His command hung in the air, heavy with threat and promise. Chitraangda's breath caught in her throat, her heart pounding so hard it felt like it would crack through her ribs. She stood frozen, his words echoing in her mind, paralyzing her with fear and disbelief.

"I said strip," he repeated, voice cold and unyielding. His eyes bored into hers, dark and unreadable. "Or do I need to do it for you?"