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2025-03-17 14:01:08The Serpent Paths were unlike anything Ashwin had ever imagined.
As they entered, a hush fell over the world, as if they had crossed into a forgotten realm where time itself moved differently. The cavernous tunnels stretched endlessly, their walls smooth and glistening as if polished by the passage of a thousand generations of Naga. The air was thick with a strange, heady scent—ancient, primal, the unmistakable musk of reptilian kin.Bioluminescent moss lined the rocky surfaces, pulsing with a faint greenish glow, casting eerie, shifting shadows. Veins of crystalline minerals glittered like stars embedded in the stone, refracting light from unseen sources. Stalactites hung from the ceiling like jagged fangs, dripping water into pools that shimmered in the darkness.The deeper they slithered, the more alive the Paths felt. The walls thrummed with energy, the ground shifting subtly beneath their scaled bodies as if responding to their presence. Strange, twis
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Tangled In Scales 65
The night in Kal’Raksha was unlike anything Ashwin had ever experienced. It was alive, pulsing with an ancient rhythm that he could feel in his very bones. The jungle around them was dense and endless, stretching far beyond what his human mind could comprehend. Every shadow held movement, every rustle a whisper of something unseen. And yet, despite the unfamiliar wildness, he felt no fear.The massive tree they had chosen for shelter was unlike any he had ever seen—its bark a deep obsidian, smooth and cool to the touch, as though time itself had polished it.The roots sprawled out like coiled serpents, thick and twisting, rising from the earth in arcs big enough for an entire family to settle beneath. High above, the canopy stretched so wide that it nearly blotted out the sky, the leaves vast enough to act as a roof, layered so densely that not even moonlight could slip through.Their small clearing had become their den for the night, and Ashwin
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-18Tangled In Scales 66
The family of five was awake, and the morning in Kal'Raksha was breathtaking.A golden haze bathed the land as the sun peeked through the towering, ancient trees. The jungle thrived with life, alive with the calls of creatures both familiar and unknown. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth, rich foliage, and something distinctly wild.Massive birds with iridescent plumage soared through the sky, their wings catching the light like shards of precious gemstones. The trees, some nearly touching the heavens, had twisting vines that draped like curtains, their leaves glistening with morning dew. Strange reptilian creatures slithered between the roots, their scales reflecting the sun in mesmerizing patterns. Some had wings, others had multiple eyes, and a few had tails that coiled like sentient vines.The river nearby shimmered like liquid crystal, its surface barely disturbed despite the massive creatures that lurked beneath. Long, serpentine beasts o
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-18Tangled In Scales 67
The journey resumed, the family slithering through the untamed beauty of Kal’Raksha. The jungle was alive with sounds—distant roars, melodic chirps, and the rustling of leaves as unseen creatures moved through the dense foliage.Ashwin took a deep breath, inhaling the rich, earthy scent of the land. It was strange how quickly he was getting used to this place, how the warm humidity and the ancient trees stretching endlessly toward the sky no longer felt overwhelming.Ishaan moved beside him, his massive form effortless as he led them forward. His blue scales gleamed under the filtered sunlight, his body cutting through the thick vegetation with ease. Ashwin found himself watching him more than he meant to, admiring the way Ishaan moved—like he belonged to the land itself.Ahead, Kai and Koa were still bursting with energy, slithering ahead and then doubling back, always on the move. They chattered excitedly about the different plants and creatures they saw
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-19Tangled In Scales 68
