Whispers of Eternity

Chapter 3: Shadows of the Past

The air in the palace chamber felt thick, suffocating, as Amara paced back and forth. Vikram’s cold detachment weighed heavily on her mind. His silence, his commanding presence—it all left her unnerved. Why did he look at her as if she didn’t belong? And yet, why did she feel such an inexplicable connection to him?

She glanced out the window. The world outside seemed surreal, almost like a painting come to life. The palace was grand, much more intricate and alive than the ruins she’d studied in her world. But no matter how beautiful it was, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she didn’t belong here.

Suddenly, the door creaked open. Amara jumped, her heart pounding in her chest. She turned to see a young woman enter, her eyes lowered respectfully.

“His Highness has ordered that you be given clothes suitable for the palace,” the girl said, her voice soft and submissive. “Please, allow me to help you.”

Amara nodded, too overwhelmed to argue. The girl handed her a rich, silk saree embroidered with gold thread. As she changed into the traditional clothing, she felt a strange sense of transformation, like she was becoming part of this ancient world. But beneath that sensation, there was still the lingering fear of the unknown—of being trapped in a time that wasn’t hers.

Once dressed, Amara wandered the chamber restlessly, waiting for Vikram’s return. She needed answers—about the artifact, about the curse, and about why he seemed so distant yet curious.

Hours passed before the door opened again. Vikram stepped in, his expression unreadable as ever. He barely acknowledged her presence as he moved across the room, his movements controlled and precise.

“We will speak now,” he said finally, his voice firm. “I have questions.”

Amara swallowed her nerves, sitting down as he gestured. His eyes bore into hers, and for a moment, she felt like she was being scrutinized like one of her archaeological finds.

“You claim to come from the future,” Vikram began, his tone skeptical, “yet you speak of things only someone from this time would know. The temple you mentioned, the statue—how do you know of these?”

“I don’t fully understand it myself,” Amara admitted, trying to keep her voice steady. “I’ve studied the history of this kingdom for years. I was drawn to that temple, but when I touched the artifact, everything changed. It was like… like something brought me here.”

Vikram’s gaze remained locked on her, his jaw tight. “You expect me to believe that the gods themselves pulled you across time for a reason?”

“I don’t know,” she said, her frustration bubbling up. “But I know I’ve seen you before. Not just in the statue, but in dreams. For as long as I can remember, I’ve dreamt of this place, of you.”

His expression flickered for the briefest moment, but his cold demeanor quickly returned. “Dreams are nothing but illusions,” he said dismissively. “Do not think they hold meaning here.”

Amara frowned, frustrated by his refusal to believe her. “Why are you acting like this? Why don’t you at least try to understand? There has to be a reason why I’m here.”

Vikram stepped closer, his towering presence overwhelming. His face was close to hers, his dark eyes narrowing as he stared into her soul. “Understand this,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. “You are an outsider. In my world, trust is not given easily, and you will not find it here without proving yourself.”

Amara’s breath caught in her throat. His words stung, but beneath them, she sensed something else—a man burdened by duty, haunted by shadows she couldn’t yet see.

“What do you want from me?” she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Vikram turned away, as if her question had hit too close to something he didn’t want to reveal. “That is not for you to decide,” he said coldly, moving toward the window and gazing out into the distance. “For now, you will remain here. I will seek answers. Until then, do not venture beyond the palace walls.”

Amara stood in silence, watching him as he retreated into his own thoughts. He was a puzzle—a cold, dominant figure who seemed determined to keep her at arm’s length. But even so, she couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to him than he let on. Something about the way he looked at her, even in his guarded moments, spoke of curiosity, perhaps even something deeper.

As he left the room, the weight of uncertainty settled over her once again. She was trapped in a world she didn’t understand, bound by rules she couldn’t see, and yet… part of her didn’t want to leave. Not yet. Not without understanding the man behind the mask of cold authority.