Carolina snuck a glance at the window, but Fernanda was gone.
“Señorita?” Luz Elena’s white brows raised in question. “Where is the gown?”
“I noticed a tear in the seams,” Nena interjected. “I took it to Yolanda to be mended, but it will not be ready in time.” She clicked her tongue. “Such a pity, cousin.”
“I’ll wear one of my other dresses. I like them better anyway.”
While Luz picked through her wardrobe, Carolina glared at the rain. Fernanda’s question continued to play in her mind. She supposed she should’ve asked whatwouldn’tyou do if the only family you had left in the world came home one day cursed and absolutely destroyed? Since Abuelo’s death all she could think of was ensuring no one had to make such a decision again. And now, possibly, she’d be able to do that.
From the journal of Friar Alejandro Ibarra
Because love, or the desperation it induces, can cause a person to go against the laws of nature and invoke the govds, it is only natural that the power of Tecuani dwells within the hearts of these abominations. It is the physical heart, the organ itself, that vampiros access their superhuman prowess. But that heart only thumps because of Tecuani, and it will only continue to beat if it is fed what he covets most: life.
From my conferences with holy persons in Santemala, Sevilla, and Paso Grande, I have ascertained these sorrowful missteps have happened since the dawn of time. As long as there is hope, people will reach for it.
Unfortunately, there is a false hope that leads the beast to win in the end. A stake of wood or blade of obsidian through the heart seems to be the simplest way to kill Tecuani’s children, to restore peace. Though, I suppose it wouldn’t be simple in the slightest.
CHAPTER 17
Lalo
The ruffian had shoved himinto a room that smelled like feet. Lalo covered his nose and took in his surroundings. He was in a mudroom of sorts. Boots lined one wall. Full of muck.
Lalo’s parents had always instilled in him the importance of cleanliness. His mother made sure their clothes were pressed, their shoes shined. People respected a man who cared for his appearance. And Lalo made certain he and his sister continued to live that way. His sister did not complete her finishing school courses with a hair out of place. Even though everything else in his life was crumbling, he took pride in his image.
Random tools and buckets hung from the walls. Dusty coats lay strewn on top of discarded saddles. A single arched window ahead opened to a gloomy scene. Rain poured out of the clouds with unrelenting force.
But there was a door leading out of the casa, and the cloudscovered the sun, which meant he wouldn’t be trapped in another tight space for hours. Perhaps his luck was shifting.
Slowly, Lalo pried open the door and stuck his head into the downpour. He breathed in deep, taking in the familiar scents of mud and fresh air. Wet stucco and crisp grass. Dog. He sniffed again, brought his eyes to the ground, and found a giant beast glaring at him. Its upper lip quivered over its lengthy teeth.
“Nice puppy,” he said quietly.
If he made the wrong move, the dog might alert the world of his presence. But he couldn’t just stand here, staring at some mutt who seemed to have mange.
Lalo smiled. He didn’t know why. Maybe the dog would find him friendly.
“Easy boy,” he said as sweetly as he knew how. “I just need to…” He took a step and both of the dog’s ears went back. A low growl rumbled from its belly. Four more perros trotted through the rain. Their thick brown coats bristled at the hackles. Lalo reversed, reentering the mudroom. “Easy,” he said. “I’m not an intruder. I was invited. I’m just trying to leave.” Why was he talking to these hounds like they understood him?
“What are you doing?” a child’s voice asked.
Lalo yelped and whirled around. A little boy stood in the hall doorway donning a pirate’s cap and holding a cloth full of bones.
“Why are you in the garden room?” The boy, who couldn’t be more than six, raised a single brow. Clearly, this was one of Carolina’s brothers. He had that same irritatingly charming smirk.
“I…I came to see your sister, but I’ve been told she will be joining my sister and me for tea later today. I will just meet her there instead.”
The boy observed him, unimpressed. He walked into the room, toward the monster dogs.
“Be careful,” Lalo said, but regretted it the moment the words came from his mouth.
“Sit,” the boy ordered.
The beasts obeyed.
“You have to show them you are in charge,” the boy said over his shoulder.
Lalo narrowed his gaze. “I see.”
