I was home, on the beach at midnight, and there was lightning dancing on the waves.
I loved storms and the sight of all that power spread out before me was both humbling and intoxicating. I wasn't even cold; thick arms held me to a chest radiating heat. Long hair trailed down from above and hung around me like a comforting cloak. I sighed and snuggled deeper into the embrace.
"Vervain,"a voice tickled my ear. "I need you to listen and remember what I say."
I knew that voice, but I couldn't place it. I turned my head to look up at the speaker, but all I could make out was the flash of lightning in his eyes. The darkness swallowed everything else.
"I'll remember,"I said and reached out to touch his face. Maybe if I could feel him, I'd figure out who he was.
He took my hand and pressed it to his lips. "You're trapped, Vervain. There's only one place to trace in and out of Huitzilopochtli's home without his help. You must leave where you came in. Do you understand me?"