The open landscape was swallowed by mountains and trees, where a solitary house stood under a night sky dominated by a moon that had turned a haunting, crimson red.
High within a desolate, forgotten wing of the Rathore Palace, the tiled floors were slick with blood. In a secluded room, a shirtless man sat upon the bed. His muscular frame-the heavy build of his chest and biceps-was completely splattered with gore, his face masked in red.
The room was a scene of total carnage, blood soaked one side of the bed and pooled around the sofas, where discarded guns and weapons lay scattered across the floor.
In front of him lay a fallen man, his body brutally mangled and torn apart as if by a predator. The corpse bore the jagged marks of teeth, with the flesh shredded and the lifeblood spreading across the room in a dark, widening stain.
The silence in the room was broken only by the wet, rhythmic sound of breathing. Slowly, Adline Singh Rathore pried one eye open. It wasn't the eye of a man; it was a scorched orb of such intense, pulsating crimson that it looked as though blood was weeping from the socket.
He stared at the broken remains of the man before him. The hunger-a primal, bottomless void-had not yet been silenced. With a slow, predatory crawl, he leaned over the body. His movements were fluid yet heavy with power. He reached for a piece of the man's flesh, his jaw tightening as he consumed the last of the life left in the room. He drank until the thirst that burned in his throat was momentarily quenched, his face a mask of iron-scented gore.
Then, with a sudden, chilling efficiency, he stood. He hauled the weight of the lifeless body onto his broad shoulders as if it were nothing. He didn't use the doors; he stepped out onto the balcony, the red moonlight catching the sharp lines of his muscular back.
With a powerful leap, he vanished into the night, plunging toward the hunting forest. Deep within the tangled, shadowed woods, he buried the evidence of his fury in the cold earth. His task completed, he scaled a massive, ancient tree with the ease of a phantom. High above the forest floor, hidden by the dark canopy, he finally let his eyes close, drifting into a restless sleep while the red moon watched over him.
The morning sun filtered through the grand windows of the palace, casting a golden glow over the breakfast table. The Rathore family sat in their usual places, the clink of silverware against porcelain the only sound-until the maids appeared.
They descended from the upper floors, carrying heavy bags of waste. As they passed the dining hall, the sharp, metallic scent of blood lingered in the air. The family paused, their eyes following the maids. They didn't need to ask; the blood-soaked remnants from Adline's room told the story. Adline Singh Rathore had returned last night.
He was a ghost in his own home, preferring the shadows of the hunting forest to the silk sheets of the palace. While the world knew him as a powerful heir, only those within these walls knew his dark identity. It was a family secret buried in silence-because for anyone else, knowing the truth meant certain death.
Maharaja Rana Virendra Singh Rathore [Adline Grandfather] the matriarch, set her cup down with a sharp click. Her eyes scanned the room with royal authority.
Mera pota kal raat wapas aaya tha, he said, his voice echoing through the room with such commanding authority that no one dared to speak.
Mujhe is baat ki khabar kyun nahi di gayi? Itne saare log is mahal mein maujood hain, phir bhi uske aane ki baat mujhse kaise chhupi reh gayi?
[My grandson returned last night,]
[Why was I not informed? With so many people in this palace, how did his arrival remain a secret from me?]
Maharani Rajeshwari Singh Rathore [Adline Grandmother] bole, Aap pareshan mat hoiye. Unke kab aane ki khabar kisi ko pata hota to hum ko malum hota.
[Don't worry. If anyone had known about his arrival, we would have known about it too.]
Nearby, Ishan and Simran leaned toward each other, their voices barely a breath.
Did you see the state of the room? Inaya whispered, her eyes wide. Bhai's face... it's getting harder to look at. He's becoming weaker, or maybe just more monstrous. He's probably off 'chilling' somewhere in the woods," Ishan muttered back, though his gripped fork betrayed his nerves.
