Vikram turned and stared at Sura with serious look.
"You kidnapped them?" Das asked while acting normal.
Sura's face twitched as he observed the upset in eyes behind the mask. "They were captured during a fight… Forbidden Sect women, untouched priestesses meant only for rituals. Consider it a trophy. They are considered sacred by their own clan."
"Leave."
Sura blinked. "What?"
"I said—leave. Close the door. I am taking this gift!"
Sura bowed with visible fear and slipped out, the golden door closing behind him.
Silence fell.
The women didn't bow. They didn't cry. Instead, one of them—the eldest by appearance—stood and walked forward with proud defiance. Her voice was cold but steady.
"Do not come closer. We are priestesses of the Forbidden Soul Sect. If you harm us, our clan will chase you beyond the ends of the earth."
Another added with a tremble, "Even Grandmasters will move to avenge a single hair lost from our heads…"
Vikram chuckled, deep and smooth.
