The Death Skull: Relic Defender, Book 2

by Cassiel Knight

  Asher shook his head. “No. He seeks another relic.”

  She sniffed. “Another relic? What does this one do? Give him a personality?”

  “That would be dangerous enough.”

  Amusement glittered in his icy gaze. Mari resisted a snort of laughter. Not that there was anything funny about the situation.

  “He seeks the Mayan Death Skull.” Asher waved a hand.

  Shimmering before her eyes, a human skull took form. Glimmering reflected light danced in the diamondlike material. In a pretty close approximation of a human skull, this one had a hinged jaw that appeared to be fixed with a gold wire. Deep-set eyes and broad nose filled the majority of the face. There was a feminine aspect to the skull. Her fingers wanted to trace the smooth outlines. She curled her fingers into her palms.

  “He seeks a skull? What does he need a skull for? Even one made of diamond.”

  Asher shook his head. “Not diamond. Quartz. This is not an ordinary human skull. At least, it didn’t start that way. What do you know of the human race called the Mayans?”

  Mari moved closer to the skull image and circled it. She shrugged. She did not concern herself with human history. “Not much. An ancient race that disappeared without reason.”

  After a brief nod, Asher continued, “The Mayans were once a great civilization with an advanced culture. More importantly, their priests were said to possess magic.”

  “Did they?”

  A crooked smile and another bob of his head. “Many did. Enough for the stories to be true.” He gestured at the skull. “Like the skull. Beliel has joined forces with a human to seek the skull, to use it to threaten the most powerful world leaders to give up their rule to him. He believes that since he cannot rule Hell, he will rule Earth.”

  Mari eyed the gleaming object. “Fires of Hell, Asher, what can a skull made of crystal do?”

  “The skull was given to the ancient Mayans by the Lords of Xibalba, the Mayan underworld. The priests used the power in the skull to will others to death. And to do…other things. It is how the Mayan civilization grew so large and what ultimately destroyed them.”

  She couldn’t help herself. Her mouth dropped open. “Are you serious? Lords of Xibalba? I’ve never heard of such a thing.”

  Asher waved a hand again. “Minor death gods, lords of the Mayan’s belief of Hell, but still powerful in their own way. With the skull, they made the Mayans nearly invincible.”

  “What changed?”

  “The things that usually do. Greed. Power. A lust for both. The Mayan priests turned on each other and the people, until they numbered less than one hundred. This is why the Mayan civilization today is so much less than it used to be. In order to survive in any form, they had to mate with others outside the Mayan race.”

  “That’s interesting, Ash, but what about the skull? What happened to it?”

  “A Mayan peasant, at great cost to himself, took the skull and hid it. Since he died with it, it lay hidden for centuries. Until the 1920s when a human female is said to have found it laying at the base of an altar in an old Mayan ruin.”

  “Is that true?”

  He stared at her but didn’t respond. Damnation, she wasn’t going to get anything else from him. “Why are you telling me this, Asher? Won’t Lucifer be unhappy you are involved?”

  “My reasons are my own, Marisol Asheni. Suffice it to say, it is in the best interests of everyone, including Lucifer, for Beliel and his human not to obtain the skull. You must find it and destroy it.”

  So, the story must be true and the skull still existed. Somewhere. Mari frowned, studying Asher’s closed expression. Something didn’t feel right about this. Why would he willingly give up Beliel’s plans? As he was extremely loyal to Lucifer and by extension, his son, Asher’s motives were suspect. And often dangerous.

  “You expect me to trust you?”

  His eyes began to glow, flames lit from within by Hell’s fires. It almost hurt to look into them. No one knew just how much power the Slayer had. Whispers in dark corners hinted that he could rival Lucifer.

  “No, cousin, I’d never be so foolish,” Asher drawled. “However, I expect you to use common sense. The threat is real, Marisol. I risk much by bringing this information to you. Do not let your anger over the past blind you to the fact that should Beliel gain control over the world’s leaders, millions of mortals will die.”

  “One more question.”

  He bent his neck to the side.

  “Why is he using a human? He did not need to the last time.”

