My heart raced, and I froze, unsure of what to do. This confrontation had taken me completely by surprise.

"We are here to claim her!" one of the guards barked.

Hina stayed close behind me on the balcony, fear etched across her face as she stared at Maya.

"We won’t repeat ourselves. If you don’t hand her over, we have the authority to take her by force. Anyone who interferes will answer for their actions," another guard warned, his tone sharp and unyielding.

I led Hina into the hall, ...