At its altitude, the aircraft passed through mountains and rolling hills, allowing anyone sitting near the window to enjoy the Himalayan view. Carrie leaned against her seat, holding an empty vomit bag. Since the flight, knots have formed in her stomach. Her ears had popped, and she had headaches from pressure changes and dry cabin air.

“Are you okay?” Baki asked.

“I want this flight to end.”

The captain’s voice blared over the intercom. “Good afternoon. We’re about to descend at Paro International Airport. Passengers must return to their seats and fasten their seatbelts. Stow away trays and electronics. We will send our flight attendants to collect trash.”

Carrie stowed away her tray table and checked her seatbelt. Soon, the avian crew arrived, carrying garbage bags. They strolled along the aisle, collecting trash from passengers, while the captain announced the descent.

“What’s happening?” Carrie asked.

“Relax. Everything will be alright,” Baki assured.

Carrie, however, couldn’t relax. The changing cabin pressure ached her eardrums like they were about to burst. She clutched her cross necklace and muttered a prayer as worst-case scenarios flashed through her brain. The airplane shook as it touched something solid. When nothing awful happened, she released her tight grip on her pendant and exhaled.

“Ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to Paro International Airport. The time is 5:30 pm. Be sure to grab your bags before departing,” the captain said through the speaker. “On behalf of the crew, I would like to express our gratitude for selecting Druk Air.”

When it stopped, the jet’s engines shut down. Crew members unlocked the plane’s doors as passengers disembarked. The staff gathered litter and rubbish around the cabin. Once the plane was empty of passengers, the duo exited.

Stepping outside, Carrie shielded her face from the bright sunlight. After adjusting her vision, her mouth dropped open. The airfield lay in a lush valley surrounded by mountains. Tiny houses and buildings sat in the foothills, close to the runway. The terminal resembled an ancient shrine with its elegant design and ornate carvings.

While in awe, her headache prevented her from admiring it. Resting her palm on her temple, she descended the stairs with Baki. When they stepped inside the building, the interior blew her away. Rows of ornate patterns adorned the ceilings, walls, pillars, and floors. Shops and restaurants offer a variety of foods and goods. Sighing, Carrie walked toward the exit, ignoring the negative emotions that threatened to consume her.

Baki sensed her distress. “Is everything alright, dear child?”

“Just tired, and my head hurts.”

“Jet lag, eh? Once I grab my bag from baggage claim, we’ll find a place to rest.”

***

They left the facility after a brief visit to the luggage claim area. Baki spotted several auto-rickshaws waiting for clients. With Carrie in tow, he approached one, knocking on the window. A young woman rolled down her window and greeted them. The motorist agreed when Baki requested a ride to the nearest hotel. She gestured for them to climb aboard the vehicle. The operator started the engine and maneuvered on the road.

Baki admired the scenery and marveled at the sights. He pointed out a few landmarks, but Carrie only listened, wrapped in her world. Her head throbbed from the auto rickshaw’s honking and loud engine.

After some time, they arrived at the Nirvana Inn. Encircled by lush forests, the hotel provided a peaceful environment. Upon receiving the driver’s thanks, they entered the inn. Antique furniture gave the lobby a vintage feel, and the warm fireplace made it even cozier.

The staff welcomed them and offered to carry their bags. They settled into their bedroom, looking forward to a well-earned rest.

The duo spent two days at the Nirvana Inn resting and adjusting to the elevation. They explored the area, enjoying Bhutan’s sights and sounds. They sampled local cuisine and visited nearby attractions.

The tranquil setting helped reduce Carrie’s headaches, leading to a speedy recovery.

Once they finished breakfast, they rode an auto-rickshaw, leaving the resort. As they traveled, the air grew colder and the sky brighter. After a lengthy journey, they reached Jigme Dorji Park.

The pair thanked the cabbie by leaving a tip. The chauffeur wished them good luck on their journey and drove away. Carrie surveyed the park, enthralled by the lush green scenery. “So, what now?”

“We’ll explore the reserve. Once we’re away from prying eyes, we’ll head east, where the Himalayas await us. Be careful: many animals live here, including tigers,” Baki explained.

Carrie forced herself to swallow, praying no animals approached. After crossing the stream via a bridge, they walked along a trail eastward.

Despite her worries, they only encountered birds and leaves shifting in the breeze.

As the day ended, they camped in the woods. Carrie tried to sleep, but her thoughts kept her up. While glancing at a sleeping Baki, each scenario in her subconscious had different outcomes. In one case, Baki would steal her innocence once she fell asleep. Afterward, he’d leave her for whatever lurked to devour. Carrie shook away those negative thoughts.

This man has shown kindness to me. Still, how far would it take?

