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2025-03-04 14:01:46The afternoon sun hung lazily in the sky, casting a golden glow over the quiet streets as Ishaan strolled toward Mrs. Patel’s bakery.
The warmth of the light contrasted with the crisp breeze that whispered through the town, rustling the leaves in gentle waves. It was a beautiful day, idyllic even—but his mind was far from the peaceful surroundings.All he could think about was Ashwin.The memory of last night clung to him, refusing to let go. How Ashwin had trembled beneath him, his small frame helpless against the force of Ishaan’s desire. How he had taken him again and again, until Ashwin was utterly spent, boneless in his arms. The soft, gasping sounds he made had left an imprint on Ishaan’s mind—sweet, broken little noises that sent heat straight through his veins.Even this morning, before Ishaan had left, Ashwin had still been dripping, slick and warm, all over their bed. The thought alone made Ishaan’s fingers twitch at his sides, itching
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Tangled In Scales 39
The warm morning sun peeked through the curtains, making little golden patterns on the walls. The house was quiet—until it wasn’t.Thud. Thud. Thud.Tiny feet stomped down the hallway, followed by giggles. The bedroom door burst open, and two little boys tumbled in, jumping onto the bed.“Mommy, wake up!” Koa squealed, tugging at Ashwin’s arm. “We’s late, we’s late!”Kai crawled onto Ishaan’s chest and plopped down with a huff. “Yeah! We gonna be so, so late, an’ then we no learn nuffin’!”Ashwin groaned, half-burying his face in the pillow. “Koa, Kai, it’s not even seven yet.”“But school is ‘portant, Mommy!” Koa pouted, bouncing on the mattress.Ishaan let out a tired chuckle, wrapping an arm around Kai to keep him from rolling off. “Alright, alright, we’re up. But first, morning kisses.”The twins squealed as Ishaan and Ashwin covered their little faces in kisses, making them giggle loudly.“Now go b
Last Updated : 2025-03-05Tangled In Scales 40
Dark, fathomless blue stretched in every direction, but Ashwin wasn't afraid. He floated effortlessly, the gentle current cradling him like a familiar embrace. Cool water swept past his skin, yet there was no discomfort-only a soothing sensation, as if the ocean itself recognized him. He inhaled, and instead of drowning, his lungs filled with something light and pure.Breathing underwater felt natural.His body moved with a grace he never possessed on land, his limbs slicing through the water with ease, as if he had been born for this. Above him, golden rays of light filtered down from the unseen surface, scattering in ribbons that illuminated the space around him. Schools of fish darted past in shimmering waves, yet Ashwin barely paid them any attention.Because he wasn't alone.The enormous dark blue snake was there again, gliding through the water like a shadow given life. Its massive form coiled and uncoiled effortlessly, the deep hu
Last Updated : 2025-03-05Tangled In Scales 41
The soft hum of pages turning, the scent of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the faint vanilla musk of aged paper.This was Ashwin’s sanctuary. The bookstore café was a cozy little escape from the worries of the outside world, with its warm yellow lighting, wooden bookshelves stretching toward the ceiling, and snug reading nooks filled with plush chairs and knitted blankets.Ashwin sat behind the counter, absently wiping down the espresso machine as he watched the customers.A young woman sat by the window, a novel open on her lap as she sipped from a steaming mug. An elderly man in a tweed coat sat at a corner table, immersed in a history book, occasionally pausing to adjust his glasses. The soft murmur of conversation and the occasional clang of dishes from the café’s kitchen filled the air with a comforting rhythm.He liked this place. The quiet. The routine.But today, there was an unease hanging in the air. It started as whispers,
Last Updated : 2025-03-06Tangled In Scales 42
