Author’s Note 🖤

Read this chapter carefully.

New characters step into the story here — and every single one of them will matter later.

Nothing is random.
No entry is accidental.

Welcome to the beginning of something dangerous.

Ishanvi Ved's POV

The gun pressed harder against my forehead.

Cold.
Unforgiving.
Familiar.

Ritika Kapoor stood in front of me like a judge ready to announce a death sentence. Her eyes weren't angry.

They were hurt.

And that was worse.

Now I realized something—

I had messed up.

Badly.

I should have told them before leaving. Should have warned them. Should have trusted them.

Instead, I disappeared.

Like always.

The house hadn't changed.

Not a single thing. Still abandoned from the outside. Still warm from the inside.

This was the main house — the one that connected all seven estates together. The heart of the our property.

India.

The land I avoided for two years because it carried too many ghosts.

Two years avoiding the soil that remembered everything.

I was so lost in my thoughts... I forgot to run.

Stupid.

I turned right.

Atul Vasishta blocked my path, arms folded, jaw tight.

I gave him my best innocent look or my best puppy eyes. Save me.

He turned his head away like I was a stranger.

Betrayal. Traitor.

Fine.

Left side then.

I moved— And there stood Krishiv Sharma.

Smirking.

Bloody idiot.

I narrowed my eyes.

After this is over, I swear I'll personally wipe that smirk off his face.

Maybe with bruises. I think his face will look better with bruises.

A small laugh escaped me as I imagined it.

I suddenly got irritated. 

let of of this finish, I will make sure to wipe the smirk in is face. I think is face will look more beautiful with the bruises.

A mere laugh escape from me, as I lost in the thoughts.

Wrong timing.

"Oh, Miss Ishanvi has the guts to smile at this moment?" Jivika Mehata's voice cut through the air as she walked in after parking the car.

Reality snapped back.

Holy shit.

I was trapped. I inhaled slowly.

Fine, I will deal with it. 

"Fine. From next time, I'll inform you before I disappear."

All of them raised their eyebrows.

Only inform?

"Exactly," came a voice from the sofa. "That's what she says after coming back with an injured body."

I tilted my head.

Maanvi Vasishta. Munching chips. Of course, like this was entertainment.

My eyes shifted.

Laksh stood behind her, arms crossed, small guilty smile on his face.

I glared at him.

Traitor.

"Stop glaring at him," Ritika snapped. "You can show that face to your company and the dark world. It works there. Not here."

My eyes widened by seeing Laksh there standing there with the hand folded and a small smile on his face.

I glared at him, as he lowered is eyes. Like he betrayed me.

"Stop glaring at him, you can show that face to your company and in dark world. It will work there but not here." Ritika voice is full of anger.

"At least look at us when we're talking," Atul said softly. "How long are you going to keep doing this, Ishi?"

The nickname hit me like a blade.

Ishi.

The name Papa used.

Sidd.

Kyra.

Amma.

The name of the girl I used to be. The name of the girl who still believed in fairy tales.

I turned my face away.

"Don't call me that." My voice trembled despite my effort.

"We'll stop," Maanvi said calmly, walking toward me, "when you stop pretending you're made of stone."

I laughed.

It wasn't humor.

It was bitterness.

"Stone doesn't break." I said, as my face turn cold.

Krish's voice dropped low.
"No. It cracks. Quietly. And one day... it collapses."

My fingers curled into my palm. I wasn't ready for this conversation.

"I'm fine."

Lie.

"You're not fine," Jivika said sharply. "You're surviving. There's a difference."

My throat tightened.

I forced myself to breathe.

Slowly.

Painfully.

I moved toward the stairs.

Ritika grabbed my wrist. "Where are you going?"

I looked at her.

My eyes were dry now.

Empty.

Dead.

"Queens don't show flaws Ritti," I said softly looking into her eyes. "Not even to their people."

"But you don't have to do this alone," Atul's voice broke slightly.

I leaned closer. "Yes. I do."

Maanvi's eyes darkened.

"Because you don't trust anyone."

I smiled.

Deadly.

"No. Because everyone I love disappears."

