“How do you speak of consummation while my heart weighs so heavy with grief?” I pulled my hand away from his.
“Ishel...” Kinich took my hand again. This time I did not attempt to pull away. “I do not wish to cut your wounds deeper than they already are.” He hooked his finger under my chin and lifted my gaze to meet his. “I would never do anything to hurt you.”
My muscles relaxed and a faint smile brushed over my lips. “I know.” It was one of the many reasons I loved him.
“But soon you must return to your...” He suppressed a smile and tugged on a lock of my hair, “chores, and give life to the middleworld again.” He glanced at the beaten village. “That or your mortals may drown in yet another great flood.” His eyebrow arched.
I pursed my lips, but despite my effort, a giggle bubbled to the surface. “My mother was never so angry with my father than when he drowned the world in water. It nearly wiped out the humans and every animal in this realm.”
“I remember.” He slid his arms around my waist and brushed his lips against my cheek. “All over allowing mortals to have more than one child.”
“Honestly, what did he expect? He wed the goddess of fertility.”
“You know...” His voice was a whisper in my ear. “I often wonder what our children will look like.”
Kinich’s smile washed over me, but the moment of peace was short-lived. I gripped the fabric of his clothing and lay my cheek against his chest. “How I miss my father. I do not know if I can bear to watch him suffer like this much longer.”
Kinich stood, strong and still. His silence did not alarm me until the moment had stretched on longer than normal. I pulled back and examined the sharpness of his jaw and his stiff brow. “What is it?”
Kinich placed a kiss on my forehead. “Other than losing you to Nacon, there is only one thing I cannot stand.” He grazed my cheek with the back of his hand. “I cannot stand and watch the middleworld wither under your broken heart.”
“I know. And I am trying. It will just take time.”
“Time is one thing the mortals do not have.”
“What else can I do? My father mourns me as if my soul has become one with the breeze.”
“And that is why we should return to the heavens, and you to your father.”
I shook my head. “You said yourself it is no longer an option.”
“I will face Nacon and win your hand. To the death if that is what it takes.”
I shook my head. “My father will not allow—”
Kinich let out a burst of heat and light that blazed all around me. “Your father cannot decide whom I love,” he demanded. The heat from his skin dulled as his sharp eyes softened. “I will love as the mortals.” He leaned in and brushed his lips against mine. My eyes fluttered shut. “Fearlessly and without limitations.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
I held Kinich’s hand as we walked through our home realm above the middleworld. With each step the dead grass splintered and broke beneath my feet. The heavens were so different than the last time we were there.
The rolling hills were no longer plush and green, and the budding cherry trees stood grey and beaten, as if they were petrified and frozen in time.
“Have the heavens been destroyed?” Kinich said softly.
I swallowed, unable to answer. I had never seen the realm so dark and lifeless.
“Father?” My voice was the only noise in the eerie silence. No chirping of birds or Maidens fluttering about. Only the distant whisper of the winds in a void of devastation.
A chill ran over my shoulders and wound down my spine. Who could do such a thing?
“Ishel?”
I spun to see my father, whose eyes were so dim, my heart nearly crumbled under the sight. I shifted closer to Kinich. He wound his arm around my waist and pushed out his chin. The statement of his action spoke volumes.
He would not leave the heavens without me.
“We thought...” My father glanced at Kinich, and then back at me. “We thought we would never see you again.”
“We?” I searched around us, but there was no one. Nothing. “What happened here?”
“I should ask you. It is your responsibility to tend to the flowers, both here and in the mortal’s realm. When they withered, you were not here to raise the seedlings. Nacon and I feared the worst.”
Nacon.
I twined my fingers with Kinich’s and squared my shoulders, reminded of the purpose of our return. “Father, we must speak about Nacon.”
Father smiled, a sad sort of smile. The blue in his eyes swirled as they did each time he spoke about my mother. “We need not speak of him. The important thing is you are home, and you are safe.”
