Out of the Shadows: Shadow Warrioes, Book 1

by Gabriella Hewitt

  The fire serpent roared in anger and twisted and turned. Its head came down to snap at Tomás. Those sharp, glistening teeth came closer, ever closer, and drops of acid hit his body, burning down to the bone. He refused to let go.

  Without his spirit mate, he would be lost to the world in his animal form. If one of them had to die this day, let it be him.

  Carolina scrambled up to her feet in time to see Tomás launch himself at Xiuhcoatl. Heart in her throat, she saw his powerful jaws lock on the fire serpent’s long body.

  The dragon-like head snapped at the wolf clinging to its neck, but couldn’t seem to get the right angle to wrap its jaws around the animal. Acid drops hit Tomás’s skin, scorching the fur.

  She called up her power and felt it fizzle. Instead of falling into bed with the shadow warrior, she should have replenished herself. She was foolish and surely Chica considered her unfit to be a guardian, but Carolina would remain to fight. Desperately she scanned for water. The river bed mocked her with its sandy bottom.

  The smell of burning flesh made her sick to her stomach.

  Carolina spun, looking for the tiniest drop of water, anything. Sunlight glinted off her goddess. Chica smiled gently, then melted into a puddle, quickly drying up in the blazing desert heat. Carolina dropped to her knees and stared at the pale reflection of Chica in the small concentration of water.

  “I’m sorry, Chica. I failed you.”

  “You are the only one who can save us, daughter. You are the strongest guardian to be born. You bear my husband’s mark. Use it.”

  Carolina didn’t understand, but she didn’t have time. She dipped her fingers into the circle of water and stood. Power flooded through her.

  Her body vibrated as she flung every ounce of her power at the fiery serpent. Water slammed into the creature’s eyes, temporarily blinding it. The serpent roared its displeasure and shook its body, streams of smoke billowing around its head. Still it was not enough.

  She wiped the sweat on her forehead with her forearm, needing every drop of liquid at her disposal. Her veins thrummed with the power of Chica, building to a crescendo. She could do this. She had been destined for this.

  She raised her hands once more and focused on the area below the serpent’s jaw. The creature ignored her, completely intent on dislodging Tomás, who stubbornly refused to release his grip. She felt her power heighten to a level she had never before achieved. She let loose a narrow stream of water, shaping it until it was the width of a spear and just as lethal. It stabbed the serpent in the neck.

  Blood spurted. The serpent hissed.

  She quickly moved several feet away and aimed another blast, constantly moving after each one, creating a bloody ring around the serpent’s neck. Every shot had to count. She had only so much water in her arsenal. The serpent attempted to spit fire at her, but the barrage went wild and singed a patch of sand instead.

  The serpent swayed in the air, head bent, black ooze creating trails down its long neck.

  It appeared they had a momentary reprieve.

  The wolf released its prey and dropped to the ground. Burned patches of skin marked its body and blood streamed down its torso. Ears back and tail tucked between its legs, the wolf growled and bared its teeth at her.

  She searched the golden eyes for signs of Tomás and found none. She dropped to her knees and reached out her hand. The animal snapped at her. Frightened, yet determined to get him back, she extended her hand once again with her palm up. The wolf eyed her warily.

  “Tomás, I know you’re in there. I’m sorry. I never meant to hurt you. If your soul truly calls to mine, hear my cries of sorrow. Please forgive me for not trusting in you, for not believing in the possibility of us.” Tears spilled down the sides of her cheek and fell into her open palm. “Come back to me, Tomás. Your spirit mate needs you.”

  The scent of water tickled his nose. Its purity flooded his body and mind. Deep within, Tomás awakened.

  Poison from the fire serpent attacked his organs, the toxin more potent than any he had ever suffered before. His wolf struggled to stay in control. But above it all, Tomás breathed in Carolina. Her words left him shaken and aware of his own culpability. He had given his spirit mate no time to understand.

  And there was no time now as Xiuhcoatl, recovering, reared back to attack.