Silence.

That shut them up.

Good.

"You can all use the rooms. Just don't use the ground floor."

I didn't wait for a reply.

Then I went to my floor.

The floor no one enters without permission.

The wall of family photographs welcomed me.

Five of us.

Five.

A perfect family.

I brushed my fingers over the frames.

I used to be the happiest princess in the world.

Papa.

Amma.

Sidd.

Kyra.

And me.

Five.

Now?

Ghosts.

My vision blurred with the unshed tears when I reached Kyra's photo.

Kyra Ved.

As I remember my elder sister Kyra Ved. 

Everyone knows half the truth.

I know the whole one.

And I'm the only one still breathing because of it.

I sat in the balcony, has the cool breeze hits to my body. Has sleep consume me. 

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A whisper woke me. "Yes... she is the future Queen of Suryapura."

I opened my eyes slowly.

Sunlight touched my face.

For once, I had slept peacefully.

No dreams. No screams.

Meditation works. I should continue it.

The room was cleaned already. I freshened up.

Today would be busy. Meetings from morning to afternoon.

And then— Crown Tower.

The deal I had waited for. The opportunity I needed.

When I reached the living area, the house felt quieter.

Too quiet.

They were hurt.

And I knew it.

I was harsh last night. Brutal, even. But cruelty is easier than funerals.

I can't afford to put their lives in danger. Not again. They have already sacrificed more than anyone should for me. For my crown. For my war.

Their lives are not expendable.

They are priceless.

And I refuse to gamble them for my revenge.

Because I cannot let that happen again.

The memories still flash before my eyes like it was yesterday—

The blood.
The screams.
The silence that followed.

Lives were sacrificed for me.

Not once.
Not twice.
But thrice.

Maybe more.

And I don't have the courage to stand in front of another grave knowing it happened because of me.

Not again.

Never again.

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By the time I reached my office, the entire building was already running like a machine.

My company didn't work like a normal corporate place.

It was a kingdom.

And I was the ruler.

Assistants moved fast.

Workers lowered their heads when I passed.

Security stepped aside.

Not because I demanded it— But because they knew what happened to people who underestimated me.

Has soon I entered my cabin, I saw Ritika in her all glory, a tablet in her hand.

"You have a timing in Crown tower, today at 4pm right." she says as stares me. To get the clarification of what's is heard off.

Of course, she now's because is the person who handles the legal department of my company. 

I nodded my head. Confirming her that I am the one who made them to called the meeting.

"Their will be a special client in the meeting" she filled me with the new information.

"The  special client?" I said to myself then to her.

Ritika hesitated

"The client is not just a client."

My eyes narrowed.

"Explain."

Ritika swallowed.

"This project... it's tied to the underworld."

I stared at her.

My lips curled.

"Good."

Ritika looked frustrated.

"sanvi, this is not a joke. The people involved—"

I stepped closer.

And my voice became a warning.

"I have been waiting two years for the underworld to show its face."

Ritika's eyes softened for a second.

"I know it's for Sidd..."

My jaw tightened.

The name burned.

Ritika continued carefully.

"But if you walk into this... you may not walk out. As we planned"

I leaned in to the glass window.

My eyes were calm. Cold.

But my voice was not.

"I already didn't walk out."

Ritika went quiet.

Then she sighed.

"Fine. But promise me one thing."

I raised an eyebrow.

"What?"

Maanvi looked straight into my eyes.

"Don't let them see you bleed."

I smiled.

Cold.

"They won't even see me breathe." I stated.

Has I headed to the Board meeting.

The conference room was large.

Too large.

The kind of room built for men who thought they were gods.

The kind of room where deals were made that ruined lives.

Executives stood when I entered.

Some smiled.

Some looked nervous.

Some looked arrogant.

I walked in like I owned the air.

I didn't greet anyone.

I didn't need to.

I sat at the head of the table, crossing my legs slowly.

laksh placed the flies in front of me.

The one of the board of director cleared his throat.

"Ms. Ved—"

I lifted one finger.

He stopped instantly.

Silence.

I looked at him.

And spoke.

"You called for me."