The streets were quieter than usual, the curfew looming over the town like a warning. It wasn’t even dark yet, but people were already heading home, locking their doors, avoiding the shadows.Ashwin glanced at Ishaan as they walked to the car. “This whole thing is getting worse.”Ishaan hummed in agreement. “That’s why we’re picking up the twins together. I don’t want you walking alone.”Ashwin sighed. “I can take care of myself.”“I know,” Ishaan said, unlocking the car. “But I’d rather not risk it.”Ashwin didn’t argue. He knew better than to fight Ishaan on things like this.As they pulled onto the road, Ishaan spoke again.“My brothers are coming for a visit.”Ashwin raised a brow. “Really?”Ishaan nodded. “They missed you. And the twins. And they demanded roasted fish and fried potatoes.”Ashwin snorted. “Of course they did.”Ishaan smirked. “You’ll make it for them?”Ash
Last Updated : 2025-03-06Tangled In Scales 1
The dream always started the same way.Ashwin found himself standing in the middle of a vast, misty landscape. The air was cool, carrying the scent of damp earth and wet stone. The light was soft, muted—like the world had been swallowed up by the fog. But the strangest part was the water. Everywhere. It surrounded him, rushing through rivers, cascading over jagged rocks in waterfalls, pooling in dark lakes that seemed to stretch on forever. The mist rolled across the surfaces like a living thing, curling around his ankles, making it feel as though the land and the water were one.He could hear the distant sound of rushing currents, the soft splash of water hitting stone, but it wasn’t the peaceful sound it should have been. There was an undercurrent to it—something wild, something dangerous, as if the water itself was alive, restless, calling out to him.And then, the figure appeared.Ashwin’s breath hitched in his throat as he saw him for the first time. A silhouette at first, standi
Last Updated : 2025-02-07Tangled In Scales 2
The morning sunlight spilled through the thin curtains of Ashwin’s bedroom, painting the room in soft golden hues. He blinked against the brightness, his body still curled beneath the thick blankets. For the first time in a while, he’d slept through the night without waking up in a cold sweat, his dreams free from the haunting images of water and the dark figure that always lurked beneath its surface.Beside him, Hayden’s warmth was familiar, comforting. His arm was draped loosely over Ashwin’s waist, and his soft breathing fanned against the nape of his neck.Ashwin shifted slightly, careful not to wake him. There was something peaceful about these quiet mornings before the day truly began. He pressed his palm against his forehead, exhaling slowly. Maybe today would be different. Maybe today, he wouldn’t feel the lingering pull of something he couldn’t understand.He carefully slid out of bed, pulling on a loose sweater before padding toward the small kitchen. The house he and Hayden
Last Updated : 2025-02-07Tangled In Scales 3
The rain had started as a light drizzle, misting the streets of Mount Haven in a damp, eerie fog. By the time Ashwin left the bookstore, it had turned into a steady downpour, soaking through his thin jacket. He cursed under his breath, shoving his hands deep into his pockets as he hurried down the slick pavement.He hadn’t expected rain today. Then again, Mount Haven’s weather had always been unpredictable, much like the town itself.His apartment wasn’t far—just a few more blocks—but the cold was beginning to seep into his bones. The streets were nearly empty, the distant glow of streetlights flickering against the wet asphalt.Then, out of nowhere, a car barreled down the road, hitting a deep puddle.A sheet of icy water surged up and crashed over Ashwin’s legs.“Shit—!” He stumbled back, the chill shooting straight through his clothes. Water dripped from his jeans, his shoes squelching against the pavement as he tried to shake off the worst of it.The car skidded to a halt a few fe
Last Updated : 2025-02-08Tangled In Scales 4
The rain had stopped, leaving the air thick with the scent of wet earth. As he walked up the porch steps, he resisted the urge to glance back.The sound of Ishaan’s car driving off was the only sign that he had finally left.Ashwin unlocked the door, stepped inside, and let out a slow breath.The house was still and quiet, just the way he liked it.He barely had time to settle before his phone buzzed.Hayden.Hey, I heard about the storm. You okay?Ashwin sighed, rubbing a hand through his damp hair.Yeah, got caught in the rain, but I’m fine. Just tired.The response came instantly.Do you need anything?Ashwin shook his head, smiling faintly. Hayden was always like this—warm, steady, thoughtful. It was a sharp contrast to the strange, lingering tension Ishaan seemed to carry wherever he went.I’m good, promise. Let’s grab lunch tomorrow?Okay. Get some rest.Ashwin set the phone down and stretched. He needed sleep.But as soon as he closed his eyes, the dream started.He was underwa
