Page 123 of Tiger's Destiny
Ren stood up. “You’re speaking of the talisman. Yes . . . it affected both Kishan and me because we have the same blood.”
“He uses it now combined with the amulet to create his demon army, and Anamika’s twin brother is the head of it. Because he is under its influence, the sway Lokesh has over Sunil overpowers her control when she gets too close.”
Durga gasped, and tears formed in her eyes. I reached out to hold her hands. “We’ll just have to destroy the talisman then.”
“You must make this your priority.” Phet gave me a telling look, and I dipped my head slightly to acknowledge that I understood. “The four of you will ride into battle in the morning. Now you must use these few remaining hours to rest. I will return to camp and prepare your troops to accompany you. Stay here until my return.”
Clutching his newly made cloak, Phet wandered off into the darkness, leaving us and our weapons behind. Anamika still seemed to be overwhelmed by everything. I used the Scarf to make her a comfortable tent and guided her inside. When I was satisfied that the tent was warm enough and saw that she’d rolled onto her side, obviously not wanting to talk, I left her alone.
I found Kishan waiting for me outside.
Wrapping his arms around me, he asked, “Are you still angry with me?”
“I was never angry with you. I was angry with Ren and Anamika, and I was confused.”
Kishan sighed deeply. “I understand. It must have been hard for you to see them together. You still have feelings for him.”
I couldn’t respond. I couldn’t share the knowledge that the Phoenix had burned into my soul. There was a part of me that loved Kishan and desperately wanted to return the love he deserved. But I was still in love with Ren, and that feeling couldn’t be pushed aside or denied.
Kishan gently cupped my chin, and I looked into his warm golden eyes. Eyes full of patience, love, and acceptance.
I wrapped my arms around his waist, buried my head against his shoulder, and wept. He stroked my back and said, “Don’t cry,bilauta. You can always tell me how you feel. You can talk to me about anything, even if you think it will hurt me. I love you, Kelsey Hayes. I want to marry you, have a dozen kids, and grow old with you. You’ve made me a whole man again, and you’ve given me more than I could wish for, more than I deserve by agreeing to be my wife. I know that Ren is a part of your life. He’s a part of my life too. We’ll worry about the future after we take care of the past. Agreed?”
“Agreed,” I said and blew my nose.
I stood on my tiptoes to kiss him briefly, but he pressed me close and kissed me with a fervent passion that I couldn’t help responding to. My arms snuck around his neck and held onto him. He ran his hands down my back and gripped my waist, pulling me closer. When our lips parted, he smiled and dipped his head to kiss my cheek.
I whispered, “I love you too, Kishan,” and his happiness at hearing my words warmed my heart.
Phet returned a few hours later. It was dawn, and the clouds looked like pink cotton candy. It reminded me of the fateful day I first met Ren back at the circus in Oregon. The sight made me think of happier times, happier places. Somehow the clouds seemed out of place on the morn of a battle.
Phet had gathered our weapons, which lay in a gleaming pile at our feet. I rubbed my eyes to clear away the layers of sleepiness. Anamika stood beside me, nervously wringing her hands. Kishan and Ren seemed ill at ease as well.
Phet picked up the Divine Scarf and held it in his palms. “To truly become the goddess, you must touch all the gifts as you change.”
He handed Anamika the Golden Fruit, fixed the clasp of the Pearl Necklace around her neck, and wrapped the Rope of Fire around her waist.
“Now wind the Divine Scarf around your body and wish to appear as the goddess Durga.”
A brief moment passed and the cold breeze played with the edge of the Scarf. I’d just used the amulet’s power to warm the air around us when she lifted the Scarf away.
I’d seen her as Durga before with all eight arms, but she seemed different this time. Her skin was glowing as if it was lit from within. Her long, black hair seemed to have a life of its own as it moved softly in the breeze. She was beautiful and fierce. Power seemed to radiate from her in waves.
Gently, Phet took the Scarf, the Fruit, and the other items from her. Her arms flexed and twitched as if ready for battle. She turned toward me and moved as fluidly with eight arms as she did with two.
“And now, Kahl-see, it’s your turn.”
“What?” I gasped in shock.
Ren and Kishan both reacted instantly.
“What are you doing?” Kishan asked.
“Isn’t there a way to leave her behind?” Ren protested.
Phet replied to both of them. “It has always been Kahl-see’s destiny to fight in this battle. This is why she is, was, and always has been the chosen one. Without her,” he looked at Ren, “you will lose everything.”
The wiry monk handed me the Fruit, but Kishan took the Necklace and affixed it at my neck. Ren settled the Rope of Fire around my waist. After kissing my forehead, he stepped away.
