Ceiba's Grace: A Paranormal Romance Novella by Nicole Pouchet

Author:Nicole Pouchet
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: paranormal romance, witch, superhero romance, mythology romance

* * *

Days passed with Ceiba learning the ways of the sun god’s village. The people were livelier here than within her own village, shouting across fields and joyously calling to one another. Children ran freely, and she could barely tell which child belonged to which parent as the adults all shared in the task of child-rearing.

In daylight, she helped Kiku replenish herbs and mix plants into potions. Sometimes Amante was well enough to walk the grounds with her and point out favorite spots. Each night they lay close together by the fire, telling stories of their childhoods and stealing kisses when no one watched.

Villagers came in and out of Kiku’s hovel asking for aid. The old wise woman provided instructions, sending patients on their way with potions and salves to administer on their own.

There was no temple. The villagers simply prayed to the rising sun each morning. Far from the barbarism the elders had described, this village operated in harmony. Medicine and religion—two factions the elders fiercely guarded—were widely attainable here. Healthy in body and spirit, the villagers of the sun god were happy. Only duty and obligation to her fellow priestesses urged her departure.

On the eighth day, Ceiba realized the villagers were checking on Amante as they visited Kiku. Several of the illnesses were fictitious. And, she overheard the wise woman chide a mother who brought in an obviously well child.

“You shouldn’t lie about a child’s health. Such a thing invites Supay to claim his spirit before time.” Kiku glanced at Ceiba with pursed lips, belatedly noticing the vessel’s presence. “Besides, you’ve only to ask, the chief is mending nicely. He should be fully well in a quarter moon.”

The mother nodded as she ushered her son out the doorway.

Kiku turned to face the priestess. “So, now you know. Amante is the chief, not a guardsman of the Supay, not hired help, but the chief of the sun god’s village. Will you take him as your mate now, girl?”

Ceiba’s jaw dropped open. She couldn’t say she was surprised to learn of Amante’s stature. But, chief or not, she couldn’t mate the man. “No matter who he is, that is not a choice I am able to make.”

“Don’t tell me you don’t like him. I’ve seen the way you look at each other.”

“Am I projecting my emotions to you as well?”

“Of course not.” The old woman’s eyes grew round and she clapped her hands. “Amante can share your feelings? You two are definitely well-matched! He must be—”

“No!” Decorum flew away. “No, I am going to mate Malc like I’m supposed to! He is the vessel of Supay—”

“And he will snuff out your energy just as Supay’s vessels have snuffed out the energy of every vessel of Pachamama for centuries.”

Ceiba gasped. “That’s blasphemy!”

“It’s the truth! And, it’s time someone told you. Amante wants you to discover the truth on your own, but time is running out. Your elders are all priests of Supay, child. They steal from the coffers of the great Mother’s temple.

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