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We all sink down to the cool smooth floor, huddling together. “Yes... I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you. It’s just that I recognize the myth—or story. Or is it history?” Nako laughs, and the sound echoes in the space.
“Really? I’ve never heard of it.”
“You wouldn’t have.” Nako shrugs, and her lips frown as she pauses. “I don’t agree with it, but the Council has forbidden us to release some of our oldest texts, declaring they’d be taken out of context. The stories of Dishenkins, or portals to other dimensions, are tied to long-lost treasures. Huge riches that the Council felt would only encourage treasure hunters and trespassers. Especially through the ruins.”
I nod, not surprised in the least. The Puebloan Councilors have always had the upper hand, deciding what everyone would know of our history. They negotiate with the government, protecting our history and lands, but that power has gone to some of their heads.
I would know. I was briefly on the Council.Very briefly.
In hindsight, I think the only reason they invited me to the Council was because I’d be filling my family’s role. Tradition and all that other horseshit. They probably didn’t expect me to accept.
I shouldn’t have.
“So they know about this? They’ll come?”
Nako’s regretful tone crushes Alexa’s hopeful expression as she finishes signing. “I didn’t tell them.”
“Why?” Tears well up as Alexa sways lightly on her feet.
Drawing her down to the floor next to me, I stare at Nako, wondering the same thing. “Because I thought we’d find her.Emma, I mean. No offense, Alexa, but it sounded pretty far fetched. And you have no idea how many rounds I went with the Council just to get... outsiders. You know...I’m sorry.I know we sound racist or something, but Emma was the least threatening archeologist I could find. And with me and my daughter vouching for you... it simplified things. I couldn’t call them in the first week and tell them there was an issue.”
Swallowing hard, I bite my lip, holding back all the scathing things I want to say. I know she’s right. I know exactly what she’s talking about. The Council is mostly cranky old men, lording their authority over everyone else. I’m thirty, so the assholes really looked down on me.
“So no one will come looking for us?” Alexa’s hand gestures are even subdued, and she doesn’t wait for an answer before looking out at the portal longingly.
“No.”
There’s a hissing above us, and we all glance up at the same time. The entire dome around us shimmers with white, fogging the air. It takes a moment before I realize my vision is dimming.
It’s gas.
By the time I comprehend what’s happening, I’m already toppling to the right as blackness creeps in on the edges of my vision. Laying my cheek against the cool floor, I fight, holding my breath. But it’s no use. Gasping, I inhale a mouthful of licorice tasting air, and that’s all it takes.
Son of a bitch.
