"What condition?"

“Run, Sheharzaad. Run away and hide,” his voice, deep and authoritative, echoed in her ears,

the memory of his chilling words making her heart pound even faster.

“By the end of this day, if I can’t catch you, I’ll free you by all means.”

She blinked, staring at him, unable to fully process what he was saying.

“But,” he continued, his tone dropping, each word deliberate and sharp, “if I catch you…” His

dark eyes bore into hers, the weight of his promise ...