Page 54 of Earth Girls are Easy… To Dominate
“A Sister of Koureshtka is sacred,” he said.
The girl's eyes widened as her cheeks reddened.
“I'm not a Sister,” she whispered in awe.
Auryn darted a glare at Kaias. “What are you doing?”
“You are a Sister,” he announced, ignoring Auryn, “you are to spend the Heart with your family, but tomorrow, you are to join the Sisterhood. What is your name?”
“Maia,” the girl answered.
“Then, Maia,” Kaias nodded firmly, “welcome to your future. I will inform the Matron of your presence, and I will let you know if you arrive at the temple. Do you understand?”
“Yes, my Lord,” Maia bowed her head low, “I will not disappoint you.”
“I expect nothing less.” Kaias snapped Torque's reins and guided him to the temple.
Auryn was right, the humans were trouble. Kaias didn’t know if their motives were political or humanitarian, but he was going to keep a closer watch on them. It was one thing to communicate with the Sisterhood of Koureshtka or royalty, but to involve the common folk was a step he found uncomfortable. He was going to pay them better attention, starting with the human woman who gave Maia thebook.
Statues of the lesser gods lined the marble entrance of the temple. Each one was postured in reverence to Koureshtka and her consort, Vrex. Kaias looked on at his mythologized ancestors and felt the pull of pride for his part in their legacy. He was a leader loved by his people and a speaker of peace. Although his title was associated with the God of Death, he felt more akin to the Sisters of Koureshtka.
Reaching the central opening of the temple, Kaias jumped off Torque and handed the reins to a servant. The High Sister stood at the top of the stairs. Her crown of bone curled softly downwards, protecting the vital areas of her neck. She was an older woman, years of devotion to her goddess etched on her face. She smiled down at Kaias and wrapped him in her arms.
“Welcome home, Lord of Vrex,” she said, using the welcome all people receive going into the temple. It was a place where everyone was welcomed, a mother’s hearth.
“Aema,” Kaias said warmly, pulling her into a full embrace.
It wasn’t normal to use the term 'grandmother' for the High Sister, but this woman had known him since infancy. She was the midwife who first held him and the woman to raise him when his mother’s strength waned to nothing. It was his connection to the Sisterhood and his bloodline that made him valuable in his father’s eyes. His older siblings never had the chance to rule.
“You honor me, Lord,” the High Sister said in reverence, taking a step away.
“I speak only truth,” Kaias promised, “Bri-ahn invited me and my second to the human’s interpretation of the Heart.”
“I encouraged him to.”
Kaias nodded; he had suspected as much. The High Sister’s job was to join nations and cultures. She taught, experienced, and enjoyed, all the while encouraging those around her to do the same. For the humans to have learned of one of their most precious holidays, she had to be a part of it.
“We welcome you as well, Lord Auryn, blood kin of Kaias,” the High Sister bowed her head.
Auryn nodded stiffly. “You shouldn’t encourage them.”
The High Sister looked up and smiled serenely at him. She stepped to the side, allowing Kaias and Auryn to walk through the threshold.
“We encourage all to learn and appreciate,” the High Sister explained. She wrapped an arm around Kaias’s and guided them through the temple. “They understand the importance of Koureshtka’s Heart and the ties bound in our community to the Goddess. They wanted to share their appreciation.”
“No otherworlder should be bound to one of us,” Auryn seethed.
The High Sister stopped walking. She made a pointed look at Auryn before bringing her attention to Kaias. Calmly, she bowed her head to him and squeezed his arm imperceptively.
“They thought it was prudent not to bind any hearts,” she slowly started. Auryn scoffed, but she ignored him. The woman looked at Kaias and smiled softly. “Though, may I remind you that Koureshtka was enemies with Vrex before they were bound. Sometimes your greatest ally will be someone you don’t first understand. What today teaches us is that we must be open to one another to drive out evil. No matter our differences.”
Kaias felt his heart jump. He knew she was implying something, but to ally seemed risky. Already, there were whispers among the elite that he wasn’t strong enough. A heart binding seemed akin to suicide.
“Koureshtka and Vrex were of the same blood,” Auryn said. His words echoed down the marble chambers. “What matters is to preserve our people and culture. We cannot allow lesser beings to pollute our existence.”
The High Sister’s grip on Kaias’ arm tightened. He could feel the blunt circular edges of her nails form crescent dents on his skin. It was a similar argument she and his father had on many occasions. And although her position was well-respected, that respect only went so far. In their world, power reigned supreme, and everyone knew their place.
Except Kaias. He wanted to surpass his ancestors. He wanted more for his people.