My voice was smooth.

Controlled.

"Now speak."

The man in is early fifties swallowed.

"Yes. Of course. We're honored you agreed to take this company for under your control, finally returning to the company."

I leaned back in my chair.

My eyes were unreadable.

"Honored?. I think before all I only managed this company Mr. ..." I said softly.

The man laughed nervously.

"Yes, ma'am. Your reputation is... unmatched." I smiled slightly as I heard it.

"My reputation exists because I don't tolerate incompetence."

His face tightened.

"Of course." Another man spoke.

"This company is very big, can you handle it and the projects is extremely confidential."

I tilted my head.

"And?"

The man hesitated.

"It requires... discretion."

I smiled.

Discretion.

A pretty word.

A cowardly word.

I leaned forward.

My eyes sharpened.

"I don't do discretion."

The room stiffened.

I continued.

"I do loyalty. I do results. I do blood if needed."

The men stared.

Some uncomfortable.

Some impressed.

Some threatened.

"And anyone of you wants to leave the company, the door for them is always opened." by saying this I started to walk outside.

This shitty heads didn't aware that I has my own company and I am the Kali of the Phoenix's group.

And yet managed the Ved group, that Basterds think that they can control me and take the company for them. The company which my father poured is life. 

Has I left the company, I checked the time and released that I had only 1 hour to reach the crown tower.

Has I walked to my thar laksh saw me has I abandoned him.

I signed as I said " Laksh i thing there is no need you to come with me. I will be back by tomorrow morning remember we need to return to the palace tomorrow morning, you can prepare for that."

Because laksh comes with me to the meeting, I think I can't do what I wants. because he is really loyal to them than me.

As I start the my thar. I saw my reflection, from head to toe all black.

Black formals. Black shoes. Black gloves. And Black Mask.

A mask which don't reveal my true identity.

As I reached the destination.

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The Crown Tower was not just a building. It was a statement.

Glass, steel, power—everything the world worshipped.

The conference room was already filled with people when I entered.

Men in suits.
Women with forced smiles.
Executives who pretended they weren't afraid.

All in formals.

All masked.

Identities hidden.

Just like mine.

The moment I walked in, the room shifted.

Not because I was loud.

Because Kali of the Phoenix's group never had to be.

I didn't smile.

I didn't greet.

I simply walked to the head of the table and sat down like it belonged to me.

Because it would belong to me soon anyway.

A man cleared his throat nervously. "Ms. Kali, thank you for coming—"

"Start," I said.

He swallowed. "Yes, ma'am."

They began explaining the project.

Numbers. Contracts. Timelines.

I listened with half my mind.

The other half was alert.

Watching.

Waiting.

Because I could feel it.

Something was coming.

The door opened. Slowly.

And the entire room went silent and the air changed. Has it also got caught in the room.

Not a polite silence.

Not a respectful silence.

A terrified silence.

Even the air felt heavier.

Every head turned.

Even I turned my head slowly.

And for the first time in  years... Something inside me shifted.

Not fear.

Not panic.

Not weakness.

Something darker.

The man who walked in didn't rush.

He didn't apologize.

He didn't ask permission.

He walked like the world was built for him.

Tall.

Broad shoulders.

Black suit.

No rush.

No hesitation.

He moved like he owned the floor beneath his feet.

A black suit that looked like it was stitched to his skin.

And the that are falling on his forehead as he walked, the pair of black eyes which were covered with the black mask.

His presence was not loud.

It was heavy.

Like a gun pressed to the back of your neck.

The room stood instantly.

Every single person.

Except me.

I stayed seated.

I watched.

His eyes swept across the room with the calm of a predator.

Then his gaze landed on me.

And everything stopped. And stopped.

My breath caught.

Not because he was handsome.

Because he was dangerous.

Time didn't slow down.

Time died.

His gaze was sharp.

Cold.

Dangerous.

The kind of dangerous you don't survive if you make the wrong move.

A man who didn't look at women like they were pretty.

A man who looked at women like they were either threats... or possessions.

The man walked forward, his presence swallowing the room, and the executives stood immediately like soldiers in front of a king.

