still loved her. The old monk set his hands on the crown of her head then shook them into the water, as if ridding himself of pollution. “Soon you will heal from the abuse of the drug. A true tantrika never grovels in the mud, so long as a single star shines.”

A chill crept up her spine as she sensed a juggernaut of evil hurtling toward them—a juggernaut she could do absolutely nothing to stop. She clutched at her hurting stomach. “Why don’t we leave for the mountains right now?” she asked him desperately. Hariaksa shook his head, his eyes brimming with compassion. “Listen!” he said, putting a hand to his ear. “Takshak is here!” Chariots thundered up Rudralaya’s drive and moments later she heard a single voice, cold and determined. Whimpering, she c...

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