Chapter 4: Whispers in the Shadows

The days following Rani Aranya's death were heavy, and a sense of foreboding began to settle over the palace of Suryavihar. It started with minor incidents-lights flickering at odd hours, cold drafts that chilled the air even in the warmth of summer, and whispers that echoed through the hallways. As the strange occurrences escalated, the once-vibrant palace became cloaked in a shroud of unease.

Raja Vikram sat in the council chamber, surrounded by his advisors. Rajguru was speaking, his voice low and serious. "Your Majesty, we must address the concerns of the people. There are rumors swirling around the palace."

"What kind of rumors?" Vikram asked, his brow furrowed in confusion. The weight of Aranya's loss still pressed heavily on his heart, and he was weary of distractions.

"Many claim that the palace is haunted," Rajguru replied, glancing at the assembled advisors. "They say they have heard whispers at night and felt a cold presence in the corridors."

Vikram scoffed, disbelief flickering across his face. "Haunted? Do you truly believe that? This is absurd."

"But the reports are increasing," Rajguru pressed, his tone urgent. "Even the guards have mentioned strange occurrences. Flickering lights, doors opening and closing on their own-"

"Ghost stories to frighten children!" Vikram interrupted, frustration evident in his voice. "We have more pressing matters to attend to than foolish tales."

Just then, a young guard burst into the room, his face pale and eyes wide with fear. "Your Majesty, I beg your pardon, but you must come quickly! There's been another incident in the east wing!"

Vikram stood, his annoyance turning to concern. "What happened?"

"The lights in the hallway flickered violently, and we heard voices whispering. The guards are frightened; they refuse to patrol there anymore," the guard said, trembling slightly.

"Voices?" Vikram repeated, glancing at Rajguru, whose expression had turned serious. "Show me."

The guard led the way through the dimly lit corridors of the palace, where shadows danced along the walls. Vikram felt a chill in the air that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. "This is ridiculous," he muttered under his breath, though a sliver of doubt crept into his mind.

As they approached the east wing, the air grew heavier, and Vikram could feel the tension in the guards' postures. The flickering torches cast unsettling shadows that seemed to writhe in the corners of his vision. When they reached the entrance, Vikram took a deep breath and pushed the door open.

Inside, the hallway was dark and still, the flickering light creating a ghostly atmosphere. "Is anyone there?" Vikram called out, his voice echoing against the stone walls.

"Your Majesty, look!" the guard said, pointing toward the far end of the hallway. There, a sudden gust of wind blew through, extinguishing the flames of the torches. Vikram felt a shiver run down his spine as he squinted into the darkness.

"Stay alert!" Vikram commanded, but his heart raced with uncertainty. The air grew colder, and the whispers began again, barely audible yet unmistakably present.

"What do they say?" Rajguru asked, moving closer to Vikram, his brow furrowing in concentration.

"It's hard to tell," Vikram replied, straining to listen. "It sounds like... like someone is calling for help."

The guards exchanged nervous glances, fear etched on their faces. "We should retreat, Your Majesty," one of them urged, stepping back. "This place is cursed."

"No!" Vikram declared, his resolve hardening. "We will not let fear drive us away from our home. Aranya's spirit may still linger here. We must confront this."

As if in response to Vikram's determination, the air grew colder still, and the whispers intensified, swirling around them like a tempest. "Vikram," a soft voice drifted through the air, barely above a whisper.

"Did you hear that?" Vikram turned sharply, looking for the source. "Aranya?"

"Your Majesty, we should go!" a guard pleaded, panic rising in his voice.

"Listen!" Vikram insisted, his heart pounding. "She is trying to tell us something!"

Suddenly, the door at the end of the hallway slammed shut with a deafening bang. The guards jumped back, fear evident in their eyes, while Vikram stood frozen, his breath caught in his throat.

"Who's there?" Vikram called, his voice steadying as he took a step forward. "Show yourself!"

The temperature dropped further, and for a moment, the whispers coalesced into a single word: "Help."

Vikram felt a surge of determination. "What do you need from us?" he demanded. "Tell me how I can help you!"

The whispering ceased abruptly, replaced by a deep silence that felt oppressive. Then, as if the very air was responding to Vikram's plea, the flickering lights steadied, revealing a faint glow at the far end of the hallway.

"Your Majesty, we should not stay," Rajguru urged, though his eyes were glued to the light. "This is dangerous."

"I won't leave until I understand," Vikram replied, stepping cautiously toward the light. As he approached, he saw a shimmering figure taking form-a woman in a flowing gown, her face obscured by shadows.

"Aranya?" Vikram breathed, hope and fear intertwining in his chest.

"Vikram..." the figure whispered, her voice filled with sorrow. "You must listen."

The guards gasped, eyes wide with disbelief, but Vikram felt a pull toward the apparition. "What is it? What do you want from me?"

"I am here to protect what remains..." Aranya's voice trailed off, her form flickering like a candle in the wind. "You must remember..."

"Remember what?" Vikram urged, stepping closer despite the icy chill that surrounded him. "Tell me how I can help you!"

Before she could respond, the lights flickered violently once more, and the figure began to fade. "Beware the darkness... it comes to claim what is lost," she whispered before vanishing entirely, leaving Vikram standing in a cold, empty hallway.

"What just happened?" Rajguru asked, his voice trembling. "Was that truly her?"

Vikram stood silent, his heart racing. "I... I think so. She wants us to remember something important. But what?"

"Your Majesty, we cannot stay here any longer," one of the guards urged, looking around nervously. "This place is cursed!"

"Cursed or not, I will not be driven from my home by fear," Vikram declared, resolve hardening within him. "If Aranya's spirit lingers here, then we will uncover the truth together."

As Vikram turned back toward the palace, the whispers returned, low and haunting, trailing behind him like a specter. He knew the journey ahead would be fraught with uncertainty, but one thing was clear-he would uncover the mystery that haunted Suryavihar, for the sake of his beloved Rani and his kingdom.

Author note

Strange occurrences begin in the palace. Do you believe in hauntings? What do you think is happening?