at the nickname and the way he had the audacity to think he could just swoop in and take control.

Aryan's lips twitched, clearly amused by her irritation. "You're the one acting like royalty, expecting everyone to fall in line behind you."

Her eyes flashed. "I don't expect anything. I'm just trying to survive."

"And I'm just trying to help," Aryan countered smoothly, his gaze steady, though there was a flicker of something deeper there. "Though I have to admit, watching you fumble through all this has been mildly entertaining."

Anaya opened her mouth to retort, but the words stuck in her throat. Fumbling? He thought this was funny? Her blood boiled, her palms suddenly sweaty. She shot him a glare that could melt iron. "Entertaining?" she echoed, her voice laced with venom. "You think this is some sort of game?"

Before Aryan could respond, Arjun stepped forward, his expression tight with frustration. "Enough." His voice was quieter than usual, but there was an edge to it that immediately drew attention. He glanced between Aryan and Anaya, his jaw clenched. "Can we just focus on the task at hand? We don't have time for... this."