The plan seemed to be working. As the kirtimukhas flowed in, they found their numbers had dwindled. The Souls had killed almost ten out of the thirty.

Outside the hemisphere, however, the tide had turned. Chayan’s men had begun tormenting the animals the Souls had taken the shape of. When Payal arrived as a wild yak, she joined the bear and the wolf, but it hardly made a difference. ‘Where is Aman?’ Fayza asked, ducking, as a kirtimukha flung his spear towards her. ‘Where is his companion?’

Elated that kirtimukhas had died by her sword, Aarti walked up to the edge of the dome and looked out through the translucent glass. In a fit of idiocy, she waved at Chayan, and grunted and jumped to provoke the kirtimukhas.

That was when Chayan raised his hand. All the kirtimukhas stopped in their tracks. Chayan whispered something into the ear of a slender member of his army. That kirtimukha nodded at his leader’s words, marched up to the gap in the dome, and forced his way in with a strength that belied his frame.

Prithvi watched on, horrified, as the kirtimukha moved with intent. He pulled out his spear and held it horizontally, using it as a shield to block Fayza’s sword. The lean opponent seemed least interested in fighting back.

‘He’s going for the Atmayogis!’ Idhika shouted, advancing towards him, ready to deliver a blow, but the beast’s spear deflected her force. She slashed her sword in a circle, swung left and then right, but the kirtimukha continued to advance. He seemed to see Prithvi’s arrow coming towards him and easily side-stepped her. Jagrav tried to jump on him, but the beast threw the boy to the ground. Aarti had already backed off, but the kirtimukha dove at her. His spear somehow managed to catch her legs, making her lose her footing.

After having dealt with her, the kirtimukha continued to walk until he was within the circle of Atmayogis. He went to the fire, and kicked and stomped on the burning wood with little care for his feet. The flames withered and sparks rose. Black smoke filled the dome. Using his heel, the kirtimukha stamped out the last of the fire, and the yellow tint around them started to crack.

In a matter of moments, the dome had shattered. No more protection. They were sitting ducks. The kirtimukhas beat their chests in exhilaration and slowly drew near the Souls.

Fayza ran to shield the vulnerable Atmayogis. Just then, the wolf, bear and yak stopped fighting, and the Deh on the arms of Aman, Dhara, Payal and Ujal stopped glowing. They had severed their connections to the animals and now opened their eyes, readying their weapons.

It was now ten Souls against twenty kirtimukhas. But as the hideous beasts drew near them, Aman, who had fear written all over his face, prepared to flee the scene. ‘Where are you going?!’ Prithvi shouted as Aman ran into the dark before any of the kirtimukhas could catch him. Fayza couldn’t believe it. But she had no time to give it another thought.