The Priestess Of The Night - Night 05

Greetings, Literotica lictors. In this new chapter, we will see the consequences of Daemeeth's decisions. Dogannu will feel a different and special connection with Saerhys, who might be hiding something. Aalyat, immersed in her own ordeal, will begin to lose control and the evil twin will seek comfort but her bloodlust will doom many more.

Long hiatus due to severe writer's block, though, this series was already finished when it happened.

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Both sisters were still lying there, staring at the ceiling and gasping for breath. Diamnith couldn't hold back the tears running down her cheeks and Daemeeth was afraid to look at her twin.

"It must have been easier... at least it's all over," Daemeeth murmured with a thread of a voice.

Diamnith remained silent and her sister took her hand and squeezed it. Without another word to each other, they remained that way until Diamnith stopped moving, shortly after which Daemeeth also became motionless.

Daemeeth's men, having heard the scuffle from outside, stood at attention for they did not wish to disobey by entering the stable. After several minutes that felt like an eternity, Daemeeth emerged from the stable with a look of terror and shock, as well as showing a cadaverous pallor.

"Burn this place down," the woman ordered without pause and walked away, heading to Ashtaroth.

After locking herself in her room, Aalyat collapsed on the side of her bed, burying her face in her hands and weeping bitterly. She had not the slightest idea who this woman was and how close she was to Dogannu, but in a long time she had not felt so wretched and alone as she did at that moment. Trembling, the girl tried to compose herself a little but Elanya reappeared at her back.

"I told you... he doesn't love you," she said.

"You're wrong, you have no idea," Aalyat replied looking up.

"You... disgust me. You are weak and foolish," Elanya replied to her daughter without any motherly affection.

"I didn't tell you when you were alive, but I hate you with all my might," the girl muttered angrily.

Aalyat gasped as she noticed her mother sitting next to her.

"As I told you, you must do it, whether you want to or not," Elanya assured her.

"Leave me alone..." stammered Aalyat.

The girl closed her eyes and sighed. After a few minutes she realized she was alone and lay down on her bed, crying silently.

The Sun Priestesses escorted Dogannu and Mirlya home, with Saerhys behind them. Saying goodbye, Mirlya went to sleep and Dogannu was left alone with the warrior.

"I am very tired. I need sleep," the boy admitted with a yawn.

"Sure you do, you need to regain your energies," Saerhys said.

"I suppose you want to sleep too... but I just... well, I thought... maybe you would want to..."

"Are you asking me to sleep with you? I don't think what you want most is the company of a woman," Saerhys commented.

Dogannu could feel her cheeks burning after that brief embarrassing moment, thankfully the gloom was enough to keep them from looking at each other clearly, but from the little noises she was making, he could detect that Saerhys was trying to hold back the urge to laugh.

"Don't tease me... I just thought you might want to rest," Dogannu mused.

"Not at all. But I'd rather stay up and watch the house," she assured him.

"But it's too dangerous!"

"For you it is, though it does not mean you are not brave, Dogannu. You have been very brave to endure this infamous rite," Saerhys told her.

"Thank you... I have never met a woman as incredible as you. I assume you are familiar with this ritual?"

"Yes, the gods do not approve," she replied.

They remained silent for a couple of minutes. Dogannu wondered what expression Saerhys' face wore and at the same time did not know what else to say.

"Thank you for protecting us today, my mother and me," he added.

"It is the least I could do for who offered me his home and hospitality. Rest, Dogannu," said the warrior.

Hearing him move to her side, the woman gave him a quick hug and then opened the door. Waving her hand, she closed it behind her and stood to the side, admiring the cold, illuminated night. The moon shone brightly, as if it were daytime.

In his bed, the boy could hardly sleep and kept thinking about Saerhys and the reason for her presence in Ashtaroth. Not only did she look like an ordinary woman, she was the perfect mix between beauty and lethality; but at the same time, something about her gave him the peace he had lost. On the other hand, he didn't know what to do with Aalyat, the first thing that came to his mind was that he should go talk to her and explain what really happened before the ritual.

Which led him to Diamnith. The priestess from one moment to the next was acting differently, away from her moral code and worse, in the company of Edrok. He was not a very sane person and feared that he was plotting something evil against her.

Finally, Priest Hatimekh was still not keeping his word. What did he expect? His time was running out and the old man was still inoperative, as if the situation had somehow overtaken him. He fell asleep immersed in his thoughts and what he needed to see Aalyat as soon as possible.

