Chapter 11

• The morning sky was still shrouded in mist as Ayu and Daniel took their steps toward Pura Lempuyang, the sacred temple standing majestically on the slopes of Mount Agung. The cool air wrapped around their bodies, while birdsong from afar mingled with the breeze carrying the scent of incense from the temple courtyard.
• Ayu tied a yellow sash around her waist, while Daniel adjusted the kamen he had just worn. He was used to seeing Ayu in traditional Balinese attire, just like now—but today, something felt different. Her face looked more serene, and her eyes held something Daniel couldn’t quite read.
• “Why do we have to come here?” Daniel asked softly.