It was already late afternoon, and the journey had begun to take its toll on the little ones. The twins, Kai and Koa, had long given up on slithering beside Ishaan and had instead draped themselves over his thick tail, letting him do the work of carrying them forward. Their arms hung lazily at their sides, heads resting on each other as they muttered about how far they still had to go. At some point, Imara had joined them, curling up against her older brothers, her small hands gripping Kai’s scales as she nestled comfortably.The jungle around them pulsed with life, humming with sounds of creatures that Ashwin still struggled to believe were real. Great, ancient trees with leaves so wide they could shelter an entire family stretched toward the sky, their trunks covered in bioluminescent moss that shimmered faintly even in the daylight. Strange, long-limbed primates with webbed fingers swung between the canopy, their sharp eyes following the travelers wit
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-19Tangled In Scales 69
Ashwin barely had time to exhale before Ishaan's tail tightened around him, pulling him impossibly close. His mate had been like this all morning-hovering, watching, touching. Possessive. But now, in the quiet of their camp, surrounded by the thick wilds of Kal'Raksha, that protectiveness had sharpened into something even deeper."I can hear you thinking," Ishaan murmured against his ear, his breath warm as it ghosted over Ashwin's skin. "What is it?"Ashwin shifted slightly, but Ishaan's tail only coiled tighter. He wasn't going anywhere. Not without Ishaan's permission.He sighed. "I was just thinking about-"HSSS.Ashwin froze as Ishaan's tongue flicked against his skin, tasting him, claiming him. The hiss wasn't angry, but it was unmistakably a warning. "I don't like when you think too much," Ishaan muttered, pressing his face into the curve of Ashwin's neck. He took in his scent deeply, possessively, making sure it was only
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-20Tangled In Scales 70
The scent of damp earth and freshwater filled the air, mingling with something else—something warm, familiar. It curled around them like an embrace, weaving through Ashwin’s senses with a strange pull he couldn’t quite ignore.It wasn’t just the air, or the distant sounds of trickling water—it was this place.Their home.And the children felt it too.Kai was the first to stir, his small face scrunching up as he inhaled deeply before blinking his hazel eyes open. A second later, he sat up so fast he almost slipped off Ishaan’s tail."We’re home!" he gasped, his excitement rousing Koa from sleep.Koa rubbed at his eyes, still groggy. "Home?""Yes! Don’t you smell it? It smells like Baba!" Kai wiggled happily before turning to shake Imara awake. "Wake up! We’re home!""Baba?" Ashwin raised an eyebrow at Ishaan."My father," Ishaan said simply. Imara grumbled but peeked one eye open. The moment th
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-20Tangled In Scales 71
The hut was grand.Built from smooth stone and reinforced wood, it stood firm and immovable among the surrounding wilderness. Unlike the smaller huts they had passed on the way, this one had defined structure, clearly designed for comfort and permanence.The entrance was marked by a heavy wooden door with carvings of serpentine figures woven together in intricate patterns. Symbols of protection, lineage, and unity. The moment Ishaan pushed the door open, the familiar scent of home rushed forward.Inside, the space was large and well-furnished.The floor was made of polished wood, smooth and dark, with thick rugs sprawled across it, their rich reds and golds adding warmth to the space. There was actual furniture—chairs and tables carved from sturdy oak, shelves lined with various trinkets and preserved scrolls, even a grand sitting area by the far wall where woven cushions and plush seats were arranged neatly.But the bed.Ashwin’
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-21Tangled In Scales 72
The cavern was dimly lit, the flickering flames of torches casting long shadows against the rough stone walls. Ishaan entered smoothly, his blue tail gliding over the cavern floor. Ravi was already there, coiled comfortably, his silver eyes gleaming with amusement. Across from him, Dhruv sat rigidly, his powerful blue tail looped neatly beneath him. His grey eyes sharpened the moment Ishaan arrived.“You finally decided to show up,” Dhruv said, his voice calm but edged.Ishaan didn’t rise to the bait. Instead, he settled opposite them, nodding once in acknowledgment. “You called for me. I came.”Before anyone could respond, movement echoed through the tunnel. Eight more figures entered—Omkar, Jatin, Karan, and Viren from the middle clutch, followed by Aarav, Dev, Rian, and Samir from the youngest.The last four moved with ease, their expressions unreadable but not hostile. They had already accepted Ashwin. They had met him in Mount Haven
