In the center of the dark passage, a shimmer of light began to coalesce. A figure emerged from the shadows, flickering like a flame before solidifying into the form of a breathtakingly beautiful bride. She was draped in pure, translucent white garments that seemed to glow from within, her beauty so sudden and intense it was almost painful to behold. She looked at Aryavardhan, her eyes wide and hauntingly familiar. She bowed to him with a grace that was not entirely human. When she looked up, her voice was like a soft melody in the hollow chamber. "O Aryavardhan," she