The desert sun was beginning its final descent, painting the sky in shades of molten gold and deep violet. The ancient sandstone walls of the Ranawat Palace caught the dying light, glowing like embers from within. Shadows stretched long across the marble courtyards, and the air carried the scent of wet earth, a rare monsoon shower was approaching.

Kyra returned from college, her bag slung over her shoulder, Priya walking beside her. The two girls laughed softly, their voices echoing faintly in the courtyard. Just as they stepped inside, Priya's phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, her eyes lighting up. A soft smile played on her lips the way it always did when her boyfriend, Ansh's name lit up the screen.