This was a really interesting take on the theme. The limitation to string quartet is a bold, but effective choice that worked off really well for you and showed off your composing chops, IMO. The little story bit that you gave us left a lot in the open air, in a good way. It was just enough information to give the strings room to shine and portray a wide range of emotions - a mix of tension, intrigue, desperation, loss and more, almost all at once.
Surprisingly powerful stuff, great work!