Chapter 211

The word hung in the air like a death sentence. Sohrab’s head dropped. A quiet sob escaped his throat.

“Then defend what’s yours. Tomorrow morning, we will fight. Without weapons. And the one who makes it out alive by the end of that fight will have her.” My words were deliberate, a test of courage, obsession, and loyalty, and I meant every one of them.

Taimoor lifted his head. Something shifted in his eyes—fear transforming into something harder. Resolve. “I accept,” he said.

Sohrab grabbed his brother’s arm. “No! You will die, you fool!”

“Then I die,” Taimoor replied, pulling away. “But I will not live my life wondering what if.”

“No!” Sohrab exclaimed immediately, stepping forward, but I raised my hand, stopping him mid-motion. “Don’t interfere,” I said sharply. “Do not agree to this, Taimoor. You will die if you insist,” Sohrab warned, desperation threading through his voice.

Taimoor rose to his feet, his posture firm, his eyes blazing with a