𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 76: 𝐖𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐞

𝐌𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚’𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐬°°°

Liza’s pull was instinctive—maternal, insistence.

It cracked Antonio’s resolve in a way bullets never had.

He followed her into the hut and sat.

She fussed with his collar, fingers gentle and reverent.

Surprisingly he didn't resist once. Instead he loosened his tie, unbuttoned his shirt once, shrugging it off and she inspected the faint scar along his ribs.

He stiffened as she reached to apply a paste, but Maya nudged her and smothered a grin.

“Mother! I think the bus is here”

Her head snapped up. She glanced outside, then back at Antonio. Her attention fractured.

“Run along,” she said finally. “I’ll come shortly.”

With that awareness, Maya maneuvers through the door.

Antonio studied her as she lingered, her fingers tracing the paste along the faint ridge of his old wound— Distracted.

“Something wrong?” he growled.

She startled, smiled faintly. “Nothing— just that my Willow is outside.”

“Your son?” his voice dipped an octave and she nodded.

“I will introduce you two”

----

A rusted coaster bus wheezed to a stop at Sombra Azul’s entrance.

John steps off with a duffel bag slung over his shoulder along with other passengers.

Unshaven— weathered. He turned and helped his new bride descend. Together, they moved in sync strides, two shadows sliding toward the heart of the celebration.

On getting closer to the village’s square, Maya crash landed into him. “Brother!”

He caught her firmly— laughter breaking through exhaustion. “Maya. Where’s Mother?”

“She’s—” Maya’s eyes flicked. “Inside.”

“I’ve heard so much about you.” A soft voice chimed beside John.

Maya tilted and smiled thinly. “Welcome to the family, sister”

“She's Guadalupe… Lupe in short.”

Maya bobbed a nod and pried away from John taking the woman’s hand. “I’ll show you around.”

"Maya!” John's voice cut through before she wandered away with Guadalupe. “Didn't the tribute start yet?”

She clinked in remembrance, “Forgive my thoughts — I forgot to mention it . Our house hasn’t been represented yet

John flung his duffel bag onto the ground — jaw set with the weight of his responsibility.

“Take the bag inside. I’ll join the procession.”

Maya nodded but he was already moving.

He picked the only remaining ceremonial torch and continued.

Murmurs began before he fully emerged at the foot of the mountain —late arrival, whispered judgments. John ignored them all.

His eyes and thought stayed fixed on the mountain fire pit. He had no one to offer the tribute for his household.

By the time he got to the mountain ascent, steps echoed.

On the wall of the mountain glinted the dull image of the men descending.

They had wreaths of woven juniper hanging around their necks—faces solemn beneath the weight of climbing the hilly path.

He didn't pause for any pleasantries. They had completed their duty and he was yet to.

One by one, he walked past them, meeting the village head at the rear.

He paused and gave a curt acknowledgment.

“All rituals have been done" the man briefed, handing him an offering bound in blue cloth. “Present this to the fire and speak your prayer request”

He nodded and continued.

On getting to the fire pit, the tribute bonfire stood at the center, towering, alive— its flames licking the evening dimmed sky in shades of cobalt and gold.

He placed his torch into the fire pit— and walked further, lowering to his knees immediately he reached the sacred circle.

An unnatural silence crashed over the valley, no calling of birds— chirping of insects or even the echoes of footsteps.

He bowed his head and prayed —not thinking much.

“For my house,” he prayed, voice steady, “For those who came before me. For those who will come after.”

---

Back at the Minnelli hut, Liza couldn’t contain her anticipation any longer.

Maya was yet to return to the hut , meaning that John had truly arrived.

“You really need to calm your nerves” Antonio spurred mid-chewing. "I will be here waiting”

She clocked an admiring gaze and sprang. "Keep eating— Willow will join you in no time"

He nodded reverently and willed that she give him some space.

Immediately she dashed out, he picked his shirt and followed suit, but keeping to the opposite direction.

Liza barely passed the second hut before hearing Maya’s voice introducing the bride to the huthold.

She rushed inside, beholding her new daughter in-law.

“This is our Mother" Maya switched the introduction skeptically.

Guadalupe prostrated a greeting “Hearty Sundance Mother”

Liza beamed but her eyes sourced for John more than anything.

As if reading her thoughts, Maya tittered. “Brother already went to offer the tribute”

Liza didn't linger, she dashed out and hurried toward the mountain.

-----

Up at the mountain, John lowered his offering at the altar stone.

The raging flames curled around it, swallowing the tribute whole.

A gust of wind swept through the valley, rattling the juniper trees like skeletal applause.

Still engrossed by the acceptance action, he didn't leave, he dug out his phone and rang Sophia.

“Detective Ma'am.” he said quietly. “I’m ready.”

The line dropped at the end of his sentence and he exhaled or maybe another did.

“Even after my warning the first time" Antonio grunted behind him. “You —John, choose to cast away my mercy”

John turned away from the fire and froze.

A tall, broad-shouldered silhouette of the very man the police were seeking his return for, was here.

“Take your mercy somewhere else,” he scowled. “and allow the police to do their work.”

Antonio chuckled without humor. “You think because you threw something in a fire, you’re untouchable?”

John stepped forward, refusing to yield. “Men of integrity don't need an offering to foster their security”

“Then I’m a bastard,” Antonio leaned in just enough that John’s breath hitch. “Because I trust steel to strengthen my security instinct.”

John's resolve cracked at the unveiling of the knuckled weapon, but he didn't let his fray breath betray him.

“Non-natives are not allowed inside this sacred place. I’ll call the elders— moreover the police are even on their way.”

“That won't be necessary— I will make it snappy.”

Survival instinct pushed John to lunge at the nearest rock. He hurled it, knocking Antonio off guard.

“Wrong move,” Antonio bowed a groan. His blade clattering on the stony ground.