Book excerpt: Set thousands of years ago in the ancient Olmec culture of what is now Mexico, this is the epic tale of Spirits Walking Woman, who is worshipped by her people and possessed of the gift of divine prophecy. Now, as the mate of a powerful warrior king, she is expected to take her place in the vast empire he rules with an iron fist. But another destiny calls to her that will take her far from the royal court and the dangerous plotting of her blood sister- one that will draw her to a proud, noble stranger who offers a passion as powerful as it is forbidden.