The bitter taste of bile rose to the back of Aiyana’s throat and she took a slow breath through her nose to calm her stomach. “The ixiptla,” she murmured. “The sacrifice that was dressed as the Black God.” She took in his ceremonial garb, every piece of gold now shining at her like an accusation.
“The priests tried to make it sound like an honor.” Tenoch spat on the ground, his nose wrinkling in disgust. “Live like a god for a full year—then have your heart cut out and your flayed skin worn by next year’s sacrifice! I told them I would have no part in it, but one of the priests claimed I had no choice. I was too perfect, too handsome. The sacrifice had to be chosen among the prisoners of war that were available and none of the other men possessed the qualities necessary to represent their god. To choose any other man as the ixiptla would be an insult, he claimed.” He faltered, swallowing hard. “And so I was kept.” He glared at Saamal as if he could kill him with only his stare. “Don’t you dare speak of civic duty and sacrifices lining up to die for their people. Your barbarism does not deserve such a pretty face.”
Aiyana waited for Saamal to defend himself, needing him to defend himself. He remained silent, sadness etched in the lines of his face and all traces of his earlier humor gone.
“Do you have anything to say?” she asked quietly. She started to step closer to him, then remembered that the connection between them grew stronger the closer they were. She wavered on her feet for a moment and settled back as she had been.
Saamal’s face fell further. He shook his head slowly. “You will be queen someday, Aiyana. I have told you my side, given you my perspective on what is done for our people and our land. Tenoch is entitled to be heard as well, and now you have his story.” He met Tenoch’s eyes. “I have no excuse for what was done to you, no defense. It should not have happened, and after I found out what had happened, the priest who was responsible for ignoring your refusal gave his own life to make amends. I am only sorry it is beyond my power to give back to you what was taken.”
“My life!” Tenoch shouted.
The skin around Saamal’s eyes tightened. “Yes.” He faced Aiyana. “You have all the information I have to give you. It is for you to decide how to proceed.”
Aiyana blinked at him, shocked to her very core. “You—a god—would stand there and be judged. You would listen to what is blasphemy to your ears and…wait for me to form an opinion? You would stand there while I go to the fairy and give up half your power—forever?”
A wry smile tugged at the corner of Saamal’s mouth. “A century ago it would not have been so,” he admitted. “Back then I was much more…determined, in my pursuit of what was right, more unforgiving to those I believed violated our people or our laws.” He glanced at Tenoch. “Perhaps you would like to tell Aiyana about the rest of the prophecy you seem so educated on?”
Tenoch grew sullen, fading until he was little more than a light mist, until his features were nearly impossible to make out. He crossed his arms and huddled in on himself, sulking like a child. Aiyana stepped closer to him, hope rising in her chest.
“Well?” she demanded. “Is there information you’re keeping from me?”
For several minutes the ghost remained silent, his form flickering, threatening to fade away completely. Aiyana’s heart pounded, her mind running wild thinking of what the prophecy might have announced that would ease the accusations standing against Saamal. Just as Aiyana was starting to believe he would never answer, and was about to whirl around and demand Saamal tell her what he knew, the ghost sighed.
“The prophecy said that you would soothe the Black God, that with you as his wife, the Lord of Near and Nigh would find balance.”
“Balance? I don’t understand. How? What am I supposed to do?”
Saamal shifted on his feet. “Since sharing my power with you, I have lacked the strength to handle things in the fashion I had become accustomed.”
“He means he wasn’t the strongest being alive anymore and he couldn’t simply destroy anyone who disagreed with him,” Tenoch interrupted viciously.
“Let him speak.” Aiyana shot him a stern look, jabbing a finger in his direction. “You had your time to talk, allow him his.”
“No, he is correct,” Saamal admitted. “My enemies are very powerful, and without my full powers, I am no match for them. I was forced to retreat, to maintain a low profile and concentrate what power I had on what was most important. For several decades, I searched for more power, for a way to bolster myself until such time that I would be strong enough once again to face those who wished to see me destroyed.” Saamal tilted his head, his eyes seeming to stare at something far away. “I found no such power, but perhaps something better. I was among my people, truly among my people, in a way I had not been in the past. I heard them, saw the day to day experience of their lives. I learned patience, a virtue I would never have been accused of possessing when I had my full abilities. I cannot bend the wind to my will, but I can listen to what it says. I cannot look into the polished obsidian of my mirror and see the future, but I can follow the instinct inside me that guides me to be at the right place at the right time.” He shook his head, his gaze clearing again. “I am more in tune to the land and my people than I have ever been, and I have you to thank for that.”
“And how long will that last if Aiyana marries you and you have all that power back?” the ghost demanded. “How long until you go back to using brute force to make the world as you want it, to make your people what you want them to be?”
“I cannot judge him for what has not happened yet.” The words were out of Aiyana’s mouth before she realized she intended to say them. She glanced at Saamal, her breath catching at the bemused quirk of his eyebrow. She tamped down on the sudden urge to go to him, to press against him until the connection between them thrummed with life. This was not the time.
