The Gathering Storm

Dacey, as always, was a whirlwind of excitement and worry as she helped Luciana into the new garments she had sewn for her. The fabric was soft, carefully tailored to accommodate her growing belly.

"I made it as comfortable as possible," Dacey murmured, her voice thick with emotion. "You've grown so much..." Her words faltered, and before she could stop herself, tears welled in her eyes.

Luciana turned to her, concern softening her gaze. "Oh, Aunt Dacey… please don't cry." She pulled the older woman into a warm embrace.

Dacey sniffled, shaking her head. "It's been six months since we found you and your sweet boy. And now, in just a month, you'll be bringing another life into this world—a world that is harsh, cruel."

Luciana stiffened. The words struck a nerve, a reminder of the grim reality she had long tried to push away. This world was no place for an innocent child. And yet… she had never once considered giving up the life inside her.

She no longer cared whether her child was a demon or an Amanécerian. It was hers—her burden, her love. Just as she had sworn to protect Nemesis, she would protect this child as well.

She exhaled, gathering her thoughts. "You know, Aunt Dacey…"

Dacey studied her closely, sensing something amiss. She reached for Luciana's hands, her grip warm and steady. "What is it, my dear?"

Luciana hesitated. Her gaze drifted to the older woman's intricate Mayan feathered headdress, the reds and blues vivid beneath the dim candlelight. Finally, she spoke.

"I had a dream."

Dacey's fingers tightened slightly. "Tell me."

Luciana took a shaky breath. "Despite all the chaos in the world… I dreamed of holding this child in my arms."

Dacey's expression softened. "That's a blessing, my child. It means there is still hope."

But Luciana's face darkened, a shadow passing over her features.

"Was there… something else?" Dacey's voice was careful now, edged with concern.

Luciana swallowed hard, the memory of the dream pressing against her chest like a weight.

"I… I was in his embrace." Her voice trembled. "I was in my husband's arms. His warmth surrounded me, consuming me. His hands traced my body with a desperate, aching need, fingers pressing into my skin as if to brand me, to claim me. His breath, hot and uneven, ghosted over my neck, sending shivers down my spine. His hold was unyielding, his body trembling against mine—raw with longing, fearful, desperate. He clung to me as if I were slipping through his fingers, as if letting go meant losing me to the void forever. Everything felt so... vivid… a-and real! I feared I had gone back in time."

She bit her lip, choking back the emotions that surged in her throat. The sensation of the dream was impossible to describe—a storm of love, fear, sorrow, and longing, all tangled together until she could barely breathe. She knew how Erebus had become when it came to her. How incredibly possessive he had turned.

Dacey remained silent, letting Luciana compose herself. The room settled into an uneasy hush, the weight of her words lingering between them.

Then, a soft nudge from within her belly broke the silence.

"Aunt Dacey, look!" Luciana gasped, pulling at the older woman's sleeve. She pressed a hand against her abdomen, where a tiny footprint had appeared against her skin.

Dacey laughed, eyes shimmering with joy as she reached out to feel the movement. "Oh, my dear… a strong little one, indeed!" She helped Luciana to her feet.

As they walked, Dacey spoke of her own pregnancy. "He was such a lively boy, the deities be watching. Fabio was so excited when I showed him the foot bump—he even tried to cook a feast himself!" She chuckled.

Luciana arched a brow. "Uncle Fabio can cook?"

"Oh, he can't!" Dacey burst into laughter. "He ruined the whole thing and got a scolding from his mother. My mother-in-law was a strict woman, but she loved me like her own daughter."

Fabio soon joined them, his usual warm smile in place. "Time to go," he announced, helping them onto the boat.

As they sailed toward the island, an unease settled in Luciana's chest. She wanted to ignore it, to chalk it up to nerves, but she couldn't shake the feeling.

"Alright, folks! We're here!" Fabio called out.

As they reached the shore, they were met by a crowd from the village.

"Fabio! You brought your daughter here?" Chak, one of the elders, called out.

"What's going on?" Fabio asked as he and Dacey helped Luciana off the boat.

Chak grinned. "The Ah Kin' e Akna and the village are grateful for the ointments your wife and daughter brought. Tonight, we celebrate! The fire deity will be honored in prayer."

Fabio nodded in delight, while Luciana watched the villagers with quiet admiration.

At the shrine, the priestess examined Luciana with a knowing gaze. "A fortnight remains. You are safe to give birth." Then, lowering her voice, she added, "Remember, child, the one inside you carries a heavy fate. If left unchecked, it will turn dark."

Luciana swallowed, nodding solemnly.

As they emerged, dusk had settled, and the village was alive with music, laughter, and the aroma of roasting meats.

The villagers danced, drummers keeping a steady rhythm as the priestess, adorned in ceremonial feathers and a painted mask, stepped before the bonfire.

The flames roared as she raised her hands. The drumming stopped. Silence fell.

She took a sip of alcohol and spat it into the fire. The flames turned blue and green, casting eerie shadows across the gathering.

Then, her voice rang out.

"Oh, great deity of K'inich!"

A hushed murmur rippled through the crowd as she gasped, eyes fixed on the fire as if seeing something beyond.

"War! Destruction! A child of Bembe shall be born!"

Fear crept through the villagers. Whispers of dread spread like wildfire.

A woman's voice suddenly cut through the silence. "It's her! The cursed one! The priestess warned us about the demon child!"

Luciana stiffened.

All at once, the warmth in the villagers' eyes turned to suspicion.

"What nonsense do you speak of my daughter?" Fabio snapped, stepping forward.

"You said the sea deity left her on the shore, but where is your proof?" another man challenged.

Fabio faltered. These were the same men he had called friends. Now, at the mere scent of danger, they turned on him.

Dacey gripped his arm. "We must leave. Now."

Luciana trembled, clutching Nemesis tightly.

Fabio hesitated only a moment before nodding. "Yes… before they decide to turn prophecy into an excuse for bloodshed."

Brokenhearted, they helped Luciana onto the boat. As they pushed off into the dark waters, she looked back at the village, its torches flickering in the night.

She had once thought she could find a brief solace here.

She knew now—there was no place for her in this world.

Not yet.