The eastern wing was colder than a prison.
Stone walls. Flickering torches. And silence that screamed.
She stood near the window, staring at the dark kingdom below. Every corner of this palace carried memories — some beautiful, some
deadly.
The door opened.
Ayaan walked in.
Alone.
"You shouldn't have ordered them to bring me here," she said without turning
"I didn't bring you here to cage you," he replied.
"I brought you here to protect you."
She laughed softly.
"From whom? Your council? Your army? Or the man hiding in your shadows?"
His eyes narrowed.
"You saw him."
"Yes," she whispered. "And I remember him."
Ayaan's jaw tightened.
"Zavian is not just alive," she continued.
"He is controlling your kingdom from behind the curtains."
Silence.
Then Ayaan spoke, voice low and dangerous.
"I've been hunting him for three years."
Her heart skipped.
"Then why is he still breathing?"
"Because he knows something about you."
She turned sharply.
"What?"
Ayaan stepped closer.
"Your real bloodline."
The words hit her like lightning.
"My parents were simple people-"
"No," he interrupted.
"They were royal."
Her world shattered.
"You are the last heir of the fallen Shadow
Throne."
Her knees weakened.
"That's impossible..."
Zavian's voice echoed suddenly from the corridor.
"Nothing is impossible when destiny is written in blood."
The guards outside fell silent.
Too silent.
Ayaan grabbed her hand.
"Run."
The doors exploded open.
And war finally entered the palace.