The next morning, Akila didn't wake up as the girl who hid her face. she wore a simple black saree, her hair tied back tightly. Her eyes had a new sharpness that made even the neighbors hesitate to speak to her.
She headed towards the local administrative office. She knew that Suresh was working there, using the money he had stolen from her family to build his own career. He thought she was too scared to ever show her face in public again.
As she entered the crowded building, the smell of old paper and sweat filled the air. She saw him. Suresh was laughing with his colleagues, looking proud and powerful.
Akila felt a surge of cold anger, but she didn't let it show. She moved like a shadow, silent and unnoticed, until she was standing right behind him.
"The shadows have long memories, Suresh," she said softly.
Suresh froze. The laughter died in his throat as he turned around. When he saw Akila, his face went pale, as if he had seen a ghost.
"Akila? What are you doing here?" he stammered, trying to regain his composure.
"I'm just here to collect what belongs to me," she replied, a small, chilling smile playing on her lips. "Not just the money. I'm here for the peace you stole."
Before he could respond, she turned and walked away, leaving him trembling in the middle of the hallway. This was just the beginning. The Shadow Angel had taken her first step, and there was no turning back.