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-21
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Tangled In Scales Side Story (The Bikers III)
The clinic was silent, but the tension inside those dimly lit rooms was anything but.Ashwin barely had time to catch his breath before Ishaan’s hand tightened around his throat again, just enough to remind him—this wasn’t a game he was going to win. Ishaan’s grip was firm, possessive, his other arm still wrapped around Ashwin’s waist, keeping him exactly where he wanted.“You like that, little snake?” Ishaan rasped against the shell of his ear, his voice dripping with smug satisfaction.Ashwin trembled, his fingers curling around the cool sheets of the hospital bed, desperate for something to hold onto. His body was caught between the unrelenting heat of Ishaan behind him and the cold air brushing over his skin, an unbearable contrast that made him shudder.Ishaan’s hand drifted lower, skimming over Ashwin’s stomach before gripping his hip hard enough to leave fingerprints. “You’re shaking,” he murmured, amusement laced in his voice. “I haven’t even started yet.”Ashwin bit his lip,
Tangled In Scales Side Story (The Bikers II)
The clinic had long since settled into a comfortable hush. The fluorescent lights hummed faintly, casting sterile glows on linoleum floors. The rhythmic beeping of heart monitors, the occasional rustle of papers at the nurses’ station, and the distant murmur of a late-night television in the waiting room were the only reminders that life continued beyond these walls.But inside Room 17, the world had narrowed to the two of them.Hayden stood at the edge of the hospital bed, arms crossed over his chest, his white coat unbuttoned and slightly rumpled from the long shift. His dark eyes were sharp, calculating, yet threaded with something dangerously close to amusement.“You’re not dying,” he stated, voice flat.Ohas, lounging against the pillows, tousled curls framing his face in careless disarray, pouted like a petulant prince. His golden-honey eyes gleamed under the dim lighting, half-lidded in mock distress.“But I could be,” he countered, pressing a hand over his chest with theatric
Tangled In Scales Side Story (The Bikers I)
The clinic smelled like antiseptic, faint traces of lavender from the recently cleaned floors mixing with the sterile scent of medicine. It was a familiar scent, one Hayden barely noticed anymore.The night shift was slower than usual, leaving the halls eerily quiet, the fluorescent lights casting cold, clinical glows along the polished floors.Outside, the city hummed with life, but inside, time felt still, the silence broken only by the occasional beeping of a heart monitor or the hushed voices of nurses making their rounds.Hayden moved through the hallways at a steady, unhurried pace, clipboard in hand, while Ashwin trailed behind him, scribbling down notes with the practiced ease of someone used to his older brother’s rhythm.“You’re slowing me down,” Hayden teased, glancing over his shoulder.Ashwin shot him a flat look. “I’m writing everything down so you don’t forget.”Hayden smirked. “That’s what nurses are for, huh?”Ashwin rolled his eyes but didn’t argue. They both knew Ha
Tangled In Scales 122
Amira's entire body locked up. She could handle a scolding. She could handle Ishaan's wrath. But Dhruv? Her father would lock her up. Her heart pounded as Ishaan pressed further, his voice a dangerous hiss. "You know what he'll do, don’t you?" he hissed. "You won’t see the outside again without his permission. He’ll make sure you never slither a single inch past the borders unless he allows it." Amira's throat went dry. Ishaan wasn't bluffing. She knew her father’s overprotectiveness was nothing short of suffocating. If he found out she'd been sneaking around with Imara—if he even suspected she was involved in something reckless—he would lock her up. Panic surged through her. "Uncle, please," Amira whispered, gripping her arms. "I swear it wasn’t like that. I just... I was just making sure Imara was okay." Ishaan exhaled sharply through his nose, nostrils flaring. "You are just as reckless as she is," he snapped. "If you value your freedom, Amira, you will stay out
Tangled In Scales 121
