The Forbidden Vow: A Bali Love Story

n carvings and reliefs of the Ramayana. Incense smoke rose from the offerings of cempaka flowers and neatly arranged ca

their region. The village priests began chanting sacred prayers, accompanied by the sound of the gong, making the atmosphere feel even more solemn. But Ayu did not feel the sacredness-her c

oose; we are chosen. Tradition is greater than love. Thi

ound her waist, and a red-and-gold songket sarong draping down to her ankles. Her black hair was styled in a

oes it feel like a trap? she thought, battling herself, torn between logic

d not be here was now sta

her mind-still lingering on the shores of Sanur Beach-was playing tricks o

an any dagger. His blonde hair was slightly disheveled, his face damp with sweat. His white linen shirt was crumpled, his pants dusty, as if he had run a

them, Uncle Made-the head of the family and the village elder-rose from his seat. His presence commanded respect; he wore a pristine white sh

e asked, his ton

k down. His gaze flickered to Ayu, wh

choosing his words to sound composed despite the

temple is sacred, and we are conducting a traditional ceremony. Outsiders are

Ayu, who had moved from her initial spot. His silent plea was cl

d take place, and her family would not lose face or risk punishment from their ancestors.

he horizon, in the presence of their ancestors enshrined in black stone statues, Ayu clenched her fists and closed her eyes. She knew this momen

t wants to talk to me for a moment. The

, his voice now lower but far more dangerous. "At the

ion, unable to bear seeing the woman

ere shifted

murs rippled through the crowd, questioning what had just happened. It was the first time Danie

nging the offerings paused, and the priest holding the incense stopped mid-motion. Ayu an

en gestured for Ayu to stand

request. It w

e man who made her feel free, who made her believe she could choose her own path. But she also looked at her family, he

there would be no way back. But if she

ealized-there was no

her songket-covered hands clutching the hem of her sarong. "Daniel,

ter. "I want to understand why you have to surrend

deep, unwavering tone. "He is not one of us.

m. "Then let me learn. Let me prove th

s words. They cut deeper

unreadable. "You say you want to prove something?" His sharp gaze scrutinized Daniel as if meas

uncle meant. And this time, she was not

es whispered softly at the shore, occasionally caressing the warm white sand beneath bare feet. The night breeze blew

m a beachside café played melodiously, blending with the laughter of tourists enjoying a romantic dinner under dimly lit lanterns. Some coupl

admiring the spectacular fire dance performance. Tongues of flame twirled in the air, casting exotic shadows over t

Her dark eyes gazed at the darkening horizon, as if searching for answers among the star

on was made the moment I was born," Ayu's

as filled with unbearable pain. He couldn't believe what he was hearing.

eak free. Her eyes remained fixed on the rolling waves, mirroring the battle waging with

am a Bali