Alatu had won Takshak, no longer did the High Tantrika pose a threat to his personal interests. Takshak caught her eye and waved languidly, as if she was a mere acquaintance. Stifling her terror, Ishvari returned his greeting as regally as she could. What could have destroyed their bond? And had she ever truly loved him? She tried to read his expression in the moonlight, but all she could discern was that the Sumerian had usurped her position—for Takshak’s right arm encircled her slim waist, while her golden head lay possessively against his chest.

Charaka led her down the shallow stone stairs and the crowd followed, with Takshak and Alatu in the lead, figures in wildly-hued silks that gleamed in the light of thousands of oil lamps illuminating the ghats. The ground for the chakra puja&mda...

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