For the next several days, they continued their route. They set up camp when the weather was poor or at night. Another gruesome hike led them to a clearing. They quenched their thirst by the creek and surveyed their surroundings from the hills. The descending sun cast an orange and pink hue over the sky.

“Let’s stop here.” Baki shrugged off his backpack.

Carrie wiped her brow as she sat and massaged her aching feet. “When will we see the Himalayas?”

While pitching his tent, Baki pointed to the far-off mountain range covered in snow.

“I didn’t realize we were this close. Do you live there?” Carrie asked.

“A village beside the baseline. There’s a temple on top, where a guardian lives. Though kind, he keeps to himself.”

“This guardian… are you talking about the man you planned to take me to? How can you be certain he’ll handle my presence or yours?”

“With broken souls, he can heal them.” Baki reached into his bag and handed Carrie a hooded coat with fur and gloves. “Snow rules this land, so wear warm clothing. Let’s sleep. With our pace, we’ll soon reach the guardian’s temple.”

***

The following morning, Baki packed up his tent inside his knapsack. Carrie changed into the clothes Baki had given her amidst the trees. They resumed their trek after a quick breakfast.

As they hiked, cold air bit Carrie’s skin. Her palms were slick with sweat from her gloves. She glanced at Baki, who seemed unfazed by the harsh conditions.

As the sun set, the temperature dropped, and the biting wind chilled her to the bone.

She gripped her coat and pulled her hood closer.

Baki checked on Carrie as snow pelted them. “Are you alright?”

“I’m f-f-freezing.” Carrie shivered. "M-my ears… they’re ringing from the wind.”

“Stay strong. I sense we’re close.”

Carrie lowered her chin, her teeth chattering. Though tired, she refused to succumb to the frigid weather. The young girl kept walking until Baki instructed her to stop. Brows furrowed, she followed Baki’s line of sight.

The snow lessened its battering as it revealed a shrine on a ridge facing south, resembling a palace with tiger-shaped structures.

“W-W-what’s this?” Carrie asked.

Baki stretched his hand. “This is the Tiger Shrine. Once full of life, it is a shell of its former self.” After marveling at the ruins, Baki called out in his native tongue. Not understanding the language, Carrie rubbed her upper arms, creating heat. “We should go inside. The guardian isn’t present, but he’ll greet us.”

“What if he doesn’t want us in his home? I mean, aren’t we trespassing?”

“He is a generous man. Please, don’t worry; the guardian will understand.”

Carrie gulped as they traversed a rope bridge. A massive bell from the thick, sturdy ropes swayed as they crossed. Clouds hung over the valley, obscuring the frozen lake below. Fearing heights, she turned to the front doors. Baki pushed them open, exposing the temple’s interiors.

Where a roof once stood, wooden beams crossed each other. The doorway wall was missing, showing off the mountainous area. Bells and chimes clanged in a calm rhythm. Fires crackled from smoking pits framed by snow-buried benches.

Bronze and gold tiger statues, carvings, and engravings adorned every corner. They snaked through the pillars, their faces locked in fierce snarls. Carrie trembled under their harsh stares as if they judged her.

“Come, child.” Baki gestured. “The freezing night draws closer.”

Carrie followed him to their sleeping quarters. With torches lighting the halls, they found an area with rows of sliding doors. Upon seeing the closest room to the corridor, she opened the door. Against the bare wall stood a single bed and a dresser. Moonlight filled the room, shining on the wooden furniture and sparse decorations.

She approached the bed, brushing her fingers over the soft quilt.

Baki yawned. “Sleep well.”

“Y-You too, sir.” Carrie slogged towards the cot and climbed onto it. She stayed awake for a while, wary of this strange land. Then, sleep pulled at her weary form, and she fell into a fitful slumber.

A dark void surrounded Carrie, numbing her senses. The urge to scream grew as it squeezed her. The darkness remained until it parted, showing the Prayer Closet. Her breath shook through her lungs, and chills swept through her. As she retreated, she bumped into something.

Her mother’s dead face came into view as she grabbed her daughter’s throat and lifted her. Neurotic terror hid in the woman’s soulless eyes. “What are you doing in that godless temple?”

Carrie fought to breathe. “Mama, you’re hurting me!”

“Answer me!”

“I haven’t sinned, Mama! This temple isn’t evil!”

Her mother slapped her across the cheek. Carrie suppressed her tears as the affected area throbbed. “You filthy bitch, I should’ve never had you! Now, to atone for my deadly sin.”

Two fiery limbs escaped the broom closet and grasped Carrie, searing her wrists. She screamed as they dragged her. From within, the inferno morphed into the Devil. The beast laughed, snatched the struggling girl, and dropped her into its maw. The fire scorched her flesh, reducing her to charred bones.

