The night was heavy, silent, wrapped in a golden veil of candlelight. Ruhi lay beside Vedant, her head resting on his chest, listening to the strong rhythm of his heartbeat. For a moment, she forgot the palace, the throne, the responsibilities. Tonight, she was just a woman in love with her king.

Vedant's fingers brushed lazily through her hair. "Rani-sa, you've given me the most precious gift tonight. Yourself."

Her cheeks warmed. She looked up into his eyes, about to respond-when suddenly, she felt it.

A prickling sensation crawled across her skin, as if unseen eyes were piercing into her soul.

Ruhi stiffened. The warmth of the moment vanished, replaced by an icy chill that swept through the chamber. Slowly, her gaze shifted towards the massive golden doors of their room.

For a split second, she was certain-a shadow moved there.

Her breath caught in her throat.

"Vedant ji..." she whispered, gripping his hand tightly.

He looked down at her, his brows knitting in concern. "What happened?"

"I... I think... someone is watching us."

Vedant sat up slightly, his kingly aura returning in an instant, scanning the room with sharp eyes. But when his gaze fell on the door, there was nothing. Only silence.

Ruhi swallowed hard, her heart pounding. "I swear, Vedant ji... I saw someone standing there. A figure..."

Vedant pulled her closer, his voice firm yet gentle. "This palace has many eyes, Rani-sa. But tonight, none can dare cross my walls. You are safe with me."

His words soothed her, but the unease lingered.

---

Outside the chamber, in the dimly lit corridor, a figure in a heavy veil lingered in silence. It's hands clenched into fists, her nails digging into it's palms until they bled.

Through the small gap of the door, that shadow had watched them-Vedant's smile, Ruhi's blush, their closeness.

It's eyes burned with envy, Its lips curling into a bitter smile.

"You may be his queen, Ruhi..." The shadow whispered into the darkness, it's voice trembling with restrained fury. "...but remember, shadows always outlast light."

The faint sound of the shadow's anklets disappeared into the corridors, leaving behind a suffocating silence.

Inside, Ruhi turned restlessly in Vedant's arms. No matter how tightly he held her, she could not shake the feeling that someone-somewhere-was watching.

WHO WAS THERE? GHOST? OR AN ENEMY?

---

✨ To be continued... ✨

GUYSS!

STAY TUNED! 😟 THERE'S COMING A HIDDEN MYSTERY