Blood of Elyndora.

Rudra, now calmly folding the ritual cloth, looked up at her. His tone was cool, unreadable.

Rudra (flatly): “Yes.”

Jiya wandered deeper into the room, brushing her fingers along the polished piano.

Jiya: “So you don’t live in the dorm, huh?”

He nodded silently.

She turned to face him, her expression shifting to something sharper, more serious.

Jiya (firmly): “Tell me… what am I doing here? I was supposed to be at the auditorium.”

Her eyes narrowed, scanning him with suspicion. Rudra stepped closer and gently placed a hand on her shoulder, urging her to sit on the couch. She sat—reluctantly.

Jiya (intensely): “I have a lot of questions. First—what are you hiding? Are you behind the murders? I saw you with Sneha… and Noa. And then they both died.”

Her voice cracked slightly.

Jiya: “I don’t remember anything from last night. But I’d placed cameras around campus—I saw the footage. We were both there. At the scene. You were with me. How did you erase my memory?”

She leaned forward, her tone growing more erratic.

Jiya: “What even are you? A ghost? A magician? An exorcist? No—wait. That doesn’t make sense. They don’t kill people.”

Rudra suddenly burst out laughing. His head tilted back, a tear slipping down as he wiped it away with his ringed index finger. Then, he pulled a chair and sat across from her, resting his elbows on his knees.

Rudra (smirking): “First of all—I didn’t kill anyone. Second, yes… I’m kind of an exorcist. Not the kind that wears white and chants in temples. I deal with ancient spirits, cursed objects, and lost souls.”

He leaned closer, his eyes glinting.

Rudra: “As for the memory? Just one spell. Poof—gone.”

Jiya (sternly): “Then bring them back. All of them. Every memory you erased. Especially whatever happened last night… and everything before that. There’s a gap in my mind, Rudra, and I hate it. Do it.”

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Rudra sighed, then reached into a small wooden box near the altar. From within, he pulled out a burnt raven’s feather—its edges glowing faintly with silver runes.

He held it gently, whispering in a language that made the air shimmer around them.

Rudra (chanting):

“Selvaren kai no’mirath… Etha varesh, mi’en dor.”

A soft golden light sparked from the feather and flowed into Jiya’s eyes. She gasped as the light entered her, freezing her in place.

The exploration day. The strange feeling near the abandoned chapel. Strange spirit’s scream. Fa's pale face. The alley. The symbols on the abandoned building's floor. Noa’s knife. The blood. The blackout. Rudra’s eyes glowing in the dark...

Jiya (whispering): “I… I remember everything…”

Jiya- Well, Who are you exactly?

Rudra (his voice deep, steady):

"I’m Rudra Pratap Singh… but more importantly, I’m an exorcist.

I’m not here for studies, Jiya. I’m four years older than you, and I’ve come to AIERA University for something far more dangerous."

He pauses, his eyes narrowing as if trying to read through shadows.

"This university hides a deadly secret.

A woman named Belladonna — deadly beauty of shadows — is my only lead.

If I find her… she’ll lead me to Kael’tharon. The one and only person behind all this."

He steps closer.

"This place—AIERA—was built to hide something demonic.

And… I’m also here to protect you."

Jiya- "Why am I being victim to it?"

Rudra- "Because… you are the Princess of Elyndora — the Land of the Lightbound.

You carry the royal bloodline of Elyndora in your veins.

It’s awakened now — fully.

You have powers, Jiya. Rare. Sacred. Dangerous in the wrong hands.

Kael’tharon wants those powers for his ritual.

I believe he’s been sacrificing innocents to activate… something. Something ancient."

Jiya (eyes wide, confused):

No… That can’t be true. You’re making this up.

Whatever this is—I'm done. I’m leaving.

(She turns sharply and strides toward the door.)

Rudra (stepping forward, grabbing her wrist):

Wait.

Jiya (calm but firm):

Let go of me. This isn't appropriate.

(He doesn’t immediately release her. The tension simmers.)

Jiya (snapping):

Are you insane? LET ME GO!

(Rudra loosens his grip, his voice unwavering.)

Rudra:

I’m telling you the truth. I’ve never lied to you.

Tell me… do you really know your family?

Jiya (pulling her hand away):

Of course I do. It’s just me, Mom, Dad, and my little sister.

Rudra:

But… have you ever met any other relatives? Grandparents? Uncles? Anyone?

Jiya (hesitant):

Well… no. Never, actually.

Rudra:

Tonight, ask your parents everything. Have a real conversation.

Jiya (quietly):

Fine. As you wish…

So, may I leave now?

(He silently nods and walks her back to her dorm.)