  “Macuahuitl!” Tomás shouted to the skies above as he simultaneously shifted. His sword manifested in his hand. He half stumbled, half ran towards the large beast, and with two hands, gripped the heavy sword and swung it at the base of the serpent. The sword cut through nerves and bone, but he didn’t have the strength to carry the blow across to slice the creature in two.

  The fiery serpent reared back, a scream rising up from its throat, and let loose a torrent of fire that blackened the ground. Tomás dove out of the way, landing with a jolt, the sandy ground jarring his already battered body. He struggled to his feet and observed Carolina respond with a flood of water aimed straight for Xiuhcoatl’s mouth. She didn’t let up until the fire was doused. The fiery serpent staggered, wheezing puffs of smoke from its nose and mouth.

  “Now, Tomás!”

  Tomás brought his sword up, only to fall to his knees. He felt his strength waning and railed at the timing. He had to protect his spirit mate. “Carolina,” he choked. His vision swam. He couldn’t maintain a grip on his weapon, and then the sand was rising up to meet his face.

  Carolina ran to Tomás. She reached for the weapon, only to find its heft more than she could lift. “Chica, help me, please.” Energy flowed through her veins, and with both hands she picked up the weapon.

  When she turned, she saw the serpent bearing down on her, the wounds on its neck still oozing blood. Her heart pounded, but she refused to give in to fear, and so she held position. Timing was everything. And what she planned was risky.

  When she judged the distance close enough, she hauled back and threw the sword at the creature. As soon as it left her hand, she called up her power over water and let loose a stream that carried the blade straight up and buried it in the serpent’s throat.

  The serpent reared and hissed, shaking itself from side to side.

  The macuahuitl fell to the ground. Black smoke surrounded the serpent, spreading outward until it was impossible to see.

  Carolina coughed and her eyes watered. What was the serpent up to now? Her water was nearly depleted and she was out of ideas.

  The smoke swirled and then began to slither into a crack in the ground. It moved with reptilian speed until the last tendril disappeared beneath the earth.

  They had defeated the enemy—for now.

  She glanced over at Tomás and a cry escaped her lips.

  She dropped to the ground, rolled him over and pulled his head into her lap, cradling him. She had no tears to cry. Every ounce of water was gone. Only a few drops remained of her goddess.

  They had defeated the serpent, but at what cost?

  “Tomás, you must hang on. Tell me how to help you.”

  His eyes fluttered open. The color shifted from amber to gold and back. His body shuddered and a sheen of sweat coated his skin. “Poison in the blood. It is too late for me.” His breath came out shallow and pain creased his features. His hand reached up, shaking, and touched her cheek.

  “Tell me what to do. I can get a healer. I can call for help.”

  Tomás smiled. “My warrior. My spirit mate. I was wrong before. You are everything I have ever dreamed of. You gave me back my humanity. You showed me love. I can go to the upperworld in peace now.”

  “No, you can’t go. I need you. And I love you too” She did. Already she felt a hole growing inside her, as if his spirit was slowly retreating from hers.

  Tomás’s eyes closed and his arm fell limp to his side.

  “Tomás! Tomás!” She shook him. He lay motionless in her arms. Chica, a few feet away, was nearly dried up in the sun.

  She’d lost them both.

  She didn’t have the power to sav
e them. She didn’t know how.

  Her tattoo warmed against her shoulder, calling her attention to it. Her head came up and her breath hitched. There was someone who could save them.

  She would be breaking her vow to Chica. But if she did nothing, they would both die.

  Carolina thrust her hand inside her shirt to touch the hummingbird gracing her shoulder.

  She threw her head back and screamed, “Huitzilopochtli!”

  Chapter Eight

  He materialized through the shimmery rays of the sun, walking towards her, tall and striking, all muscle and bronze skin. He wore feathers in his hair, carried a spear and shield, and radiated power with every step.

  A blinding light burst forth and she threw up her arm to block it.

  The heat warmed her, reached inside, spreading through her body as if reading her every thought and action. She didn’t try to prevent it. She couldn’t if she wanted.