“Home?” I shook my head. “No. I have not returned home.” His features hardened and the warmth in his gaze faded. “Father, can you not see the wreckage my engagement to Nacon has caused me?” I squeezed Kinich’s hand. “To us? I do not love Nacon. I will not marry him.” I held my father’s gaze. “I refuse. And you will not force me.”
The clouds overhead shuddered. My father stood in silence. My chest tightened while I waited for his reply. Instead, his focus shifted to the scenery behind me. He scanned the bare hills and half-rotted trees. The lines in his forehead smoothed and his tight lips softened.
“I will treat her with the kindness of a mother and the patience of a saint.” Kinich let go of my hand and stepped toward my father. “There is no condition or exception to my adoration for your daughter, and if not for my sake, then for hers. Please, allow us to wed.”
My bottom lip trembled. We had kept our romance a secret for so long...
My father’s heavy gaze rested on me. I prepared to defend my case. Our love. “Father—”
“No.” His tone had turned dangerous. “I will not listen to another word.”
“But father, please.” My voice cracked.
“Enough!” The clouds opened and a downpour fell over us. My father gently brushed a raindrop from my cheek and smiled softly. “You will never know the woe in a father’s heart when he sees his daughter weep.”
I blinked as more rain fell, weighing my hair heavy over my shoulders.
“I could not bear to watch you live in such sorrow.” Father nodded. “If it is Kinich you truly yearn for, it is he you shall have.”
I exhaled and smiled at Kinich, who mirrored my joy.
“Do you jest, Father?” I held my breath, waiting, praying.
“Jest?” The downpour ceased and the sun broke through the thick layer of clouds. “If your mother were here, she would attest I was never one for jesting. And I could not live knowing I robbed you of the same love I once experienced with her. If this is truly your heart’s desire, the only thing that will make you happy, I dare not stand in the way.” He turned nodded at Kinich a single time. “It seems you and I have much to discuss.”
I smiled, a real smile, for the first time in months. As I walked to Kinich’s side, new sprouts of grass sprung from under my feet. The trees transformed, dressed in bright pink blooms. The rolling hills returned to waves of green.
Kinich cupped my face with his hands. I rested my hands over his and smiled. “Fearlessly and without limitations,” I whispered.
My stomach clenched and a heavy weight settled in my chest. It was the same reaction I had every time Nacon was near.
I turned to see the glint of Nacon’s sword over the horizon.
Kinich rested his hand on the small of my back. “Don’t worry. Your father is a good man, and he will keep his word. Nacon will stand down. He has no choice.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
Nacon charged forward. Strands of black hair flew wild around his dark features. His eyes were flooded with wrath. The armor he wore shimmered as he withdrew his sword. The blade gleamed.
I clung to Kinich’s arm and looked to my father for aid. “Do something.”
“Stand back,” my father said. “Nacon may be a decent man, but he is one of action before th
ought. Let us not prey on his weaknesses and lure him into unnecessary conflict.”
“Kinich!” The air trembled with Nacon’s roar. He pointed his sword at Kinich’s chest from a distance. “We will end this now!”
“Peace, Nacon.” My father stepped in front of us and extended his hand. “The decision was mine, and we shall resolve this like men.”
“You,” Nacon seethed, “are not a man. Perhaps you have forgotten your role in this universe. Kings keep their word and do not betray another gods trust.”
My chest tightened with every inch Nacon grew closer. His pace only quickened, and within a moment he was just feet away.
Nacon raised his sword above his head and cut the blade through the air. Kinich pushed me aside and leapt back. I stumbled and clung to my father, who quickly moved me behind him. “Nacon!” My father’s voice echoed around us, but it made no difference. The feral hate seeping from Nacon was raw and harsh, and it was apparent he would not be satisfied until Kinich’s blood stained the ground.
Kinich generated his ax of flames and circled Nacon. “It does not have to be this way. Ishel’s father has given allowance for us to wed.”
