Hello,” said Kyle.“Nice to meet you,” said Wilson, extending a hand.“Likewise,” said Dr. Ramsey, shaking it.“Are all the professors so young?” asked Dr. Isaacs, chuckling good-naturedly. He looked a few years younger than Dr. Ramsey, and he had dark-brown hair and tough, leathery skin that looked sun baked and weather worn.“Well, we are a newer school. That might make a difference,” said Kyle.“Kristen, have you heard from Leo, Jeff, or Kevin at all since last night?” asked Dr. Isaacs.“No. They didn’t come back?” she asked, concerned.“I’m sure there’s nothing to worry about,” said Dr. Isaacs. “Maybe they just got home late and forgot to check in this morning.”“They know better than that, especially with Kevin in the group. Did you talk to their families yet?” asked Kristen.“We wanted to check with you first before we alarmed them. I will go make the calls right now,” said Dr. Isaacs. He turned and walked outside.“Is everything okay?” asked Wilson.“I don’t know,” said Kristen

As those loyal to Zaca were being taken from their homes and brought up for sacrifice, Quauhtli quietly gathered as many members of the Momaquixtia as he could and fled the city. Among those with him was Zaca’s widow. Quauhtli led the people north in the same direction of Zaca’s previous quest. The king was informed of the Momaquixtia’s escape and gave the order for them all to be hunted down. The Momaquixtia kept pushing further and further north to escape the king’s men. They finally settled down just northeast of the great canyon where Zaca had found the micoaz atl. They figured the canyon would make a good barrier and provide protection from the armies of the king if they should venture this far north. By the time they settled down and established a community, they numbered fifteen. They named their village after the group, Momaquixtia. Their numbers increased as more refugees from the city and nearby villages discovered them.The king searched for them relentlessly, burning and

The man got to his feet, looking a little dazed, just as several SWAT team officers ran up into the temple. He jumped up onto the platform behind the throne, reached out around the throne with his arms, and transformed them into snakes, stretching them forth and striking officer after officer with such speed they didn’t know what or where to shoot at.When Kristen saw this, she knew who they were dealing with. Her shocked expression was visible to Wilson from behind, and he grabbed her and pulled her back into the room.“Kristen, what hap—““Isaac ,” she interrupted. “He’s real.”“What are you talking about?” asked Kyle.“I believe it,” Wilson said to him. “We need to get out of here right now!”Before they could leave, the two men from the entrance hall came into the room. The taller man saw the .357 still in Kristen’s hand and asked in a whisper, “Was that you that hit him?”She nodded.“Nice shot. I’m Dutch, this is Edmonds. You all need to follow us and stay low.”They followed Du

He walked to an old shelter made of stone near the lake and entered a small room inside. Along the walls of the room were rows of ceramic jars sitting on stone shelves. He picked up a jar that had a picture of a wolf painted on the front, brought the jar over to a stone table, and poured the dust contents out onto it. He opened his mouth and sank his fangs into his own wrist; holding his arm out, he let the blood drip onto the small mound of dust. It immediately began to take shape just as he had the previous night. He retrieved another jar, this time with a picture of a bobcat painted on it, and repeated the process. The mounds of dust slowly took shape, each forming the tip of a clawed, hairy finger. Little by little, the bones, vessels, muscles, and skin slowly grew, lengthening and thickening.He left the fingers and walked out to the lake, removed his clothing, and waded into it. The liquid sent a burning sensation over all his wounds. After a while, the burning sensation began t

“It’s interesting you should ask that,” said Dutch. “I want to show you something. Follow me.”They all got up eagerly, except Kora. She remained in her seat, still crying.Kyle walked up to her.“Kora—” he began, and then he stopped. He was about to ask “What’s wrong?” but he already knew the answer.“She’s dead because of me,” she said through her sobs. “Lisa was my best friend. If Isaac didn’t think I was that Yeyecame girl, she never would have had to die for me.”“Isaac was killing everybody. You think he wouldn’t have tried to kill you anyway even if he thought you were less important?” said Kyle.“He took his time with me because he thought I was important. If he would have killed me as fast as he killed everyone else, Lisa wouldn’t have had a chance to butt in, and she might still be alive. Whatever this is, I don’t want any part of it,” she said, anger rising in her voice.“If that is what you want. No one is forcing you into this. You’re welcome to rejoin the others or sta