  Asher smiled. “Lucifer has restrained his powers. And the skull cannot be used or controlled by things other than human.”

  The emphasis he put on the word human made her wonder if there was something he wasn’t sharing.

  Of course there’s something he’s not sharing. He is the Slayer, after all.

  “Well, that’s something then. At least Lucifer put a leash on his son.”

  “Make no mistake, cousin. Even restrained, Beliel is dangerous. It would be foolish to underestimate him. If he acquires the skull before you do, the human world will fall.” Asher paused, his lips curling back over white teeth in a mocking smile. “Surely, the Light and those who serve the Light are duty-bound to ensure that doesn’t happen.” With that last comment, in a soft explosion of air, he disappeared.

  Mari stared at the empty spot for a while, her thoughts whirling with the information Asher had provided. More than that, her mind spun with the potential meaning behind his visit. Again, he’d provided information to the forces of Light when his own loyalties were believed to be fully on the side of the Dark.

  Was his allegiance changing? And if so, what did that mean for the Dark and the Light?

  More importantly, what was she to do next? Try to contact Michael or wait until Lexi and Mikos returned?

  “Hey, doll, whatcha staring at?”

  She jerked at the stone-on-stone growl of the question and sharp snap of tiny fingers. A little gray figure, about a three feet high, hovered in front of her at about eye-line. Rocky, the Illianian shapeshifter, wore a black-and-white, pin-striped suit with broad lapels, two-toned shoes and a black hat tipped rakishly to the side. A crooked grin twisted his lips, a mischievous look lighting his gaze.

  Despite his often annoying habit of popping in whenever least convenient, in this case, she was relieved not to reflect on what the Slayer had told her. Still, she couldn’t let the slight demon think she was glad to see him.

  “Don’t you know it’s dangerous to sneak up on a fire demon, imp?” Mari held up a finger, letting a bit of fire dance upon the tip. “I could incinerate you before you can blink.”

  “Well, I don’t know.” Rocky struck a pose and grinned. “I’m pretty wiry. Besides, Illianians love fire.” He hovered closer and leaned in. His bushy eyebrows waggled in exaggerated motion. “And fire demons are quite hot, if you’ll pardon the pun.”

  She lifted an eyebrow. “Don’t you have some place else you can be?”

  “Nah, doll, I’m good.” He eyed the pile of ash on the carpet. “Ooo, something get you miffed?”

  “You mean besides boredom?” Her lip curled. “Where is the human?”

  “Did you miss me, darlin’?” The laconic reply tingled up her spine, and she stiffened as the man in question spoke.

  She lifted her gaze to see him resting against the doorjamb, his lean form comfortable. A crooked grin pulled at his lips, exposing the soft dimple in his cheeks. His eyes were alight with amusement.

  Mari snorted. “No. I just wanted to know where you are to decide where I won’t be.”

  Gesturing at Rocky to get him to move, she strode to the door, brushing against Jackson. He didn’t shift from his position at the contact. A warm, clean scent came from his skin, and her nostrils flared. She inhaled deeply before realizing what she was doing. Big mistake. His unique aroma of earth notes curled around her, filling her with a heady sensation. Anger ripped through her. Not at him. At herse
lf. She had to get out of here.

  Ignoring the knowing glint in his green eyes, she continued past him. A flash of light flickered at the corner of her eye, catching her attention. She halted and looked over her shoulder. Jackson had straightened from his easy posture, focusing back into the room, and he moved away from the door.

  A sigh slipped through her lips before she could stop it. Lovely. Another visitor, and this one she wanted to see less than Asher.

  Mari turned around. Not far from where Asher had stood, a silvery light coalesced into a tall column that swirled into a human-shaped figure. The bright glow crystallized into the smiling face and form of Archangel Michael, Prince of the Heavenly Host. Their mentor and adviser.

  And a complete pain in the ass.

  “Tsk, tsk, Marisol Asheni.” Michael shook his head, but the beatific smile never dropped from his lips or dimmed the sparkle in his brilliant blue eyes. “I’m just trying to help you reach your full potential.”