“That allowance is mine!” Nacon charged forward and lunged at Kinich. The weapons clashed and sparks flew from Nacon’s sword as it scraped down Kinich’s weapon.
Kinich crouched and swung the ax at Nacon’s ankles. Nacon jumped out of the way and brought his blade down, only to be stopped by Kinich’s blazing ax head. He threw Nacon’s weapon back and sliced across Nacon’s gut.
Nacon shouted and stumbled backward, his hand pressed against his wound. Silver blood leaked between his fingers and dripped to the ground. He slowly lifted his head and studied Kinich, who was poised and ready for battle.
“I did not wish to kill you in front of Ishel,” Nacon said as he slowly rose to his feet. There was no indication the wound had weakened him—only angered him. “But you have left me no choice.”
“No!” I lunged forward. My father caught me around the waist and pulled me back. “Let me go,” I screamed, struggling to break free from my father’s iron grasp.
Nacon charged Kinich, who spun and counterattacked. Nacon grabbed Kinich by the wrist and twisted his arm. Kinich shouted, and Nacon threw him to the ground. Kinich rolled and brought up his ax. Nacon’s heavy boot slammed into his chest, knocking the air from Kinich’s lungs. Nacon slid his iron-toed boot to Kinich’s throat.
Kinich swung his ax again, but trapped under Nacon’s foot, his strength was hindered. Nacon struck Kinich’s ax with his sword, ripping it out of Kinich’s hands and throwing it to the ground.
Nacon pressed the tip of his sword against Kinich’s throat.
“Nacon, please!” I lunged forward again, but my father’s will to hold me in place was too great.
It was the only moment in my life I hated my father.
Kinich froze beneath the blade. Nacon pressed the tip into his skin. Blood bubbled and pooled in the curve of Kinich’s throat and spilt onto his golden cloak. Ugly stains of silver streaked his garment.
“No!” In a burst of action I tore out of my father’s hold and ran to Kinich’s side. I fell to my knees and hovered my hands around the razor sharp blade. I held my breath, staring at the tip, already driven into Kinich’s skin. “Please, Nacon. You cannot kill him.”
In a moment of silence, the tip of Nacon’s sword slowly lifted from its deadly place. I exhaled, but dared not believe Nacon was satisfied. If I could just ease their rage, perhaps I could convince them no more blood would be spilled.
“Nacon...” I eased back, Kinich still lying on the ground beside me. “This is not his fault. If you want to lay blame, I am—”
Kinich rolled away and snatched his ax off the ground.
Nacon acted fast—but I was faster.
I leapt at Kinich and lay over him. Nacon’s blade was coming too fast. I extended my hands out and shouted, “No!”
The blade struck my hands and sharp, scathing pain tore through my skin. Warm liquid spilled from my palms and rolled down my arms.
Nacon gasped and sheathed his sword. His cold hands cradled mine, and before I could react, he had lifted me into his arms and rested me onto the cool ground. “Ishel...” The sharpness in his eyes faded. “I may never forgive myself.”
My hands shook as I sat on the ground just feet from Kinich. I tilted my face to his and searched his eyes. “Why do you torture me so, Nacon? Do you hate me so much that you wish to see me miserable and bleeding?” He stooped beside me in silence. I shook my head “Do you not see that I do not love you?”
He tore strips of fabric from his shirt and wrapped my hands. “I do not hate you, Ishel.” Nacon’s voice softened. He paused while dressing my wounds. “And I am not blind.” His hand trembled. It was so slight, I would not have noticed if he weren’t touching me. “Do you not see what you have done to me?” He raised his gaze to mine. “Do you not see that you have ruined me?” He tied a knot with the fabric around the back of my hand. The sharp pain made me flinch. “A man like me cannot afford to love. It has softened my heart...”
“Nacon...” My throat tightened. “You and I have grown up together, side by side, from the time we were mere children. You have never shown anything more than the very essence of your creation. The hatred and wrath you feed into the hearts of men. Why now?”
