Total pages in book: 131
Estimated words: 118860 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 118860 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
Several statues of the jaguar remained long after the temples were smashed into ruins. Sarika and the other female shifters had taken part in the ceremonies at each one. They were revered, although they didn’t act as if they were any different from the other women. They aided in farmwork and taking care of the children. They helped carve the hieroglyphics into the temple walls. They aided in developing the astronomical system, particularly paying attention to Venus. The stars and planets were important, and the female jaguars spent a great deal of time studying them.
As far as Tomas could tell, there were three women of equal importance, ones regarded with the highest of honor. He recognized Sarika. She had the same features as the woman who was, in modern times, his lifemate. She seemed so like his Sarika, kind and sweet, ready to help even with the crops. She was his, and he recognized her as such.
Each time she came across a female jaguar shifter, Sarika had a private word with her—not just her, but her jaguar. She seemed very in tune to the animal. If the jaguar’s health wasn’t good, she was able to open a well of healing. But it was more than that. She had a special gift, one Tomas was certain the other two women had as well.
And then came Mitro with his brutality and vicious cruelty. He murdered the entire village, made them turn on one another, made fathers kill sons and mothers kill daughters. Blood ran in rivers, and those seeing to the temple wept. Mitro took great delight in torturing the three women who brought health and happiness to the jaguar shifters and the gentle people who worshiped the jaguar.
Sarika is not under his compulsions the way the other female shifters are. Neither are the other two women. They are aware of his intentions, and they are doing their best to counter him.
Dominic studied the memories for a period of time. How is this possible?
I have no idea, but you can see into her memories. See the carnage taking place around her, Tomas said. She is being tortured just as the others are, but there is a part of her manipulating Mitro. He has no idea.
Dominic reacted audibly, shocked that a female shifter could be more powerful than a Carpathian ancient. He was nearly thrown out of Sarika’s mind, but he recovered swiftly.
They have tunnels that run beneath the temple and are stalling Mitro so they can get as many women and children to safety as possible. For Tomas, it was difficult to watch. The entire time Sarika and the other two women were aiding those to escape, they were forced to pretend they were under Mitro’s spell.
She is using her connection with the jaguars, Tomas said, unable to keep the admiration from his voice. The ones she is helping to leave are under Mitro’s compulsion, so she bypassed the humans and called on the jaguars to herd them to the tunnels below.
All three women are very connected to the jaguars. That connection feels sacred and strong. They aren’t using any powers from the underworld, Dominic said. Sarika was extremely concerned about that.
I believe she’ll be able to talk to Solange’s jaguar and find a way to resolve the situation, Tomas said. If you’re satisfied, I cannot watch Mitro’s gleeful killing of so many innocents. It is no wonder Sarika fears Carpathians.
Dominic agreed. It will be good when she meets Dax and realizes he was the one to stop Mitro permanently.
About to slip out of Sarika’s mind and back into his own body, Tomas felt a sudden shift in the feel of the events he was observing. Ancient Sarika’s hand crept up to her amulet. The other two women mimicked her move. Tomas thought Mitro’s actions pure evil. Everything about him felt foul and vile. But something else had entered the temple. Something far worse than Mitro.
Wait, Dominic, Tomas cautioned. This is the true enemy and one Mitro knows well and serves. Is it possible he was the one promised the weapon to destroy the prince? He looks gleeful. Far too pleased and smug.
Debris and body parts whirled through the temple, bathing everyone in the blood of the dead or dying. Evil laughter filled the temple, that sacred place that was now a slaughterhouse.
Mitro nearly convulsed with glee. He waved a hand encompassing the dead and dying. Those tortured and still suffering. “I’ve done everything we agreed on. You need to give me my reward.”
Tomas held his breath. Mitro had struck a deal with the underworld. He should have suspected. The whirling debris settled just enough for him to make out a woman. It would have been impossible to describe her, not with the streaks of blood and brain matter dotting her face. She seemed to be bathing in the blood, her maniacal laughter piercing through him. She was so evil she put Mitro to shame.