Across the table, Vidha let out a dry, hollow laugh. It was a sound devoid of joy-a sharp, knowing smirk that suggested she knew exactly what kind of 'chill' Adline was seeking.
The air in the dining hall turned ice-cold the moment Vikrant Singh Rathore [Adline father] looked up. His eyes, sharp as a predator's, locked onto the three.
What is so amusing? he demanded, his voice a low, dangerous rumble that vibrated through the fine china. This is not a joke. There is no room for laughter in this house today. Get out-all of you. Get to your work.
The command was absolute. Without a second glance, Ishan, Mysha, and Simran pushed back their chairs, the sound of wood scraping against the marble floor echoing in the sudden silence as they bolted from the room.
The Car Ride: Whispers of the Unseen
Once inside the car, the suffocating pressure of the palace began to lift, replaced by a nervous energy. Simran slumped against the seat, her chest heaving. Every time Bhai is home, it's like we aren't even allowed to breathe, she muttered.
"Tell me about it," Mysha replied, her hands gripping the steering wheel tight, her eyes fixed on the road ahead.
Ishan leaned forward from the backseat, his expression shadowed with a dark curiosity. But... why? Why did Bhai become like this? What truly happened to him?
Mysha's reflection in the mirror showed a flash of irritation mixed with fear. How should I know? If you're so desperate for death, why don't you go ask Dadu-ji yourself?
Simran let out a sharp, jagged laugh. And get us all executed? Why would you even let that question enter your mind, Ishan? Some secrets are meant to stay buried.
"Enough," Mysha snapped, pulling the car to a sudden halt. We're at your college. Get out.
Simran groaned, looking out at the sprawling campus. Why do you bring me here so early, Di?
So you actually learn something for once. Now, move!
Boring, Simran whispered, stepping out of the car. She didn't head for the classrooms; instead, she disappeared into the college canteen, sitting alone at a corner table. She scanned the room, waiting for a friend to arrive-anyone to distract her from the reality of her family name.
The Dark TruthEven those three didn't know the truth, and the rest of the world was equally unaware of it. In the Rathore Empire, only the elders, the elite bodyguards, and Adline's closest circle knew the truth of the monster he had become. They weren't just servants; they were wardens.
They were there to contain him, to manage the darkness. Because everyone in that bloodline knew one terrifying fact: if Adline Singh Rathore ever truly lost control, even the palace walls wouldn't be enough to shield his own family from his hunger.
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The morning sun streamed through the sheer silk curtains of the grand bedroom, painting the floor in shades of gold. It was 8:00 AM-a beautiful, calm morning for anyone else, but for Aashi Raichand, it was just another hour of deep, peaceful slumber. She lay tangled in her plush white duvet, looking like a picture of innocence, completely untroubled by the world.
Beside the bed, her phone was vibrating relentlessly, the screen lighting up with missed call after missed call.
Ziya stepped out of the bathroom, fresh and ready for the day. Seeing her friend Aashi still buried under the covers, she sighed. Aashi! Wake up! We're going to be late for college, and your mom has been calling non-stop!
Mmm... I'm up, I'm up, she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep. She sat up with agonizing slowness, rubbing her eyes and stretching her arms like a lazy kitten. She reached for her phone, and the moment she saw the screen, her eyes snapped wide. What?! Fifty missed calls? I'm dead. I'm officially dead today!
Ziya stood in front of the mirror, drying her hair. She caught Aashi's reflection and shook her head. I've been trying to wake you since the sun came up. You didn't even move.
When did you try to wake me? Aashi asked, pouting.
Ziya laughed. Wow. You sleep so deeply that if someone kidnapped you in the middle of the night, you probably wouldn't even realize it until you woke up in a different country!
Please, Aashi joked, tossing a pillow. The kidnapper would see how much I sleep and run away in frustration.
Suddenly, the phone began to blare again. Aashi's heart skipped a beat. "Ya Allah, save me from My mamma today," she whispered, taking a deep breath before answering.