“I cannot predict the future—anymore. But I will never forget the lessons this century has taught me.”
Saamal’s eyes darkened and he studied her with an intensity that raised goosebumps on her flesh.
“I will never forget you,” he said softly.
Aiyana gripped the edges of her cloak, holding on to the familiar material, grounding herself. She was confused by her own emotions, by everything she’d learned in such a short time. “You are nothing like I was told.”
“I am nothing like I was.” Saamal ran a hand through his hair. “I truly believed that I knew what was best for my people, and I did what was best for my people no matter what the cost. Perhaps the power I had did blind me. I was so busy doing what was best for my people that I didn’t see the effect my actions had on individuals.” He snorted. “That may have been my greatest mistake when I planned our marriage. The prophecy convinced me that marrying you would bring me more power. In my mind, that meant more power for our people, more power for our land. It was the right thing to do, and so I bade it happen. Perhaps if I had been more considerate of individuals, if I had approached your parents as any other suitor would have, with respect and humility…” His voice grew thick and his attention fell to the ground. “Perhaps they would not have hated me so much that they turned their back on me, on Cipactli. Perhaps they wouldn’t have tried so hard to poison you against me.”
“You’ve gone a long way in repairing my impression of you.” Aiyana stepped closer and put a hand on his shoulder, giving him a reassuring squeeze. “I appreciate that you’ve been honest with me, that you want me to make my own decision.”
Saamal swayed into her grip, pressing more firmly against her hand as he met her eyes. “Whatever you decide, it must be your choice. My days of using brute force to give my people what they need are over.”
Tenoch snorted in disgust. “Don’t tell me you’ve let him talk you around to his side? Do you really intend to continue slaughtering your own people to satisfy a bargain he made with a monster at the beginning of time?”
The ghost’s voice reminded Aiyana that she and Saamal were not
alone. She faced the specter, forcing herself to look at his scars, to remember what they meant. “What happened to you is inexcusable. You have every right to be furious, every right to hate those responsible. Know that I will do everything in my power to make certain it doesn’t happen again.”
She faced Saamal. “I’ve heard what you have to say and I will consider it. You’re right, if I am to be a good queen to my people, I cannot block them out just because they say something that is hard for me to hear. And Cipactli’s sacrifice must not be ignored or forgotten. I will…try to accept that there are those in my kingdom who may wish to sacrifice themselves, who want to honor Cipactli’s sacrifice in that manner.” She clenched her hands into fists and straightened her spine, fixing Saamal with a serious look. “But should that practice continue, there must be safety measures in place to ensure that the sacrifice is truly willing.”
Saamal bowed. “Agreed.”
There was another snort of disgust and Aiyana turned in time to see Tenoch vanish, his ghostly form dispersing like smoke in the wind. Her heart ached, wishing there was something she could do for him. Unfortunately, the time when Tenoch could be helped was passed. He was a spirit—
Aiayan froze. “Saamal?”
“Yes?”
“What Tenoch said about the Dreamworld, about me being asleep under that curse… Is that all true as well?”
“Yes.” His voice was more subdued this time, sad.
Aiyana found him watching her with shadows in his dark eyes. She stepped closer to him, her heart pounding. “You managed to travel here, but you are under no curse. Can you take me back to the…physical plane with you?”
Pain etched itself in lines across Saamal’s face. “I wish that I could. I have been trying to wake you for so long.” He closed his eyes for several long moments before opening them and meeting her gaze. “I have failed for over a century.”
“Doesn’t the prophecy say anything about how to end the spell?” Aiyana paced back and forth, sticks snapping under her heavy stride.
“Only that the kiss of Death will wake you.”
Aiyana’s heart nearly stopped and she halted abruptly, whirling to face Saamal. “I have to die?” Her throat had gone dry, and the words rasped from her lips.
Saamal met her eyes, silent confidence heavy in his stare. “No, you do not have to die. I am Death.”
Heat rose to Aiyana’s cheeks as her traitorous mind ran away with her, lost in the images that sprang to her mind. “Oh. So…you’re saying you have to kiss me?” Her voice was breathless and her cheeks burned hotter in embarrassment.
A smile tugged at Saamal’s mouth. “Yes.” He cleared his throat, confidence momentarily faltering. “Actually, I have tried to wake you with a kiss,” he admitted. His shoulders drooped and he rubbed the palm of one hand against the center of his chest. “I am obviously not worthy yet. You remain asleep despite numerous attempts.”
Aiyana’s heart pounded in her chest. Numerous attempts? Why did that thought please her? “Or perhaps you need to kiss me here, in the Dreamworld.” The words tumbled from her lips without conscious thought and her eyes widened.
Saamal jerked his head up, his eyes flashing crimson like the flicker of firelight over polished black stone. Something about the expression on his face, the sudden surge of energy in the air, made things low in Aiyana’s body tighten. The connection between them hummed, taking her breath away.
