CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
The Present
“You must depart now,” Banjeet said to Rahul.
“We can’t leave you here to die.”
“I agree,” Elisa said, supporting Rahul as Banjeet tried to speak.
“I appreciate your kindness,” said Banjeet, smiling, barely suppressing his rising emotions at the thought of death—the death of himself, other villagers, and Rahul and Elisa.
The drumming indicated that Dali or the demons must have sensed their presence, and perhaps the drumming was a signal to the villagers to bring them to the cave.
They continued trying to convince Rahul and Elisa to leave, but they wouldn’t. The villagers stood quiet, and after a brief pause, Rahul said, “I’ll meet Dansh and Dali.”
For Elisa, it was as if Rahul’s words were a nuclear bomb, leaving her in holy terror. Rahul never left her
