The glowing red numbers on the digital clock beside the bed read 8:45 PM.

Anya stood near the floor-to-ceiling glass wall of the master bedroom, looking out at the dazzling night skyline of Dubai. The city was a sea of bright, sparkling lights, but Anya felt completely disconnected from the world outside. She was locked inside the highest penthouse of The Royal Oasis, trapped in a golden cage built by Reyansh Malhotra.