  The light retreated and she blinked, letting her eyes adjust. Standing before her was the sun god. She should have shown more respect, but her fear of losing Tomás overrode her sense of humility. She needed Huitzilopochtli’s help.

  “My great god, please, I beg you to save the life of your shadow warrior.”

  His voice boomed loud and strong. “Why should I? He died an honorable death. He has done his duty.” He pointed the tip of the spear at Tomás’s heart. Lightning surged down the shaft of the weapon.

  She flung herself over Tomás. “No!” She couldn’t let him go. Not like this. “He is my spirit mate.”

  The god pulled back his spear.

  She pressed on further, afraid he would change his mind. “All I ever wanted was to find another person to share the burden of the ranch and my secrets. For so long, I believed that I could be an ordinary woman. But I’m not.” She turned her body so that he had a clear view of her tattoo.

  The sun god’s eyes narrowed. “You are a guardian,” he said with little emotion.

  “And a spirit mate.” She watched him, willing him to believe her.

  “Spirit mates are unique, one soul for one soul. They are destined, not made. Perhaps you only think you are spirit mates. In five centuries, none have been found.”

  “No!” Carolina denied vehemently. “I can feel it in here.” She rubbed a palm over her heart. “Tomás and I are destined to be together.”

  “It is too late,” the sun god decreed.

  “It can’t be,” Carolina cried. “I’ll do anything, sacrifice anything. My life for his.”

  “You would do this?”

  “Yes.” A tear rolled down her cheek and fell upon Tomás’s pale cheek. Gently, she brushed it away, absorbing it into her fingertips. She’d thought all the water inside her spent, yet in her pain she managed to still produce a tear. “I am a mere mortal. Tomás is a shadow warrior who fights for all of us in this world. He is needed beyond this lifetime. My life for his.”

  “So be it.”

  The sun god raised his spear to the sky. Carolina braced herself as she glanced down one last time at Tomás’s beloved face. “In this world or the next, I won’t stop fighting. I will always be with you in your heart. I love you, my spirit mate,” she whispered. Light burst forth from the tip of the spear and cracked the sky. Her tattoo pulsed against her skin as if it wanted to take flight. She closed her eyes, prepared to take Tomás’s place in death.

  Fingers lightly caressed her cheek. Carolina’s eyes flew open and she smiled in joy. “Tomás? You’re okay?” She glanced up at the sun god.

  “You sacrificed your soul. The bond between you both is complete.”

  She didn’t quite understand, but she didn’t have time to ask. Tomás levered himself up, got to his feet and helped her stand. His body showed no sign of the brutal injuries of before.

  She looked into his amber brown eyes. No longer did she see the feral wolf staring out at her, but the peaceful soul of a man.

  “Carolina!” He picked her up and swung her around. He set her down upon her feet and kissed her hard and fast. “You gave me back my humanity.”

  She wanted to run her hands over his newly healed body and kiss him until she was breathless, but it wasn’t time to celebrate just yet.

  She grabbed Tomás’s hand and pulled him towards the sun god. “Wait. You must help Chica,” she pleaded. “You must save her.”

  “Who is this Chica?” The sun god’s voice rumbled across the landscape like thunder.

  “Your wife,” Carolina choked out. She ran the short distance to the few drops left on the ground.

  For a second, Huitzilopochtli appeared stunned and then he was moving with purposeful strides. His shield disappeared, though he held on to his spear. He bent down and held his palm over the damp spot. “We have little time. I feel her fading fast and I cannot lose her again.” He straightened and from his waist, he pulled a small dagger. “Give me your palms, each of you.” Both obeyed without question, holding their hands out to him. He sliced a line in all four palms.

  “Let the blood drip into the water,” he ordered.

  Carolina watched their blood mingle with Chica’s essence.

  “Put your palms together and hold them above the water.” The sun god raised his spear towards the sky and in a loud voice chanted in the Aztec language.