Last Updated : 2025-02-08
Latest chapter
Tangled In Scales 42
The streets were quieter than usual, the curfew looming over the town like a warning. It wasn’t even dark yet, but people were already heading home, locking their doors, avoiding the shadows.Ashwin glanced at Ishaan as they walked to the car. “This whole thing is getting worse.”Ishaan hummed in agreement. “That’s why we’re picking up the twins together. I don’t want you walking alone.”Ashwin sighed. “I can take care of myself.”“I know,” Ishaan said, unlocking the car. “But I’d rather not risk it.”Ashwin didn’t argue. He knew better than to fight Ishaan on things like this.As they pulled onto the road, Ishaan spoke again.“My brothers are coming for a visit.”Ashwin raised a brow. “Really?”Ishaan nodded. “They missed you. And the twins. And they demanded roasted fish and fried potatoes.”Ashwin snorted. “Of course they did.”Ishaan smirked. “You’ll make it for them?”Ash
Tangled In Scales 41
The soft hum of pages turning, the scent of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the faint vanilla musk of aged paper.This was Ashwin’s sanctuary. The bookstore café was a cozy little escape from the worries of the outside world, with its warm yellow lighting, wooden bookshelves stretching toward the ceiling, and snug reading nooks filled with plush chairs and knitted blankets.Ashwin sat behind the counter, absently wiping down the espresso machine as he watched the customers.A young woman sat by the window, a novel open on her lap as she sipped from a steaming mug. An elderly man in a tweed coat sat at a corner table, immersed in a history book, occasionally pausing to adjust his glasses. The soft murmur of conversation and the occasional clang of dishes from the café’s kitchen filled the air with a comforting rhythm.He liked this place. The quiet. The routine.But today, there was an unease hanging in the air. It started as whispers,
Tangled In Scales 40
Dark, fathomless blue stretched in every direction, but Ashwin wasn't afraid. He floated effortlessly, the gentle current cradling him like a familiar embrace. Cool water swept past his skin, yet there was no discomfort-only a soothing sensation, as if the ocean itself recognized him. He inhaled, and instead of drowning, his lungs filled with something light and pure.Breathing underwater felt natural.His body moved with a grace he never possessed on land, his limbs slicing through the water with ease, as if he had been born for this. Above him, golden rays of light filtered down from the unseen surface, scattering in ribbons that illuminated the space around him. Schools of fish darted past in shimmering waves, yet Ashwin barely paid them any attention.Because he wasn't alone.The enormous dark blue snake was there again, gliding through the water like a shadow given life. Its massive form coiled and uncoiled effortlessly, the deep hu
Tangled In Scales 39
The warm morning sun peeked through the curtains, making little golden patterns on the walls. The house was quiet—until it wasn’t.Thud. Thud. Thud.Tiny feet stomped down the hallway, followed by giggles. The bedroom door burst open, and two little boys tumbled in, jumping onto the bed.“Mommy, wake up!” Koa squealed, tugging at Ashwin’s arm. “We’s late, we’s late!”Kai crawled onto Ishaan’s chest and plopped down with a huff. “Yeah! We gonna be so, so late, an’ then we no learn nuffin’!”Ashwin groaned, half-burying his face in the pillow. “Koa, Kai, it’s not even seven yet.”“But school is ‘portant, Mommy!” Koa pouted, bouncing on the mattress.Ishaan let out a tired chuckle, wrapping an arm around Kai to keep him from rolling off. “Alright, alright, we’re up. But first, morning kisses.”The twins squealed as Ishaan and Ashwin covered their little faces in kisses, making them giggle loudly.“Now go b
Tangled In Scales 38
