When the first light of dawn cracked over the horizon, painting the Parijat trees in shades of violet and gold, Sudarshan opened his eyes. The transition from the infinite peace of meditation to the reality of the island was usually seamless. But today, reality was waiting for him. There, standing exactly where she had promised, was Megha. She wasn't the wet, panicked girl from the lake, nor was she the curious wanderer. She stood tall, her frame encased in polished armor that caught the morning sun, a sturdy bow slung across her back. Her eyes were bright with a challenge