All Chapters of Tangled In Scales: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

The fluorescent lights of the police station buzzed softly overhead, casting a sterile glow over the waiting area. Ashwin sat stiffly on one of the plastic chairs, his arms wrapped securely around the two boys who clung to him like vines. They were dry now, dressed in oversized sweaters an officer had given them, but their little hands still trembled, their hazel eyes darting around warily. Ishaan leaned lazily against the counter beside him, his sharp grey eyes scanning the room as if he were bored rather than waiting to give a statement. The officer in charge, a burly man with graying hair and a permanent scowl, finally approached them with a deep sigh, placing a file down on his desk before crossing his arms. “You two are insane,” he stated flatly, fixing them both with a stern look. Ashwin blinked. “Excuse me?” The officer huffed. “Going to a crime scene alone, without backup? What the hell were you thinking?” His sharp gaze flickered to the children before softening

The morning sunlight poured through the small kitchen window, painting golden streaks across the wooden table where the twins sat, eagerly digging into their breakfast. The scent of fresh toast and honey lingered in the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of tea. The house was warm, filled with soft clinks of utensils against plates, the hum of conversation, and the happy giggles of the two boys.Ishaan stood by the sink, dressed in his mechanic’s uniform—dark overalls with the sleeves pushed up, revealing strong forearms dusted with faint grease stains. His grey eyes flicked over to Ashwin, who was standing by the counter, sipping his morning tea. Dressed in a simple oversized sweater and fitted jeans, Ashwin looked as effortlessly put together as ever, his green eyes still drowsy from sleep.The twins, Kai and Koa, were wolfing down their food, their small hands sticky with honey and crumbs as they devoured their breakfast with a speed that would put gr

The rain had finally stopped, leaving behind the scent of damp earth and fresh air. It was the perfect kind of lazy Sunday, the kind where time seemed to slow down, and the world outside the little bungalow didn’t matter.Ashwin had planned for a quiet morning—some light reading, a hot cup of coffee, and maybe sneaking in a nap if the twins miraculously stayed calm. But, of course, that was wishful thinking.Because Koa and Kai were currently causing chaos in the kitchen."Stop eating the flour!" Ashwin scolded, snatching the bag from Kai, who had somehow managed to coat his entire face in white powder. His light skin made the mess even more obvious.Koa, standing on a chair by the counter, poked at the pancake batter with a wooden spoon, frowning. “Too lumpy,” he declared.Kai, licking flour off his fingers, nodded. “Needs more sugar.”Ashwin groaned. “It needs more patience—and for you two menaces to stop eating raw ingredients

The daycare was eerily quiet when they arrived. When Ashwin walked through these doors earlier today, he was greeted by the sounds of playful screaming, laughter, and tiny feet scurrying around. But right now, the atmosphere felt off.Miss Lila stood at the front with a polite but strained smile. Her fingers tapped anxiously against the clipboard she held.Ashwin barely had time to respond before he heard the sound of wailing."Mommy!"Kai came bolting out from the back, his little legs moving as fast as they could, arms stretched forward like he was reaching for dear life. His face was red and blotchy, tears spilling down his cheeks as he collided into Ashwin’s legs.Ashwin immediately knelt, wrapping his arms around Kai. The boy clung to him with desperate fingers, his small body shaking with hiccuped sobs."I’s sorry, Mommy! I’s so sorry!" Kai’s voice cracked as he buried his face in Ashwin’s chest.Ashwin’s heart cle

The dream came again—dark blue scales shimmering under the glow of a silver moon, a land both foreign and familiar. Ashwin stood at the edge of a dark lake, the water so still it mirrored the stars. Something massive lurked beneath the surface, the sound of slow, deliberate movement echoing in the distance. He felt it watching him, calling him, and yet—Thud.A weight slammed into his chest.Ashwin jolted awake with a sharp inhale, eyes flying open to find two small figures bouncing on top of him.“Mommy, wake up!” Kai’s voice rang out, his tiny hands pressing insistently against Ashwin’s ribs.“You’s so slow, Mommy! You should wake up like Daddy!” Koa giggled, eyes bright with excitement.Ashwin groaned, still groggy. He rubbed at his eyes before freezing.A dark stain—red—smeared across the twins’ lips.His pulse spiked. His breath caught.lood.It was late—too late. The clock on the bedside