Sketching her Shadows

The candle flickered as Satya closed the diary, his mind racing. Meera had left something behind—something that had terrified the Rathores enough to try and erase her existence. But what was it? And why was someone still trying to keep it buried?

Saanvi clenched her fists. "We have to go to that temple."

Devraj shifted uneasily. "And what if that old man was right? If we're being watched, this could be a trap."

Satya exhaled sharply. "It's a risk we have to take."

The three of them made their way out of the abandoned chamber, their footsteps echoing in the silence. But the moment they stepped outside, Saanvi felt it—a prickling sensation on the back of her neck.

"We're not alone," she whispered.

Satya's eyes darted around the dimly lit corridor. At first, nothing seemed unusual. But then, from the corner of his eye, he caught the faintest movement—a shadow slipping behind a pillar.

His body tensed. "Keep walking. Don't look back."

They moved quickly through the palace ruins, their pace steady but controlled. The entrance was just ahead. But as they neared the exit, a sudden noise stopped them in their tracks—a metallic clink, like a blade being unsheathed.

Devraj reacted first, grabbing Satya and Saanvi's arms, pulling them into the cover of a nearby alcove.

"There's someone outside," he murmured.

Satya's heart pounded. He peeked out cautiously. Two figures stood near the entrance, partially hidden in the shadows. They weren't guards, nor did they look like locals. Their stiff posture, their watchful gazes—it was clear they were waiting for someone.

Waiting for them.

Saanvi's grip on his wrist tightened. "Who are they?"

Satya didn't know. But instinct told him one thing—whoever they were, they weren't here to help.

"We need another way out," Devraj whispered.

Satya nodded, scanning their surroundings. There—a narrow passageway leading toward the back of the palace. "This way."

They moved quickly, slipping into the dark corridor. The walls were damp, the air thick with the scent of dust and age. It felt like they were walking deeper into the past itself.

As they neared the exit, Saanvi suddenly stopped. Her breathing hitched, her eyes widening.

"Did you hear that?" she whispered.

Satya turned to her. "Hear what?"

A soft whisper. Faint. Almost unreal.

"Find me… before they do."

Saanvi's breath caught in her throat. That voice—it wasn't from this time. It was from the past.

Satya noticed her pale face. "Saanvi?"

She swallowed hard. "I heard her."

Devraj frowned. "Who?"

Saanvi's gaze drifted to the temple sketch in Satya's hands. "Meera."

Silence filled the corridor.

Then, footsteps.

Close.

Too close.

Satya grabbed Saanvi's hand. "Run."

Without hesitation, they sprinted toward the exit. The moment they stepped into the open, a shout rang out behind them.

The watchers had seen them.

And they were coming.