Chapter 12 Chapter 12 Xibalba Clash of Gods
As the sun dipped below the horizon, King Danyel summoned King Rryan and the full council. His voice carried the weight of revelation as he told them what the visions had revealed.
“Very few of us are permitted to enter Xibalba,” he said gravely. “Only those of Royal bloodlines may pass its gates. If we are to uncover the truth—if we are to name who is responsible—we must go there ourselves.”
The council did not hesitate. Preparations would begin immediately. They would depart at sunset the following night.
I was still weak, drifting in and out of sleep, when I sensed movement beside me. “What’s going on?” I asked softly.
Rryan groaned under his breath. “Rest, little one. I will return soon.” He leaned down and kissed my lips.
“Wait—where are you going?” I pushed myself upright, panic flaring.
“There are matters that must be handled,” he said gently. “I’ll be back before you know it. Rest for me, my love.” He kissed me once more and left the chamber.
I turned to Lydia and Kira, but neither met my eyes.
I slept for half a day.
Then the vision struck.
My eyes clouded over as Xibalba opened before me. I saw them descending—unaware. The air thickened, twisted. And then I saw her.
She stood waiting, smiling.
“It’s a trap!” I screamed.
Lydia and Kira rushed to my side. “What did you see?” Kira demanded, gripping my hand.
“She’s there,” I gasped. “Waiting for him.”
I tried to rise, desperate, my heart racing. I had to warn him—now. Kira pressed two fingers to my forehead.
“You are still weak,” she warned. “But this cannot wait.” Her eyes flared. “I am opening your mindlink. Speak.”
Rryan—stop! I screamed into his mind.
What—how? Syla? His shock came through instantly.
It’s a trap. She is waiting for you. She will not let you leave. She will not allow you past her to the Ninth Level.
Who? he demanded. What is her name?
Kayla, I said. She is not a vampyr. She is a demon.
The link shattered as darkness rushed in. I had lost too much blood.
Is she all right? Rryan linked urgently to Lydia and Kira.
She fainted, Lydia answered. But she will survive. She does not yet know how to private-link, she broadcasted. We all heard her.
Kira paced the chamber, fury sharpening her features. A demon… beneath my roof. For this long.
She stopped suddenly. Is another path to the Ninth Level?
King Danyel answered without hesitation. There is. It is far more dangerous—but we will take it.
I am coming, Kira said coldly. You will need me. And I want my revenge.
Her body dissolved into black smoke.
Kira was the oldest Vampyr in the kingdom, and her sorcery was ancient, feared, and deeply respected. She knew Xibalba’s tunnels well—and the rulers there knew her.
She materialized beside King Rryan, her gaze sharp and alert. “We must move quickly. Kayla will strike without mercy.”
“Lead,” Rryan growled, his fangs lengthening.
They entered the labyrinth.
The deeper they went, the heavier the air became—thick with malice. Lesser demons recoiled into the shadows, repelled by Kira’s power and Rryan’s bond to Camazotz.
Syla, are you there?
Yes.
Syla, stay with me, Rryan urged through their link.
I’m trying, I answered weakly.
Lydia’s hand steadied me. “Focus. He needs you.”
I anchored myself and followed them through his eyes.
At last, the Ninth Level loomed.
Kayla waited.
“Well,” she purred. “You’ve made it. But you will never leave.” Her gaze locked onto Rryan. “I loved you.”
His wings unfurled, vast and terrifying. “You bitch.”
Kayla laughed as her form twisted—horns tearing free, wings spreading, flesh hardening into demonic armor.
Hell broke loose.
She struck with pure corruption. Kira answered with ancient magic. Rryan and the others tore into her with claw, fang, and beast.
Behind you! I cried.
Rryan turned just in time. Thank you, my love.
But my strength faltered. Lydia’s voice sharpened. Kira—we must pull her back!
Kira raised her hands, conjuring a shield around them all. Hold on, child.