and only the emperor knew Xibalba’s secret.

The emperor, who had dedicated his life to power and rule, had become completely hardened, forgetting about his own feelings and the joy of life. All around was deception, fraud, crime and petty rats whispering behind the backs of their rulers.

and yet...having many guards, generals, murderers and mercenaries behind him, the emperor could rely on only one person. Was it a person? It's hard to say.

-and why should I send troops to the eastern gate...

the imperious man muttered questioningly, standing by the window and inhaling deeply the night breeze, blowing his unruly locks of hair near his forehead. Once again, the emperor was negotiating with another general, who asked him for advice on guarding the walls of the imperial estate.

-well...Your Empire, that's a stupid question.

The general muttered uncertainly under his breath, noticing out of the corner of his eye how the tiger pricked up its ears, turning its muzzle over its shoulder. The blood froze in his veins, seeming to freeze completely inside his body.

The emperor's slender fingers slid over the tiger's ears, distracting his attention from the general, silently assuring him that such a small and worthless statement from the old man did not affect him. Here he is... the only one the emperor trusted. A huge wild tiger. Xibalba. Powerful, with a snow-white color and sharp black stripes all over his body. This is not about 'taming', but about something more personal. Deeper and more secret... Such a tiger is not tamed. Human relationships and alliances are built with it. Yes, human. Only alone with the emperor could the tiger take on human form, growing twice as large as the ruler and listening to his every word.

And only the emperor knew Xibalba’s secret.