  Ugh. She hated when he read her mind. With a sigh, she leaned against the doorjamb, her arms crossed, then tilted her head. “Maybe I don’t want to, Michael. Maybe I’m content as I am right now. Doing what I do.”

  His turn to angle his head. “Really? Are you quite sure about that?”

  She pressed her lips into a thin line, feeling the sharp points of her incisors pressing against the soft flesh. The only reaction she’d allow herself to show or feel at his comment. It wouldn’t work since he’d pick up on her innermost thoughts and feelings. None of the angels, fallen or otherwise, could keep out Heaven’s commander.

  For the second time that morning, she asked, “What are you doing here? Mikos and Lexi are gone, as you should know since you sent them on the mission. Alone.” She bit her lip at the rancor in her tone.

  Before Mikos found Lexi, Mari and Mikos had been a pair of warriors, going into battle and accomplishing Heaven’s tasks together. In the last six months, the four of them—her, Jackson, Mikos and Lexi—had formed a strong core team, despite their different backgrounds. In spite of the fact that two of the foursome were human, even if Lexi was more, Mari missed working with Mikos alone more than she’d thought she would. Michael would know that.

  He nodded. “I know they are not here. I sent them away.” The Archangel crossed over to the chair she’d recently vacated and sat down in a flurry of white robes. “I came to see you and Jackson,” he continued and flipped his hand at Jackson who, saints alive, hadn’t said a word.

  Jackson didn’t question the Archangel. The human just took a seat near where Michael stood and leaned his hip against Mikos’s desk. Mari stared at Michael for a minute, trying to see if she could recognize his game.

  “No game, Marisol. A discussion.” His grin stretched wider, the blue eyes glowing deeper. “And a mission.”

  Chapter Three

  A mission? Mari’s pulse leapt and her breathing quickened. With an inward frown, she pulled her emotions back under control. Damn it. Michael would have sensed that momentary flash of interest. Hellfire, what did it matter? If it meant getting out of this house, she’d do anything. Pivoting, she walked back to stand before the Archangel.

  “For?”

  “The both of you.”

  She pulled her shoulders back and stared at him. All these years she’d been working with Mikos in the service of Michael, he’d never sent her off without her partner. For that matter, he’d kept his contact with Mikos. Very rarely had he spoken to her. Now he wanted to send her on one alone.

  The realization of what he’d said struck her like a fist between the eyes. She’d been so focused on getting a mission, she’d chosen to miss an important fact.

  She would not be going on the mission alone. “I do not need the human. I can handle myself.”

  Mari felt a shift in the air as said human got to his feet and stood near her. He didn’t say anything. Still, she sensed his annoyance. It radiated off him like ripples in a pond, wave after wave smashing against her skin.

  “Marisol, at times, even someone as independent and strong willed as you needs assistance. This task will take both angel and human working in cooperation to succeed.”

  Mari cast a sideways glance at Jackson. Pale-gold brows lifted as he stared at Michael. His annoyance apparently forgotten, the human had the same tilted head and lines at the corners of his mouth, showing the confusion she was sure she mirrored.

  “Marisol. Jackson.” The Archangel gestured at the chairs. “Please sit.”

  He waited until they’d taken their seats. Mari returned to the large chair near the fireplace and Jackson lounged in the deep cushions of the forest-green couch. Far enough away so she was able to relax.

  “I need you to find the Mayan Death Skull.” Michael held out his hand, palm upward.

  The same human-shaped skull Asher had shown her winked into view. Like before, the crystal seemed lit from within, the firelight reflected in its center even though the image was fake. The deeply inset eyes stared ahead, wide and mysterious. Obviously, Asher’s information was correct. The skull was important. Despite herself, her stomach did a loop.

  She surged to her feet and moved toward the image. While Michael looked on, faint amusement coloring his blue gaze a light sapphire, she leaned in. The skull’s deep eye sockets… Something about them tugged at her.

  A buzzing noise filled her ears, echoing within until the sound of the crackling fire faded, then disappeared.

  Her vision narrowed, pinpointing on the two glowing holes. Voices murmured. Unfamiliar words wrapped in a thick accent surrounded her. Dizziness made her head mushy as if it were encased in the fluffiest wool.