He didn't look at them. He looked only at me.

He walked closer.

And the closer he came, the more the room felt like it was suffocating.

He stopped at the head of the table.

Right in front of me.

I didn't look away.

I didn't blink.

I tilted my chin slightly, meeting him like an equal.

He stared at me for two long seconds.

A slow, sharp smile curved his lips.

Not warm.

Not kind.

A warning.

"So," he said, his voice deep and cold enough to cut through bone.
"This is the famous Ms. Kali form Phoenix's group"

My eyes narrowed. He knew my name.

Of course he did. I didn't blink. I didn't move.

I met his gaze like a queen meets an invading king.

"And you are?" I asked, my voice calm.

His lips curved a little more slightly, Not a smile. A warning. like he enjoyed the challenge.

"The man you're about to regret standing against."

The room held its breath.

My lips curved—slow, dangerous.

"Regret?" I repeated. "How dramatic."

He leaned closer.

Close enough that I could smell his cologne—dark, expensive, lethal.

Close enough that the entire room felt like it had disappeared.

His eyes didn't soften.

They sharpened.

"For the first time," he murmured, "I'm looking at a woman and thinking... she might actually be my equal."

I leaned back in my chair, unshaken.

"And for the first time," I replied, my voice smooth like poison, "I'm looking at a king and thinking... he bleeds the same as everyone else."

Silence.

Then—

His laugh.

Low.
Slow.
Deadly.

"I'm the one funding this mission." As he said to see my reaction.

I leaned forward slightly.

"And?"

His eyes darkened.

"And you will take it."

My lips curved.

Slow.

Dangerous.

"No."

The room froze.

The investors looked like they stopped breathing.

The man in front of me didn't move.

Didn't blink.

Didn't react.

He simply leaned down, placing both hands on the table.

His face came closer.

Too close.

His scent hit me.

Leather.

Smoke.

And something darker.

Then he whispered—

"You don't say no to kings."

My smile didn't falter. I leaned closer too.

I whispered back—

"And kings don't command queens."

His eyes flashed.

A storm.

A promise.

The air between us sparked like a loaded gun.

Slowly.

And finally... he smiled.

This time it was real.

But it was not warmth.

It was possession.

Then he straightened.

He leaned down, just slightly, his voice meant only for me.

"Careful, Queen," he whispered. "You just declared war."

I smiled without happiness.

"Good," I whispered back. "I was getting bored."

His eyes flashed something .

"This meeting is over."

Everyone looked confused hesitated.

He didn't look at them.

Only me.

And his voice dropped low again.

"You and I... will speak privately."

I leaned back in my chair.

Crossed my legs again.

And smiled like a woman who had no fear.

"Try."

The man stared at me for one long second.

"Ms. Kali". His eyes sharpened.
His eyes locked on mine.
"I don't try."

He leaned in slightly.

And whispered—

"I take."

And I knew, in that single moment—

This wasn't a business deal. This wasn't a meeting. Nor about the mission.

This was the beginning of a storm that would destroy empires, the beginning of something far worse.

This was collision. Two empires. Two devils. Two rulers.

And he wasn't here to negotiate.

And neither of us planned to lose.

For a second— Logic whispered.

Don't start a war.

It took me years to rebuild.

Years to become what I am .

I cannot afford chaos.

But then— I looked into his eyes again.

And I saw it.

Power.

Influence.

Access.

Underworld doors wide opening.

Sidd. Kyra.

This mission isn't risk.

It's opportunity.

Slowly—

Very slowly—

I smirked.

And for the first time...

He realized.

I wasn't trapped.

I walked into battle willingly.

And I never lose wars I choose.

So… the King has finally entered.

What did you think about his first meeting with the Queen? 👀
Did you feel the tension… or was it just me?

Who do you think will fall first — the King or the Queen?

Or are we heading straight into destruction?

And tell me —Do you think this will turn into love… or a full-blown war? So, Was that chemistry… or was it the beginning of a war?
Drop your theories below. I’m reading everything.

Because trust me…

This is only the beginning. 🔥

The real game hasn’t even started yet.