HOOR

CHAPTER 16: GAYATRI

The next morning, as dawn’s first light crept over the palace walls, I was ready to set off, my thoughts racing with questions about Baba Hiran and the prophecy. Surya was supposed to meet me at the gates, but when I arrived, the person waiting for me wasn’t him.

It was the General.

I stopped in my tracks, taken aback. His gaze was sharp, unreadable, and I couldn’t help but feel a surge of nerves prickling my spine.

"Where’s Surya?" I asked, trying to sound casual, but my voice wavered slightly.

The General folded his arms, his expression stern. “Surya isn’t coming,” he said simply.

I narrowed my eyes. “Then why are you here?”

He paused, a flicker of something intense passing over his face. “Guess what Surya isn't really good at keeping his mouth shut, one glass of alcohol and he is down telling his all deepest and darkest secrets. He told me about this little excursion of yours. And about the prophecy.” His voice was low, firm. “You’re not going alone, and I refuse to let Surya handle something this dangerous by himself.”

I frowned, feeling cornered. “I don’t need you or anyone else to look out for me,” I muttered. “I can handle myself.”

He took a step closer, his eyes flashing. “This isn’t up for debate. You’re meddling with things beyond your understanding, things that could cost lives. If you’re so determined to go, I’ll be going with you.”

My pride flared up, but I knew he wasn’t budging. I let out a sigh, rolling my eyes. “Fine. But don’t expect me to thank you.”

He gave a small nod, as if he’d already anticipated my answer. “Let’s move, then. The sooner we find this priest, the sooner we get answers.”

As we started up the steep path toward the hill temple, silence fell between us, heavy with all the unspoken questions and tension. I could feel the General’s gaze on me occasionally, as though he was reassessing who I was—or perhaps questioning his decision to trust me with something so dangerous.

After a long stretch of silence, he spoke, his voice unexpectedly gentle. “You know, you don’t have to involve yourself in this. I could take it from here.”

I looked at him, surprised by the softness in his tone. “You think I don’t want answers as much as you do?” I said, my voice tinged with frustration. “This prophecy is tied to the queen. It could mean life or death for her, and for the entire kingdom. I’m involved whether I like it or not.”

His expression softened for a brief moment, and he nodded. “I understand.” He looked away, his gaze fixed on the winding path ahead. “But for both our sakes, let’s try to avoid any unnecessary risks.”

“Right,” I muttered. “I’ll try my best not to get us both killed.”

A small, unexpected smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “I appreciate that.”

We walked in silence again, but this time, there was a strange kind of ease between us—a truce of sorts, as we made our way up the hill together.

-

As we walked a little further up the rocky path, something nagged at me. I glanced at him, raising an eyebrow. “And who’s supposed to handle all your oh-so-important duties while you’re up here playing bodyguard?”

He didn’t miss a beat, his expression never wavering. “The kingdom can survive without me for a few hours,” he said, pausing to look at me. “But you wandering off into the unknown? I’m not so sure about that.”