“Perhaps you’re right.” His voice was rougher, deeper than it had been a moment ago.
Aiyana’s heart leapt into her throat as he approached her, every movement graceful, powerful, as if the jaguar spirit inside him controlled his movements. His eyes never left her, dark orbs boring into her as if he could see her soul, the intensity of his gaze twisting things inside her, filling her with strange heat. Her blood grew hot and she found herself moving forward as well, not wanting to wait any longer than she had to.
She’d meant to stop when she reached him, to let him take her in his arms and kiss her. But as she grew closer, the need inside her grew stronger, more insistent. The energy roiled and crackled, urging her to move faster. Her steps quickened and she half threw herself into his arms, wrapping her arms around his neck as soon as she could reach him, and pressing the curves of her body against the firm lines of his.
A growl that sounded like appreciation rumbled in Saamal’s throat, sending delicious vibrations down his body to thrum against hers. A second later, his mouth crashed down on hers, stealing her breath and sending her tumbling into a whirlwind of sensation.
It was her first kiss, but Aiyana had no time to feel awkward or embarrassed, no mind to be self-conscious. The heat of Saamal’s mouth melted against her lips, driving the need inside her to a frenzy. She parted her lips, welcoming him in, her tongue dueling with his as he invaded her mouth. Sparks lit up her nerves, and her head swam as Saamal’s arms rose to close around her like a vice.
A small sound escaped her throat, somewhere between a gasp and a moan. It seemed to drive Saamal further in his desire and he tightened his grip and ate at her mouth with renewed fervor. His body trembled as if fighting with himself not to throw her down, and a sharp spike of arousal sliced through her, making her press harder against him, wanting to be closer. The power inside them churned, rolling from his body to hers and back like a warm ocean of energy.
Sounds grew sharper, scents grew stronger. An awareness that she couldn’t explain filled Aiyana’s mind. As Saamal held her against him, Aiyana felt as though she were flying. In that moment, she could do anything. Saamal’s thickly muscled thigh shifted, sliding between her legs and a sharp flash of pleasure arced through Aiyana. She tore her mouth from his, crying out as her body tried to drive itself closer to him, seeking more of the wondrous sensations he had to offer.
Her eyes met his. The obsidian orbs had changed, deepened. They were bottomless, neverending. She stared into his eyes and felt herself falling, felt herself being swallowed up by the infinite darkness. She swayed in his arms.
“Aiyana.”
Saamal’s voice seemed to come from far away. Aiyana blinked, gradually realizing that she’d slumped in his arms, that he was holding her, keeping her from sliding to the ground. He stroked her hair back and her eyes fluttered closed. She smiled and reached up without looking, brushing her hands through his hair, reveling in the freedom to touch him, the bond she’d sensed between them from the beginning seeming stronger.
They were both breathing heavy, hearts still pounding in the wake of their kiss. Aiyana opened her eyes, slowly regaining her feet. Saamal’s arms tensed around her, as if he were fighting to make himself release her and she chuckled. She leaned up and placed another soft kiss on his mouth.
“Were you trying to entrance me?” she whispered against his lips, teasing.
Saamal’s breath caught as she continued to kiss along his jaw. He shook his head, trying twice to speak before any sound came out. “No,” he rasped. “I…forgot that touching you increased my power. It has been a while since I’ve had this much…” He rolled his head, pressing his mouth against her jaw, heat singing her nerves. “Forgive me.”
“I suppose.” Aiyana tilted her head back to allow him better access. Saamal’s teeth grazed over her skin and she moaned as the fresh wave of shivers that raced down her spine. She tightened her fingers on his shoulders, relishing the strength of the muscles bunching under her grip. Saamal groaned and drew her closer, tightening his embrace.
“Does this mean I haven’t woken up?” Aiyana tried to focus past the dizzying sensations in her mind. She glanced around, blinking at the trees. Nothing looked any different. “We’re still here. I’m still here. Does that mean I’m still sleeping?”
Saamal pressed his forehead to hers, his attention hovering on her mouth. “Perhaps. Or perhaps I must return to the physical world and see if I can awaken you now.”
“With a kiss?” Aiyana teased, rubbing her cheek against his.
Saamal’s grin
widened. “Yes.”
Suddenly Aiyana’s shoulders drooped and she pulled back, a sudden realization draining away the pleasant fuzziness of a few moments ago. “You’re leaving me now then. Leaving me in this…false world.” Pressure pressed against her from all sides, as if the air itself grew thicker, tried to smother her. None of what she saw was real. Saamal nuzzled the side of her face, but the gesture had lost its warmth for her. It was as if she could already feel him pulling away, leaving her behind.
“Not a false world, Aiyana.” Saamal took her chin in his grip, tilted her face up to meet his. His eyes were dark, but they were no longer the bottomless pits she’d fallen into earlier. “This world is an echo of the physical, a realm more malleable, but still very real. And I will not rest until you are able to wake in the physical world, until you are able to meet your subjects and let them see how terribly lucky they are.”
Beautiful Salvation Page 10