"I wouldn't do that if I were you", A man's cold and authoritative voice resonated startling everyone including the shaman who was moments away from stabbing a hole into Nalani's heart.
Nalani's hanging heart finally fell back into her chest, help has finally arrived.
She has been saved this time. She immediately opened her eyes to look at her saviour thinking it was Davian who had come but when she saw who really came, her eyes widen with shock, "It's you. Why is it you?" She mumbled.
The man's gaze fell on Nalani and a strange emotion flashed in his eyes. His lips perked up in amusement. It was the man from the snowing mountain she encountered that day.
"What are you people doing on my property. Get lost now" the matriarch yelled in anger. Seeing Janice with the men, she pointed her finger at her and cursed,"You jinx, what are you doing here bringing your evil and bad luck to my home. Get out of here"
"Don't talk to my wife like that " Dakan screamed back at her, his eyes filled with anger.
"Dear, don't let that woman bewitch you. She's a jinx. She's the reason why you're always so sick" Dakan's mother yelled, her vicious eyes glared at Janice.
"Forcefully holding someone against their will is a crime punishable by law. You can spend up to 15 years in prison. So you either let her go now or face the consequences" the man spoke calmly, his voice hoarse and cold.
Seeing that today's matter will not be completed, the angry old shaman stopped the chanting and started packing her things intending to leave.The matriarch quickly apologized to the shaman urging her to continue with the ritual.
It seemed like she has lost all sense of reasoning and the only thing that matters to her was for the ritual to be completed so Ignoring the people protesting, the shaman continued.
"Old lady, I'd advise you to stop now" the man said.
"Who are you to interrupt me?" The shaman hissed menacingly. She raised her hand intending to continue with her attack. Aiming for Nalani's heart.
Bang!
A gunshot rang out followed by the painful howling of a shriveled voice. The man's companion has shot a hole into the shaman's hand, successfully disarming her.
"You people are courting death"the shaman screamed. Holding her bleeding hand. The man and his companion gaze at her with cold indifference. Seeing the gun, the burly man got scared and bolted from there leaving the evil mother and daughter-in-law duo to their fate.
Janice run to her husband's side, helping him to his feet. "Husband, are you okay? I'm sorry for taking so long" She cried.
Dakan's face was pale, he leaned on his wife and said apologetically,"Wife, I'm sorry for not being able to protect you and our children. My incompetence has always caused you to suffer injustices. I promise not to let it happen again".
Janice hugged her husband tightly, "I don't blame you at all". The man walked over to Nalani, bend down to look into her eyes and said with a smile, "Miss, we meet again"
Nalani lowered her head and smiled in embarrassment. He quickly managed to untie the rope around her, finally freeing her. He helped her to stand on her feet.
"Thank you for saving me Mr Uncle " She said. Hearing her call him that name again, the man raised his eyebrow in amusement. Nalani smiled back shyly.
"You cannot leave this place" Dakan's mother blocked her path, looking at her menacingly. Nalani's expression turned ugly.
Did this woman think she cannot do anything to her because she's an elder?
"Old lady, you better save your energy for prison. You're going to pay for your actions" Nalani yelled furiously.
The grave dug up at the corner send shivers down her spine. It was a constant reminder of what her fate would've been if help hadn't arrived. This people are simply inhumane. Janice supporting her husband walked to Nalani to apologized profusely to for getting her in trouble.
"I don't hold it against you two. Thank you two for trying your best to save me. I appreciate it" Nalani said. Nalani and the man finally managed to leave from this hellish and crazy place. It was already midnight.
Dakan looked at his mother and grandmother disapprovingly and said in disappointment, "I've always overlooked your excesses because we're a family but this time you've gone too far. I don't think I can stay with you people anymore".
"Dear, don't blame us. We only want what's best for you. This jinx will really be the death of you" the matriarch retorted.
Seeing his family showing no trace of repentance, Dakan was completely disappointed with them.
He turned to his wife and asked, "Wife, can we leave this place together and go far away. You, me and our children "
Janice looked at her husband in shocked, her face was a mixture of emotions. With teary eyes and a smile, she nodded vigorously. Finally he has seen this two's evilness.
No matter how hard they tried to stop him, Dakan left the house with his wife. He refused to spend a second more in that house with them. His mother-in-law's place will be a far better place than here.
Little did he know that this decision to walk away will save him from the impending doom approaching.
Outside the house, standing under the moonlight Nalani looked at the tall and handsome man and said, "I didn't think I'll ever meet you again. Especially not in this situation. Thank you for saving me "
"I did looking forward to seeing you. It's nice to meet you again "the man replied.
Nalani was taken aback by his words, not knowing what to tell him. Seeing her childish expression, the man smiled charmingly. Nalani stared him,dazzled. Mr Seducer. She thought.
"I think I'm way too handsome to be called an Uncle " He teased.
Nalani laughed. Extending her hand, she said,"Hello, I'm Nalani Soren".
The man looked at the delicate and fair hand extended towards him and he extended his own to shook her hand, "Tristan Lancaster at your service ".
"Tristan Lancaster?!"she exclaimed, mildly surprised. Tristan nodded.
Nalani smiled brightly at him. Despite her sloppy appearance, her ethereal beauty was undeniable.
"Nice to meet you Mr Tristan Lancaster "