  With a wrench of stomach-churning movement, she no longer stood in Mikos’s study. Instead, she found herself outside on a low mound of grass. Her environment was so real… She sucked in a startled breath. A jungle. She was in a jungle.

  A cacophony of sounds and scents overloaded her senses. The squawking of birds and the far-off grunt of a jaguar replaced the modern sounds of traffic. She inhaled deeply, taking in the smells of rotting vegetation mixed with the perfume of jungle plants and flowers. The air was sluggish, hanging over her like a shroud. Beads of moisture sprang up on her skin, the back of her neck immediately damp with sweat.

  She looked around. What the hell? Where was she? Not Mikos’s house. Maybe not even the place the humans called Chicago, as she was unaware of a jungle in or near the city. She circled the top of the mound, her gaze tracking the verdant jungle at her sides and back.

  Her eyes widened. On the north side of the hill, in a large open clearing, stood a pyramid about twenty stories high, its sides formed of blocks in a stepping pattern to the top. At the apex, a structure made of wood spilled over the edge. Something bright flashed in the sun’s light, winking like a diamond.

  At the base of the pyramid, human figures stood in neat rows, their gazes turned upward to the platform resting several feet below the uppermost reach of the structure. When she followed where they stared, she saw furtive movement—a skip of motion that seemed odd in its form.

  “Where the hell am I?” she murmured.

  “You are in ancient Caracol in what is now known as Belize.” At the first sound of his voice, she spun. “The people are Mayans.”

  While she wasn’t surprised he stood at her side, she was surprised that Michael had, apparently, transported her to the humans’ ancient past. “Thanks for the field trip. It’s quite pretty and fascinating, but what am I doing here?”

  He smiled at her, his eyes serene and gentle. The white tunic and pants he wore seemed to have a glow of their own under the hot sun. “You need to understand the power of the skull. To see how important it is for you to find the relic before Beliel does.”

  She frowned. “I couldn’t just take your word for it?”

  The smile widened, pulling at his lips. “I didn’t think you’d believe anything I had to say.”

  He was right. She did tend to question orders and instructions from Michael
. Even though he was the Lord of the Heavens—God’s right hand—she always believed he had some plan only he was privy to, and she didn’t trust those with hidden secrets. Humans, angels or otherwise. The shadow she’d seen at times in Jackson’s eyes came to her mind.

  “Okay,” she said and eyed the beehive of activity at the base of the pyramid. “I’ve seen Club Mayan. Now what?”

  She looked over her shoulder at Michael, only to see the emerald shades of the jungle. Bloody Archangel had disappeared. Terrific. “Guess I need to get back on my own,” she muttered.

  A picture of Mikos’s study flashed into her mind. When she tried to apport, nothing happened. Much to her dismay, she remained firmly in wherever Michael had put her. “Not funny, Michael,” she called. “I’ve seen enough.”

  At that moment, her upper arms were roughly grabbed and she was dragged forward, her feet half lifted from the ground. Stunned, it took her a minute before she registered the two sun-darkened men hauling her like a sack to the pyramid. Their bare skin glistened with sweat. The extent of their clothing was a loin flap covering their genitals. Around their calves, some kind of fringed decoration fluttered as the men walked. Painted symbols colored each man’s skin. No pattern was duplicated on the other. On top of their heads, they wore huge headdresses with wide mouths that seemed to snarl at anyone who looked at them.

  What the hell? Who were these guys and what kind of game was Michael playing?

  She glanced down and almost choked. Fires of Hell. Gone was her black denim jeans, long-sleeved white T-shirt and matching denim jacket. In their place was a tan animal-hide tunic that reached just below her knees. Trousers of the same material peeped out from under the hem of the tunic.

  Her clothing was torn and dirty, the edges shredded and, in some places, blackened as if she’d gotten too close to a fire. Thin sandals covered her feet, a gold bracelet twisted around one ankle. Much like the men dragging her roughly across the uneven surface, her arms, sans designs, were golden brown, not her usual pale skin. The humans’ no-nonsense strides and tugging pulled her directly toward the pyramid.