Page 51 of Unbetrothed

My chin trembled, and I nodded. Our boots padded hard on the dirt, the only sound besides our breathing.

“We’re watching you,” the serene voice said again.

I clutched Zichri’s arm. What would Uncle Uly consider worse than anything else in the valley?

Zichri held me close, keeping a firm grip on my shoulder. “Keep to this trail no matter what.”

A pale face moved in a branch above.

His gaze shot up and around. I clasped his waist, pressing my cheek against his soiled tunic, and slammed my eyelids shut.

“I heard a voice. Did you see a Chupalma?” Zichri pulled my hands from around him and cupped my chin. His warm touch comforted me enough to peek at his achingly handsome face. “I can take you back.”

“No!” I tugged on my sleeves. “I can’t go back.”

“Come with me to the land beyond,” a melodic voice sung in a hushed tone. “Far is the reach of the Chupalma of Abismo.”

We both searched the underbrush. Coils of leafy vines overtook the ground and trees. A wisp of cool air wrapped around my body, whispering in a gentle voice,Lift your hands and squeeze until you become one of us. The smooth words worked their way through me, like a song, carrying my thoughts into its melody. I crossed my arms over my chest, thumbs pressing into my throat.

“Let’s keep going.” Zichri turned his chin down. “Cypress?”

My thumbs jammed into my voice box.What’s happening?

The serene voice spoke in my head,Come to a place so divine. All is yours, and all is mine. You responded to our call, so we’ll lead you there.

Zichri yanked my forearms, but they wouldn’t budge. My thumbs dug harder into my skin, and I gasped for air.

The voice continued to sing, twirling a chorus of the sweet taste of Abismo. How I longed for this place. But why did it hurt?

Flecks of light spun on the outer edges of my sight, spinning. Closing in.

A cackle pierced the skies.

“Cypress!” Zichri’s call sounded so far off.

“She does this to herself,” the serene voice hissed.

My vision blackened, and strong hands gripped my shoulders.

“Cypress! For the love of the Ancient One!” Zichri’s voice was muffled. “Beatriz. Please.”

The cool, wicked melody that had worked its way through me let go. My hands fell to my sides, and my knees buckled. Before I hit the ground, Zichri scooped me up with two strong arms. Leaves clapped as the air shifted into a sweltering heat. Why had I lost control of my limbs? Why couldn’t I stop myself? Did Zichri call me by my real name?

My lashes fluttered with my efforts to open my eyes. I smelled a heady mix of healthy male sweat, sun-warmed clothes, and campfire. My body bobbed up and down with the steady pound of feet.

“Did you call me Beatriz?” I asked in a weak voice.

Breathless, he whispered, “I did. Are you all right?” He continued to plod along.

“Why did you call me that?”

“The Chupalma wood ends soon. We’ll talk then.”

“We’ll be safe?” I snuggled to his chest and let my body relax until a ripple of some invisible current pressed into my body again. It twisted in my heart and whispered within my mind—We have Laude, and we’ll get him too.

I shrieked and jolted, eyes snapping open.

Zichri grappled to keep hold of my legs and back, but I continued to scream despite my best effort to stop.

---