Despite all their power, the gods aren’t always helpful when it comes to mortal lives. They’re so busy scheming to take over the world or trying to prevent other gods from taking over the world that they don’t have much time to care about human suffering.

But you know what they say: The squeaky wheel gets the grease. Take Eréndira, for example. According to legend, she was once a princess, tragically captured by Spanish conquistadors. During her imprisonment in the forest, she cried night and day, begging the gods to save her.

Eventually, the gods took notice of Eréndira’s pain and decided to get involved in her plight. Just maybe not in the exact way she wanted . . .

Cheers for Tears

So, how did the gods respond to Eréndira’s pleas?

Did they free her from captivity and punish the conquistadors?

Did they grant her the power to fight back and take charge of her destiny?

Give her a $20 gift card for her favorite online retailer?

No, the gods took one look at Eréndira crying her eyes out and said What this woman needs is MORE tears.

They transformed Eréndira’s tears into a beautiful lake of crystal-clear water. Naturally, as soon as her pool installation was completed, Eréndira dove right in. What she wasn’t expecting was to have to remain in the water for the rest of her days. That can do a real number on your skin.

Maid in the Shade

Eréndira’s plan definitely wasn’t to trade one form of captivity for another. But hey, she did receive eternal youth, as well as a shimmering, scaly fishtail, for her troubles. Not only that, she’s also capable of transforming into a monster.

Not that she wears her sea monster attire often. Although her black claws and yellow fangs are useful for keeping unwanted guests away from the lake, Eréndira typically only bares them when someone threatens her faves. Like the queen of the Lords of Night. If the recent assassination attempt on the queen had taken place near Eréndira’s lake, we can guarantee that Monty would have been turned into fish food.

Instead, all Eréndira could do was watch the botched coronation in the surface of her lake, aka the Mirror of the Gods. While Eréndira can no longer lead a normal mortal life, she can still view current events magically projected onto her waters.

Although a more accurate nomenclature might be the Two-Way Mirror of the Gods. Because just as Eréndira can keep track of the gods, the gods can spy on her whenever they desire. It’s kind of like one of those front porch cameras. Except in this case, those who installed it actually do have dominion over the neighborhood.

Part of Your World

The mirror isn’t the only magical element of Eréndira’s lake. The waters can also grant wishes, as long as Eréndira deems the request worthy. Let’s not forget that she was once a princess, and royal decrees are hard to come by. It helps when you’re practically royalty yourself.

Even if Eréndira does decide to grant your wish, it must be simple and benign—nothing that would draw the attention or ire of the Lords of Night. Especially not Jade Is Her Skirt, the goddess of water. She’s always the first one to find out, and the last one you want to face.

Eréndira may call them wishes, but with so many rules attached, we’re inclined to call them bargaining chips. Since when are wish-granters supposed to ask for something in return?

We thought Eréndira’s greatest wish was already granted by the gods. Could it be that she wants something more? Something only a more benevolent ruler could provide?

More power? Less oversight? Or maybe just a friend to help her pass the endless time while she’s forever condemned to her lake?

All we know is that if the Lords of Night do overthrow the old gods, Eréndira can cry all she wants. She’ll be lucky if she receives even a rubber ducky this time around.

Want to see more of Eréndira? Be sure to pick up Dawn of the Jaguar: A Shadow Bruja Novel by New York Times best-selling author J.C. Cervantes, on sale now!