A scream tore through Carrie’s throat as she awoke, dripping sweat. She found herself at the Tiger Shrine after scanning her surroundings.

Thank God, it was only a dream. Carrie slowed her breathing while placing her hand on her brow. God, that was horrible. Once she calmed her nerves, she headed for the courtyard. Sunlight peeked over the mountains as she arrived, reflecting off the statues.

Baki waved at her, sitting on a snow-free bench. “Morning. You slept okay?”

“Had a nightmare.”

“Oh, I see.” His smile faltered for a moment before he gestured to her. “Come, come! You should be fine after breakfast.”

Carrie sat beside him as he held out two pieces of circle-shaped bread. He handed one to her. The bells’ soft clangs drifted from the spire, floating in the crags. Moments later, the doors creaked open as a man appeared. Carrie paused as the food in her fingers trembled.

Except for his brown eyes, a metal mask concealed the man’s face. His brownish-black hair remained swept to one side, exposing a bald portion. Ropes circled his lean, bare, and muscled torso. A curved sword strapped to the ropes rested on his back. An adorned sash encircled his waist, matching his blue pants.

On close inspection, the material resembled the shrine draperies. Red ropes bound the fabric to the man’s lower body and legs. Leather sandals with stylish designs adorned his feet. A pair of tiles acted as braces, both coiled around his wrists. On his knees were two broken tiger-mouthed statues, serving as protective ‘pads.’ Viewed as a whole, he appeared as a fearsome warrior.

The warrior examined the structure until he encountered his ‘guests.’ He shifted towards them, showing a lavish striped tattoo on his left arm and chest.

Carrie gasped, her pulse racing. Her mother had told her to avoid those carrying the ‘marks of the Evil One.’ Though instinct compelled her to flee, she remained in place.

“Kē tapā’ī harā’unu bhayō?” the warrior asked.

Carrie pulled back. What was that language?

Baki patted Carrie’s shoulder. “He’s asking if we’re lost.” He replied to the warrior, “Tapā’īṁ jānubha’ēkō bhandā baḍhī harā’ēkō chaina.”

“What did you say to him?” Carrie whispered.

“No more lost than he’s been.”

Carrie waited for the warrior’s response. With furrowed brows, the warrior inquired in his mother tongue. She fixed her gaze on Baki as he responded. What are they saying? She flinched from Baki’s second pat. Is he telling this man about me? Before her, the warrior withdrew, stunned, until he faced her.

The girl hesitated, unsure of what to do. Baki rose and motioned for her to stay.

“This is where we part ways.” A solemn grin spread across his face. “I wish you good fortune in the coming years.”

Is he leaving me here? As the warrior approached, Carrie focused on him. She swallowed hard while gazing at the warrior’s sword. As if reading her mind, he glanced back and grabbed the handle. Tremors surrounded her, preparing her to run.

The warrior lifted his other hand while pulling out the sword. The blade was long, with the tip comprising two horn-like protrusions. A slice from such a weapon would cut a human in half.

Carrie awaited the warrior’s next move. To her surprise, the warrior placed his sword on the ground. As he pushed it away, the metal scraped against the stone floor. She was still on guard, but the action eased her tension.

The warrior softened his harsh stare. “Hello, child. What is your name?”

Carrie blinked at the man’s English fluency, and his change in demeanor caught her off guard. As he moved closer, she crawled toward a wall. Tears emerged from her closed eyes as she trembled.

“Wait, please, it’s alright! Don’t cry,” the warrior assured her. “This place is safe.”

The girl regained her courage. “Who are you?”

The warrior pressed his hands together and bowed. “I am Jago. I’m a Tibetan monk, and you are?”

A Tibetan monk? Do monks wear masks? “I’m C-Carrie.”

The monk’s eyes squinted. “Carrie.” He spoke her name as if testing it. Soon after, the lines near his eyes softened. “That’s a lovely name.”

“Is-is this a trick?”

“Of course not.”

“You must do more than reassure her.” Baki drew their attention as he remained by the entrance. “Lama Jago, this child will need your support to move forward from her hellish life. I believe she will find the courage deep within herself. Live well, child. May peace and happiness be with you.”

Carrie raised her hand. “Wait.”

Baki paused mid-step. “Yes?”

“Who are you?”

“Just a wanderer, nothing more.”

As Baki turned away, Carrie caught a faint glow in his right eye. Was it sunlight or something else? She, alongside Jago, stared at the older man vanishing into the horizon. She couldn’t help feeling a strange affinity, as if she had met him before. Pushing the thought aside, she prepared for life in the Tiger Shrine.