The afternoon sun hung lazily in the sky, casting a golden glow over the quiet streets as Ishaan strolled toward Mrs. Patel’s bakery. The warmth of the light contrasted with the crisp breeze that whispered through the town, rustling the leaves in gentle waves. It was a beautiful day, idyllic even—but his mind was far from the peaceful surroundings.All he could think about was Ashwin.The memory of last night clung to him, refusing to let go. How Ashwin had trembled beneath him, his small frame helpless against the force of Ishaan’s desire. How he had taken him again and again, until Ashwin was utterly spent, boneless in his arms. The soft, gasping sounds he made had left an imprint on Ishaan’s mind—sweet, broken little noises that sent heat straight through his veins.Even this morning, before Ishaan had left, Ashwin had still been dripping, slick and warm, all over their bed. The thought alone made Ishaan’s fingers twitch at his sides, itching
Tangled In Scales 37
Ashwin shuddered. The contrast between them had always been stark—where Ashwin was lean, lithe, and finely built, Ishaan was broad, towering, and commanding in every movement. It wasn’t just size; it was the way Ishaan held himself, the way his presence filled every space like it was meant to belong to him."You're shaking," Ishaan noted, amused. One of his hands drifted lower, possessively mapping the dip of Ashwin’s waist before gripping his hip hard. "But you're not running. You never do, do you?"Ashwin bit his lip, refusing to give him the satisfaction of an immediate answer.Ishaan chuckled, low and knowing. "Because you like it when I take control," he continued, his voice smooth, almost hypnotic. "You like knowing you don’t have to think. You can just let me handle everything."Ashwin exhaled, his fingers flexing against the table as he let Ishaan’s words settle into him. He wouldn’t admit it out loud—not yet—but Ishaan was right
Tangled In Scales 36
The door clicked shut, and before Ashwin could even exhale, Ishaan was on him. His larger frame loomed over Ashwin’s smaller body, radiating heat and pent-up frustration. Rough hands cupped Ashwin’s jaw, tilting his face up just before Ishaan’s lips crashed down, swallowing him whole.The kiss was all-consuming—hungry, desperate, and demanding. Ishaan didn’t just kiss; he took. His lips were firm, his teeth grazing Ashwin’s bottom lip before sucking it into his mouth with a possessive pull. The force of it sent a jolt down Ashwin’s spine, making his knees weaken, but Ishaan’s grip on him was ironclad. There was nowhere to run, no room to breathe. Only Ishaan.Ashwin let out a muffled sound against his mouth, pushing lightly at Ishaan’s chest, but the man was relentless. His large hands slid from Ashwin’s jaw down to his waist, fingers pressing into the slight curve of his hips, gripping, grounding. It wasn’t just a touch—it was a claim. Ashwin’s breath hi
Tangled In Scales 35
Ashwin stood by the car, arms crossed, his posture deceptively relaxed. The dim streetlights cast long shadows across his face, highlighting the dark circles under his eyes. He hadn’t slept. Not properly. Not while Ishaan was locked inside that police station, treated like a criminal.His fingers drummed restlessly against his bicep as he watched the doors, his pulse hammering harder with every second.Then, finally—The doors swung open.Ishaan stepped out, slow and unhurried, like he hadn’t just spent two days being interrogated. He was still wearing the same clothes he had been arrested in, the fabric wrinkled, the sleeves slightly damp from where he had rinsed his face in the station’s bathroom. His jaw was tight, but his gaze lifted the moment he spotted Ashwin.Relief flickered in those dark eyes.Ashwin barely had time to push himself off the car before Ishaan was closing the distance between them.No words. No he
Tangled In Scales 34
The cell was small, barely large enough for the cot bolted to the wall and the metal toilet in the corner. The air was stale, thick with the scent of disinfectant and something metallic—blood, perhaps, long scrubbed away but still lingering beneath the surface.Ishaan Arthava sat on the cot, back straight, hands resting on his knees. His wrists were sore from the cuffs they had slapped on him hours ago, but he didn’t complain.Complaining was weakness.The officers outside whispered among themselves, their voices muffled through the steel door. He knew their type—cops who thought they had him cornered, who thought a few hours in a holding cell would break him.They didn’t know him.They had no idea what kind of patience lived inside him, what kind of restraint he had mastered over the years.The door creaked open.A uniformed officer stepped inside, gesturing for him to stand. “Move.”Ishaan exhaled slowly throu
