guilded secrets :the unmasked queen

Chapter -9

A dance of power

Tanisha stared at the screen, her heartbeat steady but her mind racing.

ShadowByte.

A name she had never encountered before, but one that had now placed itself firmly in her life.

The message blinked ominously:

"Let's see who finds the truth first—you or me."

A provocation. A challenge.

She smirked. They had no idea who they were dealing with.

Her fingers moved swiftly, trying to trace their location, but whoever this was, they were good. Almost as good as her.

Almost.

But Tanisha had patience. She typed a reply.

Tanisha: "I don't lose."

Instantly, a response appeared.

ShadowByte: "We'll see about that, little heiress."

Her eyes darkened.

Who the hell was this person?

Before she could go deeper, her door suddenly opened.

She shut her laptop in one smooth motion, looking up as her father, lucas Agnihotri, stepped inside.

Lucas studied her, his gaze as sharp as ever.

"I see you're still awake," he said, walking in and taking a seat across from her.

Tanisha leaned back. "Couldn't sleep."

He nodded knowingly, then glanced at her laptop. "Work?"

She gave a half-smile. "Something like that." Lucas didn't press. He was an observant man—he knew she wasn't telling him everything.

After a moment, he spoke again. "You know, I wanted to talk to you about something."

Tanisha raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

He sighed, looking at her with an expression that made something tighten in her chest. It was concern. Genuine, quiet concern.

"I know this life is new to you," he said. "I know you're strong. But Tanisha… you don't always have to fight alone."

She looked away. "I'm used to it."

"I know," he murmured. "But that doesn't mean it has to stay that way."

Silence filled the room.

For the first time in years, Tanisha felt the walls around her shake just a little.

Then—

Lucas reached over and placed a simple, warm hand on her head.

"I just want you to know," he said softly, "you have a father now."

Tanisha froze.

Her throat felt tight, and for once, she didn't have a sharp reply.

Lucas smiled, then stood up. "Get some rest."

And just like that, he left.

But his words remained.

You have a father now.

She wasn't sure why, but she didn't hate the sound of that.

--

The next morning, Tanisha was greeted with an expected but still annoying sight.

Adrian Blackwood was waiting in the Agnihotri estate's private study.

Leaning against the bookshelf, dressed in his usual black-on-black perfection, he smirked when he saw her.

"You really don't take hints, do you?" she asked, crossing her arms.

Adrian chuckled. "On the contrary. I just don't believe in walking away from things that interest me."

She arched an eyebrow. "And I interest you?"

He took a slow step forward.

"More than you realize."

For a brief moment, there was silence.

Then, Adrian tilted his head. "Tell me something, Tanisha."

She leaned against the desk. "What?"

His eyes sharpened slightly. "Who's ShadowByte?"

Her breath stilled.

How had he found out this quickly?

But instead of reacting, she smirked. "Curious?"

Adrian chuckled. "Always. Especially when someone's playing a game with you."

Tanisha's expression remained unreadable. "Maybe I like games."

Adrian stepped closer, lowering his voice. "So do I. But only if I win."

The air between them grew thick with unspoken tension.

For once, Tanisha wasn't sure who was hunting whom.

And that made things… interesting.

---

That night, Tanisha sat in front of her laptop again, eyes scanning the code on her screen.

ShadowByte had left another message.

"You're quick, but not quick enough. Keep up, little heiress."

Her fingers clenched around the keyboard.

Whoever this was, they were toying with her.

Fine. Let's play.

She cracked her fingers and started typing.

If ShadowByte wanted a war, they had no idea who they were up against.

Tanisha walked through the marble hallways of royale Academy, the elite private school where only the richest and most influential students studied.

She was barely a month into this life, yet she had already gained attention—both wanted and unwanted.

As she reached her locker, a sleek black envelope sat on top of her books.

She opened it, already knowing who it was from.

"You owe me a dance, little wildcat. Don't be late."

No signature. But it didn't need one.

Adrian Blackwood.

Tanisha smirked. He was persistent, she'd give him that.

---

That evening, Lucas Agnihotri stood in the study, arms crossed as he watched his daughter.

"You're going?" he asked, his voice calm but firm.

Tanisha leaned against the bookshelf. "It's just a party."

Lucas sighed, rubbing his temple. "Tanisha, men like Adrian Blackwood don't invite women without a reason. Do you understand what it means for you to show up there?"

She tilted her head. "Enlighten me."

Lucas's eyes darkened. "It means you'll be seen as his. And Adrian doesn't share."

Tanisha smirked. "Then it's a good thing I don't belong to anyone."

Her father exhaled sharply but didn't argue. Instead, he gave her a simple command.

"If you go, don't lose."

She met his gaze. "I never do."

---

The Blackwood gala was an event attended by CEOs, royals, and the elite of the elite.

Tanisha entered in a sleek black dress, her confidence radiating as she walked through the crowd.

And then—she felt his presence.

Adrian stood near the grand staircase, his piercing gaze locked onto her.

Without a word, he extended his hand.

She hesitated—just for a second—before placing her fingers in his.

He led her onto the dance floor, his grip firm yet effortless. The music swelled around them as they began to move.

"You came," Adrian murmured, pulling her closer.

Tanisha smirked. "You gave me an invitation. It would've been rude to decline."

His lips curled. "Then let's see how well you handle the consequences."

The dance became a battle of dominance, a game of silent power. Neither of them yielded.

By the end of the song, Adrian's grip tightened just slightly.

"Stay close tonight," he murmured. "I have a feeling things are about to get interesting."

Tanisha raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

Because she had the same feeling.

---

While the gala continued, Tanisha's phone vibrated in her purse.

A message.

ShadowByte: "You should be more careful, little heiress. The wolves are watching."

Tanisha's eyes narrowed.

Was ShadowByte here? Watching her?

She subtly scanned the room, her instincts on high alert.

And for the first time, she felt something dangerous shift in the air.

This wasn't just a game anymore.

Something bigger was coming.

And Tanisha was right in the center of it.

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