Page 24 of Twisted Sins

Inhaling a deep breath, she went to the food tray. Once again, she ignored the meat and vegetable dish and only had dates and nuts with plenty of water.

Uma and Rumi left. And she remained in the tent for the rest of the day.

I don’t care why the Kabali clan people hate me.

She didn’t belong with them, and neither did she want to.

***

The sun was beginning to set over the hills, and the large tent was now lit by oil lamps.

Fear and agitation took over Nandini as she knew the demon would return to the encampment as he had done the previous day.

Unless the demon got captured or killed by my brothers.

Even as hope took root inside her heart at that scenario, she knew the possibility of it happening was low. If her brothers had the information, they would definitely hunt and kill the demon, but they would prioritize rescuing her first.

Her brothers didn’t know where she was. The only way they could have known was through the bracelet she had worn, which she had given to the Kabali demon in hopes of safeguarding Rahul’s life.

The demon must have thrown the bracelet somewhere, which was why her brothers weren’t able to find her location.

Rudra Kabali.

She refused to think of him as Rudra, which was a god’s name. The savage would always remain a demon in her mind.

She let out a shuddering breath and began pacing the large tent as her stomach knotted anxiously.

Rumi had come earlier with the dinner tray. The Kabali woman had let out sounds of dissatisfaction seeing the lunch tray where the meat dish was left untouched.

Although Nandini was hungry, she couldn’t touch even the dates and nuts from the dinner tray. She had opened it, only to reach for the knife.

She wished the knife was bigger, but it was enough for the purpose she had in mind.

The purpose of not allowing the Kabali demon to touch her that night.

Her eyes fell on the large leather trunks placed at the back of the tent. She had opened them to search for weapons or some clues on the savage. But all she saw were neatly stacked black Kabali clothes and heavy, tarnished silver bracelets, rings, and accessories that the Kabali clan wore.

She continued to pace until she froze mid-step when she heard the sudden sound of birds. It was soon followed by the sounds of horses, and the encampment came alive.

The demon is back.

Her heart raced in fear. And unlike the previous night, she didn’t lie down on the bedding. She stood in the shadows at the back, keeping her eye on the entrance of the tent.

She waited for what seemed a long time.

Maybe he didn’t return with the group.

Maybe he got captured and killed.

If he is killed, what will his people do to me?

She didn’t know how long she stood waiting with her hands trembling in fear and uncertainty. Her heart nearly stopped when the tent entrance cover was pushed aside, and the demon entered inside.

A soft sound of shocked gasp escaped her, making his grey eyes fall over her while she stood in the shadows.

How did the demon move so silently?

She expected to hear heavy footsteps with the sounds of beads and other accessories the demon wore, but there was barely any sound.

---