The rhythmic clatter of horse hooves blends with the distant rumble of the waterfall. The faint sounds of celebration can be heard from the far-off palace. The roar of the flowing water grows louder as they get closer.

Finally, they reach the secluded spot by the waterfall. The riders dismount. Their figures silhouette against the backdrop of rushing water and the moonlit sky.

"We've got to move, and fast," Rayan insists, tightening the strap of the cloth bag slung over his shoulder. His eyes dart nervously around the surroundings. "Before the soldiers of Maharaja Vikramaditya catch wind of our presence," he adds.

"Where's your Maharaja?" Liza's inquiry directs at the soldiers of Veervardhana who had assisted their daring escape from the confines of the palace. 

"We have no idea, lady," one of the soldiers responds, "We were tasked with bringing you all here safely, and we did just that. Beyond that, we're in the dark," he admits.