Chapter 3

Chapter 2: Shadows from thePast

The team gathered later that evening at the old warehousenear Carter Road — the same place where they’d once rehearsed before everymajor competition. Dust had settled over memories, but now it stirred withtension.

Kriya spread out the map on a table, pointing at the GPScoordinates. “The location leads to an abandoned resort in Lonavala. Closed forfive years after a fire.”

“A fire?” Sharon arched an eyebrow.

Kriya nodded. “And here’s the kicker — the resort wasowned by Rajdeep Khurana.”

Rey stiffened. The name sent a jolt through all of them.Khurana had once tried to sabotage St. Louis’ team, manipulating judges andframing Rey during their final intercollegiate showdown. He vanished after thatscandal.

Swayam frowned. “You think this is revenge?”

“I think this is a game,” Kriya replied. “And we’re thepieces.”

A knock at the warehouse door made everyone jump.

Rey opened it cautiously. A courier stood there with asecond envelope — marked in blood red ink. It read:
“The dance begins in 48 hours. Come alone or lose your rhythm... forever.”

“What the hell does that mean?” Sharon asked, voice low.

Kriya’s jaw tightened. “It means we’re not just fightingto win. We’re dancing to survive.”

Outside, the rain had stopped — but thunder still echoedin the distance, like the prelude to something dark. Rey’s hand brushedKriya’s. She looked at him, emotion flickering in her eyes.

“We’ll figure this out,” he said. “Together.”

But something inside both of them knew — not all of themmight make it back.