Shadows stretched long and deep as he and his brothers, Rakesh and Arora, stepped past the towering stone archway marking their home.The courtyard was alive with movement—eight younger siblings darting around, their laughter bouncing off the walls like echoes of a time when the triplets had been just as carefree.The youngest two had somehow clambered onto their father’s thick, coiled tail, giggling as Ohas lazily let them swing back and forth. Their mother, Hayden, sat nearby, sharp eyes flickering over them, his gaze like a predator’s waiting for the right moment to strike.Irvin had barely taken three steps before Hayden’s head snapped toward him, his pupils narrowing.“Irvin.”That was it. Just his name. And yet, it sent an entire chill down his spine.Rakesh and Arora immediately took a single step back, clearly knowing what was coming. Hayden lifted a finger, curling it in a slow, beckoning motion. “Com
Tangled In Scales 120
The moons hung high in the sky, casting mixed hues over the dense jungle, the scent of damp earth and blooming nightflowers thick in the air. A soft breeze rustled the leaves as Imara slithered through the shadows, her long, pale hair shimmering like silk against the deep green of the foliage.She knew he was near before she even saw him.A strong arm shot out from the darkness, wrapping around her waist and pulling her against a warm, solid chest. Imara gasped, her hands instinctively pressing against the hard muscle beneath her palms.“You’re late,” Irvin murmured, his voice rich and low, vibrating through her.She huffed, tilting her head up to meet his gaze, the moonlight catching the sharp planes of his face, his dark eyes glinting with mischief. His hair, usually tied back, was loose in places, strands framing his angular jaw.“I had to be careful,” she whispered, though her pulse quickened from more than just the secrecy
Tangled In Scales 119
Five years later...The sun hung low over the courtyard, casting golden light over the lush garden. The once-pristine flower beds were now in ruins, trampled by three mischievous little troublemakers who slithered around, their dark, mamba-like tails blending into the foliage.Their giggles filled the air as they played, completely unbothered by the destruction they left in their wake—until a sharp voice rang out."Get out of my garden!"The triplets froze, exchanging wide-eyed glances.“Uh-oh. Papa is angry,” one of them whispered.Without hesitation, all three turned and bolted, their little tails dragging leaves and dirt behind them as they raced toward the house.A moment later, Hayden slithered out, his movements fluid and graceful despite his irritation. His hair was pulled into a loose man bun, but a few strands framed his sharp features, sticking slightly to his forehead from the heat of the e
Tangled In Scales 118
Ohas' golden-hazel eyes shone with an intensity that had never been there before. It was almost a year later and the sickness that had once drained him of his strength, his will, his very life, had vanished. His skin was warm again, no longer cold and brittle, no longer laced with the veins of the curse that had once gripped him. He was whole. He was alive.And right now, he was watching Hayden move above him, his gaze locked onto the way his mate's sweat-slicked body trembled with every bounce.The sight was mesmerizing—Hayden, flushed and radiant, his long hair clinging to his back and chest in damp waves, eyes hooded and lips parted as he panted. Every movement sent a rush of pleasure between them, a slow, teasing drag of heat that had Ohas gripping Hayden’s hips with reverence.He was healing well, but Hayden still insisted he drink the disgusting bitter concoctions he had prepared. Ohas had refused—until his cunning mate
Tangled In Scales 117
A deep, gasping breath tore through Ohas’ lungs as he jolted awake. His body trembled violently, his tail—once blackened and rotten with the curse—striking against the frozen ground. But something was wrong.The pain that had been his constant companion for years was… gone.His mind reeled, trying to grasp the agony that had shaped him, the sickness that had made his every moment unbearable. But there was nothing. No burning under his skin, no black veins creeping through his flesh, no suffocating weight pressing on his chest. Instead, there was only exhaustion, a hollowness that left him gasping for air.His vision swam as he tried to adjust to the blinding reflection of the glaciers. Ice walls towered around him, jagged and pristine, no longer a prison but a reminder of what had just happened. He blinked rapidly, his pulse hammering—Hayden.His body reacted before his mind could fully register the sight. H
