The worst part, Teomitl reflected, was that he’d really thought his elder sister had cared about more than power. That she’d been sincere when she’d patted his shoulder and told him to have faith, it would all work out. That she’d ever once weighed his misgivings as more than an unfortunate attack of morality. (She’d asked about Acatl. About Mihmatini. And he’d been so stupidly, pathetically grateful to have someone to talk to that he’d told her.)
Hatred—at her, at himself—curdled his heart, but he stood in front of her complex in Zoquipan anyway. The guards had their weapons half-drawn. The one on the left (gods, he’d never learned the man’s name) said, “State your business.”
He straightened up to meet the man’s gaze. “I’m here to speak to my sister.”
Obsidian & Blood, Teomitl & Chalchuihnenetl
The worst part, Teomitl reflected, was that he’d really thought his elder sister had cared about more than power. That she’d been sincere when she’d patted his shoulder and told him to have faith, it would all work out. That she’d ever once weighed his misgivings as more than an unfortunate attack of morality. (She’d asked about Acatl. About Mihmatini. And he’d been so stupidly, pathetically grateful to have someone to talk to that he’d told her.)
Hatred—at her, at himself—curdled his heart, but he stood in front of her complex in Zoquipan anyway. The guards had their weapons half-drawn. The one on the left (gods, he’d never learned the man’s name) said, “State your business.”
He straightened up to meet the man’s gaze. “I’m here to speak to my sister.”
And warn her never to contact me again.