Page 64 of Her Soul for a Crown
They were tall, edges keen and features wide, similar to the one she’d seen in the last memory-nightmare. She watched them carefully, a surge of warmth in her chest, as if the Blood Yakka had long awaited this. They parted, Calu and a female. Then she pressed a kiss on Anula’s cheek. It tingled and drew her smile. Dark tresses curled down to the female’s waist, swaying in the breeze as she handed them both wrapped gifts.
“From the Indian continent,” she said, her voice melodic. “Minister Advik sought many loves. The tether took us beyond any border a merchant has hailed from.”
“And his wife?” The Blood Yakka’s voice slipped from Anula’s lips. “Did he find his true love?”
Ratti giggled. “Do you think me incompetent? Kama is not the only Lady of Love. The minister’s pleasure saw no bounds.Neither did the woman’s.” She winked. “His new wife will never be displeased with what I taught him.”
Calu waggled his eyebrows, and Anula felt her cheeks heat. “Reeri does not like to hear bed talk; he only wants satisfied patrons.”
“Oh, they are satisfied, tenfold. Shall I tell you how?”
“The gist is enough.” The Blood Yakka huffed and unfolded a bright tunic from its package. “Thank you, Ratti.”
“Only the best for my two favorite brothers.” Ratti swept a curl from Calu’s forehead. “Now, you, have you heeded my advice and made new friends?”
Calu dimmed. “They do not want to know me.”
“Because you have not let them see you.”
“Why do I need friends? I have you and Reeri. That is enough for me.”
Hands on hips, Ratti tutted and turned to the Blood Yakka, but before she spoke, a drumbeat sounded. Ratti clutched her chest.
The gifts dropped to the darkened village floor, and Anula reached out in panic. Fear struck Ratti’s face, and her body flew through the blackened brush. Calu sprinted, Anula on his heels.
Boom.
The drum beat louder.
Boom.
It thrummed in her chest.
“Ohng Hreeng.” A chant rose in the night, reaching for the moon. Men in masks danced in a wide circle. Ratti spiraled above them.
Heavens, what was happening?
Boom.
Ratti’s cries bounced off their chant.
Boom.
It tore her apart. Blood and shadow burst into pieces, falling like sand on the shore.
Boom.
And blowing away on the wind.
Boom.
Her form reassembled on the edge of the village. Calu and Anula caught her in their arms.
“Who would do such a thing?” Calu gasped.
Fear pitched the Blood Yakka’s voice. “Who else have they done it to?” A flash of Yakka faces bottomed out Anula’s stomach. Another flash of villagers’ faces made her gag.
Boom.
