Warriors of Passion (Chapters 1-10)

Recommended for ages 18+ because of the use of profanity and sexual content.

The Preface

Warrior (noun) [war·rior]: a person engaged or experienced in warfare, struggle, or conflict

Passion (noun) [pas·sion]: the emotions of intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction such as anger, love, desire, devotion, or lust; a feeling distinguished from reason

The war that raged over Planet Iti'Bah has finally ended, but the fate of the surface is now left in the hands of the four Traibs who can't seem to put the past behind them. Time may move forward, but the fear and distrust in their hearts remains. With clear borders drawn and nearly a hundred years now passed, a new era has just begun. One fueled by an unstoppable passion that has the potential to change the fate of the surface forever.

The leader of the Nah’Kah Traib, Kah’Sikae Tajo, is about to set sail and leave the Lahnd of Kahn’Teh in the hands of his son, Mateo, until his return. Unconcerned with politics or power, Mateo plans to use his temporary status to court Cecile, a lowly Ju'Ri servant, and make her his bride. But when things take a drastic turn, Mateo will face an unshakable fate. One that will ultimately aid him in uniting all four Traibs and bringing peace to the Mor’Tahls of Eh’Fi whether he wants to or not. Then again, it’s not just him involved, now is it? The prophecy has been set. How it will end has yet to be revealed. Sail Oh’Shun and discover what it truly means to be a warrior of passion.

Chapter 1: Mateo (FREE)

Chapter 2: Cecile (Support Squad Only)

Chapter 3: Mateo (Support Squad Only)

Chapter 4: Cecile (Support Squad Only)

Chapter 5: Mateo (Support Squad Only)

Chapter 6: Cecile (Support Squad Only)

Chapter 7: Mateo (Support Squad Only)

Chapter 8: Cecile (Support Squad Only)

Chapter 9: Mateo (Support Squad Only)

Chapter 10: Cecile (Support Squad Only)

Chapter 1: Mateo [Shy Blue Eyes]

By the end of tonight, I'll officially be the Kah'Sikae – leader of our people.

Fuck.

The thought echoes in my mind incessantly as I lunge for Andres and jab him straight in the shoulder. He stumbles backward with a wince. "Damn, Mateo."

I hop from one foot to the other. "Don't leave yourself open next time."

The familiar island breeze blows humid air through the palm trees surrounding the training grounds. Andres twists out his beefy shoulder with a growing smile of revenge. He's built like a boulder, and one good jab from me isn't gonna take him down.

"Alright," Andres cracks his neck with a sigh. "I think that last hit could've been harder. You just need to focus."

"I am focused."

Andres's eyes narrow, unconvinced. My body aches from sparring with Andres all morning, but I've never felt more alive. Beads of sweat drip into my eyes, and I quickly wipe them away as I widen my stance. With everyone preparing for the ceremony tonight, there's no place I'd rather be but out back with my best friend. Out here, I can ignore my impending destiny and focus on dodging Andres's meaty fists. His locks fly behind him as he runs towards me. I dodge another swing. Block another blow. I don't think. I just move. My foot manages to clip his ankle, and I pin him down in a cloud of dust. Andres lets out a hearty laugh as I tower over him, his body covered in dirt and defeat.

"Alright," he huffs. "You win."

This is how it's always been between us. For as long as I can remember, our fathers have pushed us to be the best warriors among The Nah'Kah Traib. One day they'll officially retire, and we'll be the ones left to rule over the land of Kahn'Teh. Andres, the Kah'Sikae's main advisor, and me, the Kah'Sikae. Not that I want any of it to happen. I've watched our fathers age from the stress of keeping our island at bay against our rivals overseas. It's not the kind of thing that I want for myself or Andres. I'd prefer for us to be free of responsibility and not have to deal with the infamous Ju'Ri if they decide to invade. If only things could be that simple.

I help Andres out of the dirt, and a giggle echoes from the outer hall nearby. Shy, blue eyes peer at us from around a stone pillar and disappear just as quickly. She's here. My heart hammers as I look past the dusty training grounds with anticipation. Cecile's curved frame slowly comes into full view, her dark brown waves flowing down her back as she carries a stack of towels toward the bathing chamber.

Andres groans and firmly grips my shoulders. "No, Mateo. You leave Cecile alone."

"Come on, man. It'll be just for a minute," I say, eyes glued to her.

"You're going to get in trouble again. Just leave her alone."

But his warnings are lost on me as I break free of his grasp and move toward her.

I jog backward with a devious smile, "Relax, I've got this."

Andres shakes his head in disapproval but doesn't pursue me. He knows more than anyone how I feel about Cecile, even if I'm still confused how she feels in return. The three of us have known each other our whole lives. We used to run down these outer halls together, laughing and causing mischief. But as we got older, we became more ingrained in the roles our parents set for us, and the divide became harder to ignore. With Cecile's mom being both the Ju'Ri Keeper and an escaped Ju'Ri herself, she has constant eyes keeping watch over Cecile. Yet, despite all the formalities, nothing will stop me from stealing Cecile away. Even if it's just for a few seconds, every moment is worth a thousand jewels.

The worn cloth of my pants is familiar under my palms as I brush off as much dust as possible from my body. Cecile glides towards the bathing chamber without hesitation, her hips swaying under the faded teal fabric of her dress. She jumps a little as I jog beside her and slow my pace to match her stride. Her light blue eyes meet mine just long enough to recognize me before she regains her composure and looks straight ahead – a habit of her occupation.

"Good afternoon, Miss," I say, eyeing her from my periphery.

"Good afternoon," she nods. "Out for a stroll?"

"I thought I'd have you scrub my back after several hot hours of sparring. Feeling up to it?"

Her face reddens slightly, but she doesn't lose her composure. "I fear you’ll have to go through Ms. Lusiah for a request like that."

"For you, I'd go through anything."

Every day I can't help but become more and more curious about Cecile. With our duties driving us farther apart, sometimes I feel like I'm courting a stranger. It's become an obsession of mine. Her answer both intrigues and terrifies me. I haven't thought of how I'll react if she doesn't like me more than a friend, but I'm determined to know all the same. As future Kah'Sikae, I have the privilege of having full reign over my choice of bride. But I already know that my father has other plans. He's already mentioned a specific lineup of women from the inner circle that he finds suitable to carry on our family lineage. When given the chance, I'll make it Cecile in a heartbeat. No matter how anyone feels, I'll lead Kahn'Teh with who I want beside me. If only I can figure out if she desires the same.