The moment she pressed the button, Vasundhara Raichand [Aashi Mother]. Her voice exploded through the speaker. Aashi had to pull the phone inches away from her ear to survive the volume.
Aashi...! Agar phone uthana hi nahi hai, toh use aag mein phenk do! her mother shouted from the other end.
Tumhe zara bhi andaza hai kitna time ho gaya hai? Tum mein bilkul responsibility ka sense nahi hai! Apni dost Ziya ko dekho-woh hamesha time par ready rehti hai, aur ek tum ho, abhi tak sapno ki duniya mein khoi hui ho. Ab tum badi ho chuki ho, toh ussi hisaab se behave karna shuru karo!
[If you aren't going to pick up your phone, go throw it in a fire!]
[Do you have any idea what time it is? You have zero sense of responsibility! Look at your friend Ziya-she's always ready on time, and here you are, still dreaming. You are a grown girl now, start acting like it!]
Ziya stood by the mirror, playfully flipping her perfectly styled hair. She looked at the clock and then back at Aashi, who was still frozen in shock from her mother's voice. Aashi, give it here. You're just making it worse, Ziya whispered with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Aashi handed the phone over, but instead of rushing to the bathroom, she hopped onto the bed and started doing a victory dance, thinking she was safe now that Ziya was handling the call.
Aunty, honestly! Ziya spoke into the phone, her voice dripping with fake concern. Main ise kab se uthane ki koshish kar rahi hoon. Main toh college ke liye poori tarah ready bhi ho gayi hoon, aur madam abhi tak nahane bhi nahi gayi hain. Agar yeh aise hi aalsi rahi, toh exams kaise pass karegi?
[I've been trying to wake her up for ages. I'm already fully dressed and ready for college, and she hasn't even stepped into the shower yet. If she stays this lazy, how will she ever pass her exams?]
Aashi's jaw dropped. She stopped her dance mid-motion, grabbed a plush pillow, and hurled it straight at Ziya's face. Are you my best friend or my worst enemy? she mouthed silently, her face a mix of betrayal and laughter.
On the other end, Vasundhara Ji sighed deeply. Ziya, beta, give the phone back to that girl.
Ziya dodged another pillow and handed the phone back to Aashi. She took it while glaring at Ziya, her eyes narrowing in a silent warning: Just you wait, I'm going to get you for this.
Aashi...! her mother's voice came through, stern and final. Agar padhai hi nahi karni, toh ghar wapas aa jao. Main college par paise barbaad karna band kar dungi aur tumhare liye ek accha rishta dekh kar shaadi karwa dungi.
[If you don't want to study, just come back home. I'll stop wasting money on college and find a good match for you to marry instead.]
The word 'marriage' acted like an electric shock. Aashi's playful mood vanished into pure panic. No! No, Mumma! I'm going! Look, I'm practically at the door already. College is very important! Okay, bye, love you, byeeee!
She hung up before her mother could say another word. She turned to Ziya, grabbing the pillow again. Marriage? You almost got me married off before breakfast! You are so dead!
Your mom is actually right about the marriage thing, Ziya said, rolling her eyes. You're so lazy that at this rate, will your future husband come and attend college for you too?
Aashi, who was lying comfortably on her bed with a pillow tucked under her head, grinned mischievously.
If my husband comes, she said dramatically, then he'll definitely go to college in my place while I stay here, watch TV, eat chips, and enjoy life.
Ziya stared at her for a moment before bursting into laughter.
He'd probably study for you once, she said. But the moment you ask him to do it again, he'll run out of the room and never come back.
Aashi gasped in mock offense and threw a pillow at her best friend.
How dare you! My future husband will love me so much that he'll do anything for me.
Keep dreaming, Ziya replied, dodging the pillow with a laugh.
The room soon filled with their playful arguments and laughter, neither of them realizing how much their lives were about to change.
The room erupted into a flurry of feathers and laughter as the two friends chased each other, their pillows clashing in a mock battle. The tension of the morning dissolved into giggles. Finally, breathless and smiling, they rushed to finish getting ready.
