Forest of Demons by Debbie Cassidy Read Free Book Online Page A

would banish the inappropriate longings.
    Guru came into view, scaling the soft rise that led down to the village proper, and all her resolve melted.
    He was beautiful. With skin like milky chai, hair as dark as a raven’s wing, and eyes as warm as chocolate, he was captivating to behold. Beside him sauntered Pratip with his infectious grin, mischievous dark eyes, and uncontrollable mop of curly hair. Pratip’s family had moved to the village four years ago. He’d found his calling working in the temple as an idol cleaner, while his father had taken on the role of panisira , catering to the general village needs. The village servant was an invaluable asset; it was to him everyone turned in the face of any festival or gathering. He would liaise with the necessary parties, order the food or decorations required, and ensure that the event went without a hitch.
    Guru raised a hand in greeting. Priya returned the gesture before tucking errant strands of her hair behind her ears.
    “Hello pretty girl,” Pratip said.
    She blushed.
    He could always make her blush. Ma said it was his charm; some men were blessed with it and could talk their way into, or out of, any situation.
    “Let me take that.” Guru held out his hand for the satchel, and Priya lifted it off her shoulders and handed it to him.
    “Wow, this is heavy,” Guru said.
    Priya shrugged. “You get used to it.”
    “Our Priya is a warrior.” Pratip winked. “She fought off a rakshasha; we’ll be well protected today.”
    Priya laughed. “Yes, if you count turning tail and running as warrior behavior.”
    “I call it sane behavior.” Guru looked solemn.
    Pratip looked toward the forest, rubbing his hands together. “Well, let’s get on with this.” He held up a black thread with a small talisman hanging off it. “We have God’s protection today.”
    They entered the forest together, but after a few moments, Pratip fell back and Guru continued walking abreast of Priya. Priya’s pulse accelerated. Had he planned this with Pratip to give them some time alone together?
    This part of the forest was filled with sounds of life. The shade the canopy of the trees provided was a blessed relief from the dry heat of the sun.
    Guru’s fingers slipped around hers and he squeezed gently. Priya’s mouth was suddenly dry. The air around them seemed charged with anticipation, the crack and snap of the underbrush seemed shockingly loud.
    He was holding her hand. She couldn’t recall the last time he’d held her hand.
    “Priya?”
    “Yes.” She couldn’t look at him, afraid that he would see her emotions written across her face plain as ink on paper.
    “How are you coping . . . really? I mean, I know you’ve been acting normal and getting on with things, but what happened to you was no small matter, and what with Mala . . .”
    Priya was no longer listening, too busy grasping on to her sinking heart. He was simply worried about her, enquiring about her emotional well-being.
    “ . . . to know if you need anything, or just if you need to talk I’m there for you.”
    Priya blinked back her tears of disappointment, nodding. He pulled her to a halt and grasped her chin in his thumb and forefinger, forcing her to look into his eyes.
    Her feelings were brimming there for him to see. This time she didn’t try and hide them, but simply let them shine through, clamping her bottom lip between her teeth. Now he’d know.
    “Oh!” He gasped softly. “Oh, my darling girl.” He pulled her into his arms. “I knew it was an act; your bravado in the face of adverse odds. You can cry, you can scream. You almost died, and in the same way as . . . as our very dear friend.”
    Priya closed her eyes and inhaled his scent, partly relieved, yet partly disappointed. He hadn’t seen.
    Maybe he doesn’t know you as well as you think.
    Guru pulled back, chucking her under the chin. “Come on, let’s collect some roots and herbs.”
    Pratip joined them. “All