The Red of the Writing

Three women, who have never met. Three secrets, never meant to be known.
Three lives, tangled together in horrific ways, as fate plays with the strings.

* * * * *

Rani Altario has a secret.
A threat to her life and her country leaves her with little choice but to flee, hiding herself behind a new identity for protection. But make no mistake; Rani isn't running. She's waiting, struggling to keep her flame lit. And it is all too simple for even a small fire to turn into an inferno.

Maliha Sarrow has a secret.
By day, she's the breathtaking young maiden, whose hand is wanted by what feels like every man in her hometown (never mind that she doesn't want any of them). The ultimate prize to be won.
But by night, she's someone - something - different, darker. Something Maliha never wanted to be.
But for the people she loves, there's no limit to what she'd become.

Rija Nazari has a secret.
Injured and betrayed, she leaves behind everything she's ever known for a nation that won't welcome her. It's a risk - scratch that, it's a suicide mission - but Rija is alone, afraid, and out of options.
But will leaving truly save her?

* * * * *

Originally written for the Open Novella Contest 2023!
Prompt #15 (MAIN): Three women. Three secrets. Three tangled lives.
Prompt #49 (SECONDARY): "Master the rules of the game until you can play it better than they can." Michael Scott, "The Sorceress."