The figure stepped forward from the shadows — a man whose presence twisted the air with cold malice.
Anaya's breath caught. The flickering candlelight carved harsh lines across his face, revealing eyes like frozen obsidian, a cruel smile barely concealed beneath a sharp jawline.
"Who... are you?" she whispered, voice trembling.
✦ The Stranger's Name
He bowed slightly, his smile widening into something more sinister.
"I am Veer Rathore," he said, voice smooth like silk wrapping iron. "Your father's younger brother. Your uncle."
Anaya's mind spun.
Veer? Her uncle? The man no one spoke of, hidden like a shadow beneath the Rathore family's proud legacy.
"Why now?" she demanded. "Why show yourself?"
Veer's eyes glittered. "Because the past is waking. And so must we."
✦ A History of Betrayal
Veer told her stories no one else dared whisper: jealousy, bloodshed, and dark bargains made in Rang Mahal's deepest chambers.
He revealed that Aarav was not only a painter but also a revolutionary who threatened the Rathore's power, stirring the villagers toward rebellion.
Meera had fallen in love with him, but the family's fear drove them to trap Aarav's soul in the mural — a twisted act of control and vengeance.
Veer's voice hardened.
"But betrayal breeds shadows," he said. "And shadows hunger."
✦ Psychological Warfare
Anaya struggled to hold onto herself as Veer's words cut deeper.
He taunted her — a puppet on the edge of madness, torn between love for her grandmother and hatred for her father.
"Your bloodline is cursed, child," Veer sneered. "And you walk a path that will either save or destroy you."
She felt the walls close in, the Rang Mahal breathing, alive with whispered curses.
✦ Aarav's Voice Returns
Suddenly, the mural shimmered again.
Aarav's voice was a desperate plea.
"Anaya… trust no one but your heart."
The painted figure's eyes gleamed with urgency.
✦ The Choice
Veer gestured to the mural.
"Join us, or be lost."
Anaya's heart pounded.
Was Veer an enemy or a key?
Could she navigate the maze of lies, family sins, and ancient magic to find the truth — and free the souls trapped within the Rang Mahal?
As the candle flickered out, the room plunged into darkness.
A cold hand grasped Anaya's wrist.
And in the silence, a whisper:
"Choose wisely, Anaya. Or the legacy will consume you."