Outside the house, Saerhys was smiling as he looked at the moon and its glow, a light breeze was blowing and he was enjoying the silence very much. The warrior had a serene and confident expression, even though the night was always fraught with danger, even supernatural danger. Her green eyes scanned the darkness and seemed to be able to detect things that others normally could not.

Her senses were on full alert, accustomed to traveling in inhospitable places at night as well; still, she showed no emotion beyond that delicate smile on her lips, as if she longed to face what few men wished to face. She was not reckless per se, but she would never let herself be overwhelmed by the situation, no matter how bad it was.

After briefly closing her eyes and sighing deeply, the woman opened them quickly and looked to one end of the street, to her left; away from the main street. She heard delicate, hesitant footsteps, in the distance; a tall, slender silhouette appeared, dressed in black.

It was Daemeeth, returning from the stable. The acolyte of Aalyat walked slowly and upon noticing the presence of Saerhys at some distance, she adopted a more serious expression and kept the knife under her tunic. Thinking that the warrior would only greet her, she stopped suddenly when she saw Saerhys advance and stand in front of her only a few steps away, which could be seen in great detail thanks to the moonlight.

Saerhys cocked her head slightly and noticed Daemeeth's cadaverous pallor.

"Enjoying a walk?" asked Saerhys.

"No... I'm on my way home," said Daemeeth.

"Alone?" exclaimed the somewhat surprised warrior. "Curious, very curious," she added.

"Why do you say so?"

"You did not return with your sisters," Saerhys indicated.

Daemeeth, unperturbed, continued to stare at Saerhys without saying anything.

"May I ask you something?" the warrior continued.

"Of course," Daemeeth conceded in a tired voice.

"Why did you leave the ceremony?"

"None of your business," the impostor replied with some wariness.

Holding back a scathing reply, Saerhys nodded politely.

"Yes, I apologize. I was just curious," Saerhys replied.

"Don't worry, I'll tell you. I left because I couldn't bear to look at that rite," Daemeeth lied somewhat, making up for the mistake she was about to make.

"Sure, it's understandable..." whispered the woman, with a smile.

At that moment, Daemeeth looked into Saerhys eyes again and they had turned as green as a pair of emeralds. That unearthly glow was unsettling and Daemeeth wondered if the woman could know, but that didn't worry him for long, for as he looked at her he felt many things, he felt that she knew he was lying and thought only of killing her. He rested his left hand on her waist, where he felt the hilt of his knife.

"Though I must tell you that, being Mirlya's friend, you don't show much interest in Dogannu's welfare," Saerhys said very calmly.

"You think so?" inquired Daemeeth feigning offense.

"Only the gods can know..." replied the warrior.

They remained silent again and Daemeeth noticed that Saerhys' hand was on the hilt of the sword, as if he had the same intentions as her. Saerhys smiled as if nothing strange was happening.

"Diamnith, isn't it?" she asked. Daemeeth nodded. "I wish I could get to know you better," Saerhys wished.

"I concur..." said Daemeeth, though his tone of voice did not express the same conviction.

Again, another awkward silence that seemed to say more than his words. The moonlight made the impostor look even paler than usual, and Saerhys kept looking at her with great curiosity, as if trying to see beyond Daemeeth's words, who was eager to leave the place as soon as possible.

"I'm sorry not to stay and talk, but I'd like to get home," Daemeeth indicated.

"Of course, my apologies," Saerhys excused herself and extended her arm.

Hesitating for a second, Daemeeth held her arm by way of a farewell. But Saerhys did not let go of her and slyly the acolyte of Astarte Dark One was trying to escape from his grasp. A dark cloud moved closer to the moon and soon everything was soon all was in sudden darkness. Daemeeth gazed at the face of Saerhys in the gloom and only the woman's eyes, which were much greener than before, could be seen much greener than before.

It seemed to last an eternity and Daemeeth felt more nervous. She just wanted to get away and once again the moon was shining in the night sky, which was the night sky, full of stars. The warrior's eyes were returning to their previous natural glow and Saerhys released her arm with a smile.

"May the gods protect you," she murmured.

"May the gods protect you," Daemeeth repeated and passed her to him aside to continue on his way.

After walking away, Daemeeth spat on the ground and repeated disdainfully. "May the gods protect you... from me."

