𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬♛ 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧⚚

35⚚ Promised

Vencie POV:

He went to his room after cleaning everything. Just as he was about to enter, his phone rang. He picked it up without looking. "Bhai?"

On the other side, Gaurav's voice came through, calm yet tinged with urgency. "We got them, Viraj. We're heading them to a safe place now. They'll eat and rest here. You and princess head here tomorrow."

Viraj clenched his fist tightly, his voice dropping to a dangerous octave. "How many, Bhai?"

"Twenty," Gaurav said grimly.

A growl rumbled low in Viraj's chest. Fury bubbled in his veins, making his jaw clench tightly. "Twenty girls trafficked right under the kingdom's nose?" His knuckles turned white as he gripped the phone. "And nobody knew—or worse, they knew and stayed quiet?"

Gaurav sighed heavily. "I know, Vi. We'll figure this out. Focus on Amaira for tonight."

"Everyone safe?" Viraj's voice was strained but steady, barely masking his concern.

"Yeah, just a small scratch on Rithvik's stomach. Nothing serious," Gaurav assured.

"WHAT?" Viraj shouted, his voice thunderous with rage. "I'M COMING NOW!"

On the other side, Gaurav's voice remained steady, though firm. "No, Vi. Stay with the princess. I promise he's fine—just a small scratch near his stomach."

Viraj's jaw clenched, his breathing heavy, fists curling tightly at his sides. "Did you kill the asshole who did that?" His tone was guttural, dripping with barely contained fury.

He just couldn't take the fact that after hurting his most precious family, no one should be allowed to walk free—let alone alive.

A sigh echoed through the call, Gaurav knowing exactly where Viraj's mind had gone. "I took care of it, Vi."

Viraj growled in frustration, the primal instinct to protect his brothers and eliminate threats coursing through him.

"Now hang up," Gaurav ordered quietly. "I need to get back to them."

Grinding his teeth, Viraj ended the call and rubbed his temples, trying to calm his simmering anger. He opened the door to his room, only to freeze in place.

Amaira was sitting on the bed, tears shimmering in her eyes. His heart sank.

He rushed toward her, scooping her up into his arms. "Oh baby, what happened?"

She sniffled against his chest, her voice breaking. "Did they find the girls? I heard you, Raj. Who's hurt?"

Viraj closed his eyes, guilt weighing heavy on him. He silently cursed himself for not being careful with his words outside the door.

Viraj tightened his arms around Amaira, his heart aching at the sight of her tears. "Shh, baby," he whispered soothingly, pressing a soft kiss to her hair. "Yes, they found them. Everything's under control now."

Amaira sniffled, lifting her head slightly to look into his eyes. "Then why do you look so worried, Raj? Who's hurt?" Her voice trembled, and the concern etched on her face made guilt churn in his chest.

He exhaled sharply, knowing he couldn't lie to her. "Rthvik bhai," he admitted reluctantly, "just a small scratch near his stomach. Nothing serious, I promise."

Her lips quivered. "But you shouted," she said accusingly, her fingers gripping the fabric of his shirt tightly. "You never shout unless something's really bad."

He sighed, rubbing her back gently. "I overreacted, baby. You know me. When it comes to our family, I just can't stand the thought of anyone getting hurt." His jaw clenched as rage flickered in his eyes.