Episode---- 13
The villa by night felt alive — shadows breathing, walls whispering secrets in cracks and broken plaster.
Lina's soft footsteps echoed as she followed Ayan down narrow halls lined with half-lit portraits.
"I can walk alone," she insisted.
Ayan didn't turn. "That's not your choice."
"And if I refuse?"
His stride slowed, but he didn't stop. "Then I'll still follow. Orders are orders."
His voice wasn't unkind — just final. Like stone that's been carved too long to change shape.
Lina clenched her fists. "You act like everyone's an enemy."
"Most people are," he said quietly.
They reached the west wing — a room that smelled of dust and cold air. The cracked window overlooked the jungle of vines below, moonlight pooling on the floor.
Ayan opened the door. "Stay inside after dark. And keep the lamp off."
Lina frowned. "Why?"
"Light attracts eyes," he said. His gaze met hers for a moment, and in that flicker she saw something raw — not coldness, but fear honed sharp.
"I didn't ask to be part of this," Lina whispered.
"No one does," Ayan murmured, voice rougher now. "But choice dies fast in this world."
Their eyes locked — heat and hurt tangled in silence. Then he stepped back, the distance between them falling like an iron gate.
Down the hall, Aria stood at the door to her own room, Raian's shadow beside her. His gaze stayed fixed on Lina and Ayan — storm-grey and measuring.
Inside her room, Lina sat on the dusty bed, heart racing.
What kind of life had Aria stepped into?
And why, when Ayan had looked at her, did it feel like he saw more than just a threat?
---stay tuned ..... See you in nest episode...