He set a bowl of oil on the floor before her, and Mariah shrank back, knowing what was to come. He threw several of her long hairs into it and, then taking a brand from the fireplace, lit the bowl. Mariah could not hold back her screams.
***
Ka’í sat in the world of dreams, absently stroking the crest of Si’a. She had asked the gods for redemption and they had not seen fit to answer. She should have known better than to ask for something for herself. When she had instead asked for a chance to help her people, the Gods had shown her how.
Why me? she asked her companion.
Sun sky warmth burn burn burn, he responded, lifting into the air and playfully nipping at her hair.
Ka’í sighed. She had asked to be of use to her people, as recompense for abandoning her living daughter, but this was a hard task they’d given her. It would cost her life, no doubt.
But my life was forfeit when I chose Ouktaa, and I suppose it is a gift to know the way of your death. She watched the grasses dance in the gentle breeze, taking comfort in the surety of their pattern. What a simple life grass lived. Do you think she’ll ever forgive me? she asked Si’a.
Jaguar loves Moon, raise rise rise.
Ka’í stood at the dark entrance to Ouktaa which loomed, flanked by those unnatural pillars. It seemed to watch her. She shuddered at the thought of the lives he had consumed. Of those he would consume. The vision the gods had sent was clear: Ka’í had another child to bear. But there was solace to be found in the life of that child, for she would grow and live and do great things full of purpose. Even her death would have a purpose. Her very bones would have purpose.
Ka’í’s body stirred in her sleep. She held out her hand for Si’a, who chirruped and settled himself into the tu’uma figurine, and the dream world faded around her. It was time to wake. She had a destiny to face.
Acknowledgments
I have to take a moment to give a huge “thank you!” to everyone who helped in the creation of this book. I greatly appreciate all the help from my alpha and beta readers who help to make this story work and who always give wonderful advice and encouragement: Sherrie Lynn Clarke, Blane Roskelley, Jennifer Mower, Ken Fink, Ben Winterton, and David Fink.
Many thanks to my cover artist, Joelle Douglass, who was amazing to work with and, as always, did a fantastic job bringing my characters to life, as well as the people at Writers Anarchy for all their amazing help with pretty much everything.
Most especially, endless thanks to my husband, Jason, for his support, patience, love, and willingness to engage in all my random conversations. I don’t know where I’d be without you.
Look for more from
Miguel, Mariah, & Elisa
Spring 2020
Aeonian Dreams (Zyanya Cycle Book 2) Page 26