shadows of desire

1. INTO THE SHADOWS

Here is the first chapter of the book.

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AUTHOR'S POV

The rain fell relentlessly, drenching the city in a cold, unending downpour. The neon lights of the bustling street reflected on the wet pavement, casting an strange glow over the crime scene. Mira Sharma stood at the edge of the barricade, her long black trench coat clinging to her form as she wiped the rain from her face. Her dark, wavy hair was tied into a low bun, though a few strands had escaped, framing her sharp, determined face. She was no stranger to crime scenes, but this one carried an air of danger that even she couldn't ignore.

Her almond-shaped eyes, a rich shade of deep brown, studied the scene with unwavering intensity, capturing every detail, leaving no room for distraction. The strap of her leather messenger bag rested comfortably on her shoulder, where her trusty notebook and voice recorder lay ready, prepared for the next big story. As she took a few determined steps forward, her heels clicked softly against the wet pavement, each step a testament to her confidence, even as the chill in the air tugged at her coat.

The scene was chaotic—flashing lights from police cars, murmuring reporters, and a crowd of curious onlookers. Yet, Mira's attention was searching on one figure: Ayaan Shekhawat.

A high-profile murder had rocked the heart of the city, sending shockwaves through the community. As the news spread, whispers of the Shekhawat name started circulating among the crowd of reporters and onlookers gathered beyond the yellow tape. Mira's instincts told her this story was far bigger than it seemed. She had already done her research, and her investigation had led her to one conclusion—Ayaan Shekhawat, the well-known mafia boss, was somehow involved.

Her almond-shaped eyes, deep brown and sharp, carefully observed the crime scene as she pieced together the details. She adjusted the strap of her leather messenger bag, where her notebook and voice recorder were ready for the next big story. Despite the cold air, Mira walked with confidence, her heels clicking softly on the wet pavement as she stepped closer.

This wasn't just another report for her—it was the one that could expose everything. The article she planned to write would reveal Ayaan as the one behind the murder, and she knew how dangerous it could be. But Mira had never been one to back down, and she was determined to uncover the truth.

Then it happened—a sudden shift in the atmosphere, as if the air itself tensed.

The sleek black car arrived silently, its presence commanding immediate attention. Mira's pen paused mid-sentence as she watched the vehicle come to a halt. The door opened, and a man stepped out, his polished leather shoes splashing softly on the wet pavement.

Ayaan Shekhawat.

He was dressed impeccably in a tailored charcoal gray suit, his black overcoat draped over broad shoulders. His jet-black hair was slicked back, rain beading off his expensive attire as if even the storm respected him. His sharp jawline and piercing brown eyes carried an air of authority that silenced the crowd instantly.

Mira's heart skipped a beat, though not from intimidation. This was the man the rumors revolved around—the shadow behind the city's most dangerous stories. And now, he was here.

As Ayaan approached the scene, officers moved aside without hesitation. His gaze swept over the scene, taking in every detail with a calm, calculating expression. Mira clenched her notebook tighter. She wasn't one to back down, not even from someone like him.

"Do you think Ayaan Shekhawat had something to do with this?" a voice interrupted her thoughts. It was Arjun, a fellow reporter. He had been chasing the same leads, and the two of them had formed an unofficial alliance in uncovering the dark secrets of the city's criminal underworld.