144. Folklore

"I'm sorry that I cannot save you from it."

His oath bored the marrow of her bones. Thrumming with fervent wishes.

But then, "Someday, I will free you," it distorted into a curse. Burned her. Froze her. A raging storm she fought against, now.

Aruna's head was full of questions everytime she looked at both men who clashed, yet actually quite similar in their characters. Was it true what Rey said about her brother's wish? That Anantha wanted her to be freed from the Wenceslas who cannot let their women live with freedom due to threats? Why did Hendra never tell her about his personal life? About his family? His work?

All this time the only thing Hendra said was, 'This is for your own good,' without any reason or further explanation. And what 'good' was that? Why did Hendra always fear that something bad would happen to her?