For once, Jayant was glad of the extractor fan in the bathroom of his haven. It aided in getting rid of the putrid smell of burnt flesh. The lights were switched off but he required no light, his eyes seeing perfectly well in the windowless room. Utterly naked, he lowered himself in the full bath, wincing as the water touched the tightened skin that had been affected so badly by the flames of the homeless. He needed to focus his mind and by submersing himself fully, Jayant found the peace required to concentrate on nothing more than healing his wounds.


He closed his eyes and found the Naga staring back.


“BETRAYER!” it screamed in his ear. Jayant ignored it. The Mother had left him.


It was he who had been betrayed.