Aashi stepped out of her room wearing a powder-blue oversized shirt tucked into high-waisted white wide-leg jeans, paired with clean white sneakers. A delicate silver pendant rested around her neck, while a sleek smartwatch adorned her wrist.
Her long, silky hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, and she carried a designer tote bag with effortless elegance. Minimal makeup, glossy lips, and a hint of confidence completed the look, making the billionaire heiress appear both sophisticated and effortlessly chic.
They leaving the golden safety of the Hostel behind as they headed out for another day at college.
Ziya was Aashi's childhood best friend. No matter how many people were in their friend circle, neither of them could ever replace the other's place in their hearts.
The air at college was light and buzzing with energy. As Aashi stepped out of the car in her elegant cream and latte outfit, she looked every bit the Raichand heiress, yet her smile was all warmth as she joined her circle.
The Reunion at the Canteen.
Aashi and Ziya walked into the classroom where their close-knit group-Yash, Kishti, and Frisha-was already waiting.
Ooo! Aashi! You actually made it! Frisha teased, waving her over.
Aashi rolled her eyes playfully, her "Old Money" waves bouncing as she laughed. Yes, finally. I knew if I didn't show up, you all would come to my house just to eat my brain anyway.
Yash smirked, leaning back in his chair. Let me guess... did your mom call? There's no way you'd be here this early without a lecture from the Queen Mother herself.
Aashi felt her cheeks flush a soft pink, looking down shyly. Maybe a little.
Ziya couldn't help herself. She chimed in with a wicked grin. A little? I trapped her right in front of Aunty! I told her I've been ready for hours while Aashi was still dreaming. It was the highlight of my morning!
Aashi's expression shifted instantly. She gave Ziya a mock-glare, her eyes narrowing. Of course you enjoyed it! Why wouldn't you? As long as I'm the scapegoat, you're having the time of your life, aren't you?
The Masked Encounter
The laughter was cut short when Aashi suddenly felt a heavy, firm hand slide onto her waist from behind. Her breath hitched. A wave of pure panic washed over her-her billionaire upbringing had taught her to always be wary of strangers.
She spun around, her heart hammering against her ribs, and found herself face-to-face with someone wearing a disturbing Joker mask. Terrified and acting on pure instinct, Aashi's hand flew out. SLAP!
The sound echoed through the hallway. The force of the blow sent the mask flying to the floor. Aashi stood there, trembling, her hand still stinging-only to realize the man standing before her wasn't a kidnapper or a monster.
It was Vihaan, her childhood best friend, rubbing his red cheek with a shocked expression.
Vihaan rubbed his cheek, wincing as the heat from the slap began to settle.
Haan... did you really have to hit me that hard? he complained, though his usual mischievous grin was trying to peek through the pain.
She didn't back down, raising her hand again playfully. Kya? Aur ek lagau? Gaal pe laal nishaan pad gaya kya? Mujhe pata tha tum yahan nahi the, ab samajh gayi. Batao, kaunsa bandar wala kaam karke aaye ho?
[What? Want another slap? Did your cheek turn red already? I knew you weren't here-now I understand. Tell me, what monkey business were you off doing this time?]
Surprise de raha tha! Vihaan protested, looking over at their friends for backup.
[I was giving you a surprise.]
Hogaya surprise! the group chimed in, laughing as the tension finally broke.
[Is it done?]
The bell rang, signaling the start of the day. The group split up for their respective lectures. Aashi spotted Simran in the hallway-Simran, two years older and always more composed, gave a knowing nod as she headed toward her senior-level classes.
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📖 Dear Readers,
The first chapter is finally complete! I poured a lot of effort into writing it, and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed creating it.
If you like the story, please consider voting and sharing your thoughts in the comments. Your support and feedback truly inspire me to continue.
Enjoy the first chapter, and stay tuned for what's coming next! ❤️
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