Saerhys did not take his eyes off her and when she disappeared around the corner, he returned to the door of the house and looked at the moon again.

In the morning, Dogannu woke up full of energy. He felt as if the last few days had not happened, he felt no tiredness or pain. Going out to the backyard, he found Saerhys sitting on one of the wooden crates, cleaning and polishing his sword, which looked immaculate and flawless.

"How are you feeling? You look like you've had a good rest," Saerhys said.

"Yes, I feel very well indeed. But I guess you haven't been able to get any sleep," Dogannu commented apologetically.

"Don't worry, it's not the first time it happens. I'll be fine, I assure you," the warrior said with a beaming smile, and Dogannu couldn't help but do the same.

Stowing the weapon in the leather holster, the woman stood up.

"I'll go out for a walk. If you want, you can come, join me, and talk," Saerhys suggested with a smile.

"I would love to... but..."

"I understand. I'll be at the big cedar tree outside if you decide to come," she replied and left.

Dogannu watched her leave and sighed. Although he wanted to accompany her, he needed to clear things up with Aalyat and make sure she was okay. She didn't seem to be in good mood when she left the temple.

Aalyat was breathing peacefully in her bed. It had taken her a few hours to fall asleep, and at that moment, she felt a hand resting on her shoulder.

"Dogannu..." she murmured in her sleep, smiling.

That hand continued to caress her, and the girl didn't want to wake up.

"Stop, Dogannu..." Aalyat said in her dream.

"You're still wasting time," a very different voice spoke from behind her, and the priestess opened her eyes, alarmed.

"Daemeeth..." she replied in a low voice. "You shouldn't be here," she added.

"Why not?"

"You know we can't be seen together!" Aalyat reminded her.

Daemeeth let out a little laugh, and her finger caressed the young woman's bare neck.

"You know, I loved coming in here and find you asleep. It reminded me of old times," Daemeeth said mischievously.

"That's enough, Daemeeth..." Aalyat whispered.

"Are you afraid?" Daemeeth murmured, sliding her hand a little lower and reaching one of Aalyat's breasts.

With some difficulty, she moved Daemeeth's hand away from her body and turned around. Daemeeth looked terrible, pale, and with clear signs of not having slept at all. Aalyat breathed a bit nervously but remained calm.

"What is wrong with you? You know very well that's past time," said Aalyat.

"I did it, I did it..." repeated Daemeeth with a crazed expression on her pale face.

"What did you do?" asked the young priestess fearfully.

"I killed her... I killed that coward I had for sister," confessed the wicked woman.

Aalyat slowly moved away from Daemeeth and stood up. Her gaze was filled with fear and astonishment.

"What have you done?! That was not part of our plan!!!" she exclaimed, furious and worried.

"You'll thank me... you'll thank me..." Daemeeth murmured with a sadistic grin.

Indignant, the young priestess turned around and left her acolyte alone. Looking for Dalikha, she found her cutting some roots. The servant stopped what she was doing and bowed before her mistress.

"Why did you let her in?" Aalyat asked abruptly.

"What do you mean, my lady?" she replied, doubtful and confused.

Aalyat stared at her without blinking, and Dalikha swallowed hard, frightened. Finally, the priestess left, and as she stepped out of the house, she ran straight into her mother.

"What Daemeeth did was necessary."

"Damn you, just leave me alone!" Aalyat screamed.

"Poor Aalyat... the only way to free yourself from me, you already know it..." Elanya said enigmatically.

The girl began to wave her arms at her mother, while her servant looked at her strangely, unable to see Elanya. Aalyat shouted all kinds of insults, but her mother only laughed at her, knowing the whole picture and that no one else but her daughter could see her.

"Surrender to Dark Ashtoreth and fulfill your destiny," Elanya said before disappearing.

"I won't do it, do you hear me? You can do whatever you want, but I won't change my decision!!!"

"Are you alright?" Dalikha murmured fearfully.

Aalyat turned, terrified, her gray eyes wide open, noticing the presence of her maid.

"Yes... yes..." she managed to stammer.

"You were talking to yourself, my lady," said Dalikha.

The Priestess of the Night remained silent and, with large strides, walked away from there, with no apparent destination. Daemeeth stopped just behind the young girl, and when she turned around, she almost had a fright to death.

"Priestess Diamnith!! For all the gods' sake!" she exclaimed.

"Forgive me, it wasn't my intention. I need you to come with me, now..." demanded Daemeeth.

