The black velvet drapes in the library fluttered violently as the wind outside gathered strength once again. Outside, night had fallen like a thick layer of soot over the Russo Estate, engulfing the cliffs in absolute darkness. Rain lashed against the high arched windows, but inside, the heavy quiet was far more dangerous than the storm.

Aaryan and his vanguard had departed two hours ago. The roar of the SUV engines had faded down the winding private road, leaving the mansion under a tense, skeleton-guard lockdown.