We paid little attention to my father, who knelt beside Kinich and tended to his wounds. I knew, at least for the moment, my questions were keeping peace—and keeping Kinich safe from Nacon’s sword.
Nacon dropped his head. I reached up and pushed strands of hair away from his face. He gently cradled my hand and placed a kiss on my fingertips. I wanted to pull away, but my hands hurt so badly, I dared not risk the pain. “I have always admired you, Ishel. From the moment your hair grew long and your cheeks blushed, I have longed for you.”
I searched his face. “Yet you said nothing all this time.”
“I could not.” He glanced at his sword. “Not when I knew how you thought of me. Or, perhaps, how little you thought of me.”
I stole a glimpse at Kinich, who had gained his footing and now stood beside my father. There was no doubt now that Kinich had recovered, he would continue the fight. I had to find a way...give a real reason not to allow this conflict to continue.
I swallowed and leaned in closer to Nacon. “I am sorry for your heartache, but I have heartache of my own. I cannot think of myself any longer. Not when I now have another life to protect.”
Nacon’s head snapped up.
I gently rested my hand on my belly. “Please,” I whispered. “Do not slay the father of my child.”
Nacon froze for a moment, then pushed to his feet. He stared down at me in such a way I have never seen in a man or immortal—in such a way that made me want to vanish into the earth, never to return.
“Your child?”
I shook my head. “I have not told him.” I glanced at Kinich. “Please.”
“Your child?” The tone of his voice grew loud and harsh. He spun to Kinich, who watched me with wide eyes.
“Ishel...” Kinich stepped toward me, but Nacon stopped him with his sword.
Kinich froze.
“I should kill you where you stand,” Nacon seethed. His hand trembled as he held the sword to Kinich’s throat. “But as an act of mercy, I will not.”
I exhaled and pushed to my feet, my hand still spread over my belly. New life stirred within. I had sensed it from the day the child was conceived. Though tiny and delicate, it was there, and now, thanks to Nacon’s unexpected kindness, my child would have a father.
“Thank you, Nacon,” I said softly.
Nacon peered over his shoulder at me. This time, his eyes were as cold as steel. “Do not thank me, Ishel. Do not thank me.”
Nacon gripped Kinich by his shroud. “I will not kill you, but I will banish you. You shall never return to the heavens.” Nacon drove his sword into Kinich’s gut. The blade impaled him
, silver blood staining the grass beside his feet.
My scream carried through the air and shook the heavens. Every tree and blade of grass instantly turned to ash. A fierce wind swept the entire hillside away. The air filled with darkness, as did my heart.
I blinked as flakes of ash landed on my lashes.
“I banish you from the heavens,” Nacon commanded. “Now go, before the life drains from your body. Go, and never return.”
Kinich watched me with parted lips and desperation in his eyes.
He reached out to me.
I blinked, and he was gone.
CHAPTER NINE
Over the next few months in the middleworld, spring turned to summer, and summer turned to fall. I continued to grow new trees for the mortals and collect the fallen petals of wilted flowers as my belly swelled with new life.
Never again would I return to the heavens. I could not bear to see Nacon, or my father. Nor could I walk the hills in which Kinich and I made love, and spent the finest of days talking and laughing together.
His wounds were too dire, and he would surely die if he left the safety of the sun in which he reigned.
What pained me the most was that Kinich had been right all along. I should have taken the opportunity while it was still within my grasp. I should have loved as the mortals—fearlessly and without limitations.
Now I would, but it would be our child who I would hold and adore. Our baby deserved to know its father, even if only through stories, and by playing with rays of sunlight in the afternoon breeze.
Still, Kinich would never hold our child, and never again would I feel the warmth of his breath or the strength of his arms cradling me against his chest. Still, I felt his presence with me. Around me. He continued to shower my flowers with sun that warmed my shoulders. Kinich continued to spread joy to the middleworld, just as when he stood beside me.
Ishel (The Stone Legacy Series, #1) Page 3