Page 2 of Queen of Shadows and Ruin

Of what would happen should anyone try to cross the Ashvins.

Aravind continued walking, bounding up the steps, light on his feet. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt such excitement. He felt like a small boy receiving sweets.

The temple formed a large square made of creamy marble, carved with the likeness of Andhera. His terrifying horned visage adorned every wall and pillar, whittled to nearly lifelike perfection by an army of sculptors they’d commissioned for the task. He’d never admit to the shiver that crept down his spine whenever Aravind found himself alone here at night.

As he entered, he found Manish standing over the crystal-blue pool burrowed into the center of the room.

“Finally awake?” Manish asked as Aravind approached.

Aravind smirked. “I had things to attend to.”

Manish rolled his eyes. Though he also enjoyed the regular company of the fairer sex, he wasn’t as governed by his urges, making him the more responsible brother. When Aravind claimed the brothers had been researching ways of tapping into their power, he really meant that Manish had shouldered most of the work. It was his nature, and he thrived on it.

“I think we’re ready to begin,” Manish said, his unblinking gaze focused on the pool’s surface. Lights created through magic illuminated the deep well, giving Aravind a clear view straight to the bottom many feet below.

He nodded as his stomach churned with anticipation.

They’d coveted this for years. Planned for it. Dreamed of it. But now that it was time, he was faced with the enormous weight of this final step they’d take in their quest to seize power across the continent.

“We’ll need to create a rip in the world between ours and the demon realm,” Manish said, still gazing into the pool.

Aravind nodded. He already knew this, but he sensed that Manish was nervous, and repeating the familiar instructions was a way to calm himself.

“Then we’ll establish a portal to call the nairatta to us.”

Aravind nodded. This he knew, too. They’d discussed their plans a thousand times late into the night with several bottles of wine and liquor emptying between them.

“And how will we control them?” Aravind asked, also knowing the answer while allowing his brother to work out his anxiety.

Manish met his gaze, his dark eyes reflecting in the pool’s light.

“Our nightfire will call them,” he said, his voice low and rich with the unmistakable pull of destiny. “Once they enter our world, our magic will control them. Fuel them. Give them life. They will answer only to us.”

Aravind nodded, the corner of his mouth curling up into a smile.

Manish inhaled a long breath before he focused on the pool again.

They’d constructed it to help channel their magic. The water had been sourced from the sacred fountain of Pavitra Jal in Matsya with great difficulty and for an exorbitant amount of gold. Amongst many other traits, such as healing illnesses and curing drought, the holy water also allowed those with strong magic to tap into other worlds, acting as a conduit and helping one connect to the demon realm.

Aravind moved to the far side of the pool, peering across at his brother.

“Ready?” Manish asked, and he nodded.

“Mother will be pleased.”

Manish nodded, his eyes glassing over. “I wish we could remember her.”

“We will see her again,” Aravind promised. “In another life.”

Their mother had been possessed of a need for power, too. When the twins were young boys, they loved listening to stories about how she’d conquered territories and brought her enemies to their knees. Manish and Aravind knew she would have loved being here today, and though she’d been lost to the heavens for many years, they wanted to make her proud.

Manish nodded, and they both focused on the pool, stretching their hands out.

Aravind called upon the six anchors spinning in his heart, joining them to create his nightfire. It sparked at his fingertips before channeling out into ribbons of starry night.

It had always been the most beautiful sight.

The brothers focused their magic into the well, forcing it deep, sinking into the earth, questing for the hidden places where only the most sinister creatures dwelled.