Shadows in the Dark

The drive back to Veer estate was quiet. Arya sat beside Veer in the car, staring out at the city lights flashing past the window. Her mind replayed the security guard's words over and over again.

"I don't know their name. They paid me to leave my post. That's all."

It didn't feel like enough. Someone had orchestrated this. Someone who knew exactly when and how to strike. And Arya still didn't know why.

She stole a glance at Veer. His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, his jaw clenched. He hadn't said much since they left the warehouse, but she could sense the storm brewing beneath his silence.

Finally, she spoke. "You think they'll come back, don't you?"

Veer's grip tightened. "Yes."

She swallowed hard. "Then what do we do?"

Veer exhaled, his gaze never leaving the road. "We prepare."

Arya felt a chill run down her spine.

A New Threat

By the time they reached Veer estate, the atmosphere was even more intense. The security team had doubled, and the guards were checking every vehicle and visitor that entered the premises.

Rohan was waiting for them in the main hall. His usual smirk was missing, replaced by a deep frown.

"We've got a problem," he said, handing Veer a tablet.

Veer glanced at the screen, his expression darkening. "Where was this taken?"

Rohan pointed to the image. It was a blurry snapshot from a security camera—someone standing just beyond the estate walls. A figure cloaked in shadows, watching.

"Just an hour ago," Rohan confirmed. "They didn't try to break in. They just stood there."

Arya shivered. "They're sending a message."

Veer's jaw tightened. "And I'm sending one back."

He turned to one of his guards. "Increase security on all exits. No one gets in or out without clearance."

The guard nodded and rushed off.

Arya exhaled. "What if they're after more than just me?"

Veer met her gaze. "Then we stop them before they can make another move."

A Moment of Truth

That night, sleep didn't come easily. Arya lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, every shadow in the room seeming darker than usual. The events of the past few days weighed heavily on her.

At some point, she gave up on sleep and stepped out onto the balcony. The cool night air brushed against her skin, and she wrapped her arms around herself.

She wasn't alone for long.

She heard footsteps behind her, then the deep, familiar voice. "Can't sleep?"

She turned to see Veer standing in the doorway. His shirt was unbuttoned at the collar, his sleeves rolled up as if he had been pacing.

Arya sighed. "Too much on my mind."

Veer stepped beside her, resting his hands on the railing. "I know the feeling."

They stood in silence for a moment, the tension between them thick.

Then Arya turned to him. "Veer… do you think this will ever stop? That we'll ever be safe?"

He looked at her, his dark eyes unreadable. "I don't know."

Honest. Simple. But it made Arya's chest tighten.

"But I do know one thing," Veer continued. "As long as I'm breathing, I won't let anyone hurt you."

Her heart skipped a beat.

She had heard words like that before, but from Veer… it felt different. Real.

She hesitated before saying, "You can't protect me forever."

Veer smirked slightly. "Watch me."

Arya let out a small laugh despite herself. But deep down, she knew—this wasn't over. Not yet.

And whoever was watching them from the shadows… wasn't done.

A Missing Link

The next morning, Arya woke to a knock on her door.

She opened it to find Rohan standing there, holding a file.

"We found something."

She stepped aside, letting him in. "What is it?"

Rohan handed her the file. Inside were pictures of the missing kitchen staff member—the woman who had disappeared the night of the attack.

"She was spotted at a train station last night," Rohan said. "But here's the interesting part—she wasn't alone."

Arya flipped to the next picture. A man stood beside her, his face partially obscured by a hat. But something about him looked familiar.

"Who is he?" Arya asked.

Rohan exhaled. "We're not sure. But Veer thinks he might be connected to something bigger."

Arya frowned. "Bigger?"

Rohan hesitated before saying, "This wasn't just about breaking into the estate, Arya. Whoever is behind this… they know you."

A chill ran down her spine.

She looked at the picture again.

Who was he? And why did she feel like this was just the beginning?

A Dangerous Plan

Arya walked into the study, finding Veer deep in thought.

He looked up as she entered. "Rohan told you?"

She nodded. "I need to know what's going on, Veer."

He ran a hand through his hair. "We're dealing with something bigger than a simple break-in."

Arya crossed her arms. "Then what are we dealing with?"

Veer hesitated before answering. "Someone who's been watching you for a long time."

Her heart pounded. "Watching me?"

Veer nodded. "We've traced some of their movements. This wasn't random, Arya. They were waiting for the right moment."

Arya swallowed. "Then we find them before they strike again."

Veer smirked slightly. "You're learning."

She rolled her eyes. "I had a good teacher."

He chuckled, but the seriousness in his gaze remained. "We will find them, Arya. I promise you that."

And she believed him.

Because Veer Carson was not a man who broke promises.