Chapter 12

• After the journey to Pura Lempuyang, Ayu returned to her family home in the Ubud area. That night, the atmosphere felt heavier than usual. In the living room adorned with traditional Balinese carvings, Ayu knelt before her family.
• In front of her, I Gusti Made Wirya, her grandfather who also served as the village elder (Bendesa Adat), looked at her with sharp yet wise eyes. Beside him, her parents sat in silence, while her uncle and aunt exchanged glances with one another.
• After a long silence, her grandfather’s deep, commanding voice finally broke the air.