𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧

21⚚ Punishment

Vencie POV:

Viraj stormed out of the palace, his mind and heart locked in a brutal battle. His steps were fast, almost frantic, as if moving physically could outpace the storm inside him.

He didn't know where he was going—he just wanted to escape. Escape from her questioning eyes, from the feelings he had spent so long burying, from the crushing guilt of his own actions.

He ended up near the backwaters of the palace, the moonlight reflecting on the still waters, an eerie contrast to the chaos within him.

The sight of the calm, endless expanse only seemed to mock him further. His chest felt heavy, like it was caving in under the weight of everything he was feeling.

He wanted to scream. Scream so loud it would tear through the night, shattering the unbearable silence around him. But he clenched his jaw tightly, holding back.

Screaming would only attract attention, would only lead to unnecessary trouble. And trouble was the last thing he needed right now—not after everything he is already feeling right now.

Frustration surged through him like wildfire, burning everything in its path. He kicked a loose stone in front of him, sending it skimming across the water before it disappeared into the depths. His hands clenched into fists at his sides as his mind taunted him relentlessly.

What have you done, Viraj?

He gritted his teeth.

You kissed her. Took her first kiss. You had no right.

His fingers trembled as he pressed them against his temples, as if trying to physically force the thoughts away.

But you wanted to, didn't you? You've wanted to for so long.

He closed his eyes tightly, the memory of her lips against his searing through his mind like a brand. Her softness, her warmth—it was intoxicating, everything he had ever craved but had no right to have.

You're a fool to think you could keep her at arm's length. She's already inside you. She's always been inside you.

His chest tightened painfully. He hated this war within himself. Hated the feelings he couldn't control. He was supposed to protect her, keep her safe. But instead, he was the one who had crossed the line. He was the danger she needed protecting from.

What if he destroyed her? What if loving her only brought her pain?

His parents' faces flashed in his mind—faces he hadn't seen in years and it was all blur.

Everyone he loved slipped away. Everyone he loved left scars in his soul. And he couldn't—wouldn't—let Amaira be one of them.

"What happens now? What will she think of me? Did I—did I ruin everything between us?"

As his mind spiraled, he felt a hand on his shoulder. Startled, he turned sharply, his dark eyes meeting the calm, knowing gaze of Rithvik. The older boy stood there with a small, almost soft smile.

"Bhai, what are you doing here?" Viraj asked,  his voice barely steady.

Rithvik sighed, gesturing toward a nearby bench. "Come on, let's sit down."

Viraj hesitated for a moment before following him. They sat side by side on the bench, the cool breeze brushing past them, carrying with it the scent of the water.

"All the boys left," Rithvik began, his tone light but filled with understanding. "But I stayed. Somehow, I knew you'd need me tonight."

Viraj's throat tightened at his words. For a moment, he just stared at Rithvik, his mind swirling with everything he couldn't say.