CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
After the boy had dug the skulls up from the secret graves of his siblings, Rahul was ready. The skulls were now secured in his backpack. He kissed the boy’s forehead, thanking him for his courage, and turned to the villagers. Elisa stood beside him, quiet, waiting to leave.
Banjeet stood at the front of the crowd and hugged Rahul. “Thank you for all your help and kindness.”
“It’s my pleasure,” said Rahul. “I’m not fighting them only for me, you, or these villagers. I’m fighting for the entire nation, the entire world. If we fail to stop them now, Dali will spread her terror globally.” He gulped. “Remember, as we have planned, you have to stay at a safe distance, a few feet away from the cave.”
Banjeet nodded, as did the four men who stood beside him, two on each s
