Chapter 2: Too Close to Danger
Aarya didn't realize when she stopped breathing.
He was too close.
Close enough for her to feel the warmth of his hand still lingering against her skin… close enough for his presence to swallow every rational thought she had.
"Why are you here?" she asked again, her voice barely above a whisper.
This time, he smiled.
Not a kind smile.
Something darker.
"Maybe," he said slowly, "I've been waiting for you."
Her heart skipped.
"That's not funny."
"I'm not joking."
His eyes held hers, intense and unreadable, like he could see right through her.
Aarya stepped back, finally forcing her body to move.
"I don't even know you."
"You will."
The confidence in his voice sent a shiver through her.
She turned quickly, trying to leave, trying to escape whatever this was—
But his hand caught her wrist.
Firm.
Unyielding.
Her breath hitched.
"Let go," she said, her voice trembling despite her effort to sound strong.
Instead of obeying, his grip tightened just slightly… enough to remind her he could stop her if he wanted to.
"Running away already?" he murmured.
Something inside her snapped.
"I said let go."
For a moment, neither of them moved.
Then slowly… he released her.
But the look in his eyes didn't change.
It followed her.
Stayed with her.
Like a promise.
Aarya didn't wait another second.
She walked fast—almost running—her heart pounding wildly as she disappeared into the night.
But even as distance grew between them…
She could still feel it.
That presence.
That gaze.
That man.
And deep down, a terrifying thought echoed in her mind—
This wasn't over.
Not even close.