  A river of energy flowed back and forth between Tomás and herself. She felt her spirit bind with his and, looking into his eyes, knew he felt it as well.

  Power welled up within them and spilled over. Her tattoo strained against her skin as if wanting to take flight. A golden glow burst outwards, surrounding them, bathing the area. The sun god continued to chant. When she thought she could no longer hold her arms up, he ceased.

  The light disappeared.

  Before them, Chica stood, healthy and strong.

  “Come, Chalchiuhtlicue.” The sun god offered his hand to his wife. “We have much to discuss.”

  “You still wear my necklace,” she whispered.

  “I never stopped looking for you.”

  Chica took a step forward, then stopped. She shook her head violently. “I cannot. Please do not ask me to go with you.” Her voice was filled with anguish.

  “Why? What is it you fear?” He lifted his nose into the air. “I do not smell another man on you.”

  Chica drew herself up tall. “I would never dishonor my vows in that way. I ask your forgiveness, but I cannot be with you. You must let me go.”

  “I will not,” the sun god ground out.

  “Tell him,” Carolina urged. “Working together, you are stronger. He deserves to know what it is he faces.” Carolina held her breath, knowing she may have overstepped her bounds, but she believed in what she said.

  “You have become very wise, my daughter, though I do not believe there is an answer in this particular case.” Chica took several steps until she stood directly in front of her husband. “You chose a very foolish woman for your wife. I allowed myself to be tempted by the legend of the chalice. I believed if I could know the future and the past, I would be able to find a way to defeat Itzapoptl.” She bowed her head as if it were too difficult to face her husband any longer. Huitzilopochtli tipped her chin up.

  “Did you drink from the chalice?” he asked.

  “Yes,” she whispered. “In the vision of the future, I saw myself kill you. I saw your blood on my hands.” She reached out and clutched his arms. “I will not risk you. You are too important to this world.”

  The spear disappeared from his hand. He embraced his wife and held her fast to him. “And you are important to me. We will find a way to change this vision.”

  Chica shook her head. “You are not listening.”

  “Trust me.” He stared down into her face, the fierceness of his feelings for his wife plain for everyone to see. Carolina bit back tears at the sight.

  Chica smiled, hesitant at first and then wide and bright. Her happiness radiated outward like the rays of the sun reflecting off the surface of the ocean. She laced her fin
gers with her husband’s.

  The two then turned to face Tomás and Carolina. Carolina braced herself for the worst. Her goddess would leave her and so would Tomás.

  Huitzilopochtli seemed to grow in stature before them. “This war has only just begun. Rebellion in the pantheon is growing. Xiuhcoatl lost this battle today, but he will be back as will others searching for ways to wreak destruction on this plane. I need both of you and your courage.”

  “I have always fought for you,” Tomás declared.

  Carolina glanced at her goddess, who nodded. “I give you my loyalty as well.”

  The sun god tilted his chin in acknowledgement. “As Tomás’s spirit mate, I grant you the gift of immortality and a wolf spirit to mate with his.” His spear reappeared in his hand and he touched her tattoo with its tip. She actually felt the wings of her tattoo beat against her skin. “Together you will become one unit, and together you will fight in a war that has been rising against us. But today marks a turn in the tide. The two of you are spirit mates, and with your merging, a new shadow warrior has been born to join our ranks.”

  The tip of the spear glowed against her tattoo and sent a jolt through her before he removed it. “Come, daughter. No longer are you a guardian but a shadow warrior.”

  Deep in her soul, she felt a curious shifting as a second spirit joined with hers. Carolina closed her eyes and reached out with her mind. She felt the touch of her beast inside her, female, loyal and determined to fight on the side of light.

  A feeling of warmth and acceptance flooded into her.

  Slowly, she turned to face her spirit mate. Tomás’s arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her under his shoulder. Carolina brought her hand up to cover his hand at her waist, joy flooding through her.

  Huitzilopochtli then plucked three feathers from his hair and blew on them. They transformed into hummingbirds. The tiny birds gathered the corpse of the tzitzimime and winged it to the netherworld.