The night was suffocatingly still, as if the entire world was holding its breath. Even Phantom, who prowled silently beside Veer, seemed tense — his golden eyes glowing unnaturally in the moonlight. Veer's fingers flexed near the hilt of his dagger. Somewhere in the city, hidden behind smiles and silken veils, a serpent was about to strike.

Meera's heart pounded like a war drum as she stood on the edge of the terrace, staring out at the palace where shadows moved like living things. The whispers of betrayal were no longer rumors. They were real. They crawled in the blood of those she once trusted.