27
Morgan felt warmth spatter her face. The copper stink of fresh blood and the sweet intensity of the smoke and the rising chant of the Aghori filled her mind.
In the shadows beyond, she thought she saw a woman with skin the color of a thundercloud and eyes of flame. In her outstretched hand was the bloody head of Sister Nataline, and around her body was a girdle of skulls.
"Kali," Morgan whispered, as the goddess stalked towards her, raising her kukri high above her head.
Then Morgan felt hands on her body and at the edge of unconsciousness, she heard a scream, her own voice in the darkness.
"No!"
Suddenly the Aghori scattered as a huge man loomed from the darkness, fists flying as he shoved the skinny sadhus away. Moments later, Morgan was in Jake's arms and he was half-carrying,