Dalikha looked at her in bewilderment, not knowing the reason for that request.

Dogannu stopped at the door of Aalyat's house. He was a bit nervous but still knocked on the door and waited. After a couple of minutes, he was still waiting, but no one opened the door. Perplexed, Dogannu went around and found no signs of Aalyat or her servant in the place. The young man was bewildered and didn't know exactly what to think.

Aalyat continued to move away from Ashtaroth and stopped when she realized what she was doing. Caravans from Damascus and Mesopotamia passed by her side on the road, and some men looked at her with curiosity. Meanwhile, the priestess, with her head down and worried, considered telling Daemeeth that she would give up continuing with the plan.

The conflict in her soul and heart was driving her to a breaking point. The young woman not only had to abandon her meticulous scheme but also find a way to get rid of Daemeeth, which was not exactly a simple idea. Now, with Diamnith's death, it would be very difficult for anyone to believe she was an usurper. She knew that only by ending Daemeeth's life she could free the people from the evil that she planned to unleash.

Although that was the least of her concerns. The warrior, that enigmatic woman who did not leave Dogannu's side and she hated her for it, was another worry. Aalyat felt on the verge of despair and abandoned, except for the cursed ghost of her dear mother, who did not seem willing to leave her in peace. A few meters to her right, she could see her mother with a cruel smile, knowing that only she was capable of detecting her presence.

On the other side of the village, Mirlya walked through the market with great fear, as a crowd began to surround her, armed with knives, axes, and any cutting object. With every step she took, she felt the circle tightening around her. Mentally, she entrusted herself to all the gods. When a rough and unkempt man stood in front of her, armed with a bloodstained knife, she knew there would be no escape.

"You brought into this world the one responsible of our disgrace," he muttered in a hoarse voice.

Mirlya trembled with fear, only awaiting the final blow. However, a small commotion and several complaints gave way to a man dressed as a warrior (bronze breastplate, arm and leg protectors), sword in hand.

"If you dare touch a single hair on her head, that hand will never touch anything again," Evarod threatened.

The man was startled as he felt the tip of the weapon pressing against his back. Slowly, he stepped aside, and Mirlya could see Evarod, who offered his hand and made their way through the crowd. Once far from them, they began to disperse, and when he felt there was no more danger, Evarod stopped.

"Are you alright?" Evarod asked.

"Yes, I suppose I am... thank you..." Mirlya replied shyly.

"You shouldn't thank me; it's what any sensible person would have done," he assured her.

He remained silent for a moment before continuing to walk. Evarod followed her and kindly asked if he could accompany her back home. Along the way, the man talked to Mirlya and couldn't stop commenting on how he had never seen eyes as beautiful as hers. Naturally, the woman was very pleased, although she was somewhat intrigued by his words and intentions, and she made this known to him as they reached the threshold of her home.

"Why do you say all these things to me?"

"Can't a man admire beauty when it's right in front of him?" Evarod replied with a smile.

"This isn't right. Again, I thank you for saving me, but you make me feel uncomfortable," Mirlya admitted, slightly blushing. Bidding the warrior farewell, she entered the house with a sense of embarrassment, while Evarod remained there for a few seconds, somewhat bewildered, before returning to Priest Hatimekh.

Having located Edrok, Dalikha and Daemeeth found themselves on the platform of the slave market. They had interrupted the auction ceremony, and a crowd stood in front of the platform, mostly adherents of Dark Ashtoreth, but also some faithful to god Sun, Baal, Dagon, El, and the goddess Ashtoreth. In broad daylight, Daemeeth appeared whiter than salt, although the gleam of wickedness in her eyes remained intact. The deranged gaze of the servant of Dark Ashtoreth intrigued many, who still thought she was Diamnith.

"People of Ashtaroth, today a new era begins. It is time to set aside the gods who have no power to save us and fully embrace the true goddess, Dark Ashtoreth! I, Diamnith, voluntarily and firmly adhere to the will of the great goddess and her Humble Servant, Priestess Aalyat. I exhort you to do as I have been ordered... so that you may all be protected and not suffer the wrath of Dark Ashtoreth!" Daemeeth exclaimed loudly.

The fanatics present acclaimed Daemeeth, and all at once, they pressed themselves against the platform to obtain the blessing of Aalyat's acolyte. Others, somewhat suspicious, could not believe the words of "Diamnith," always correct and devoted to the traditional gods, especially Sun. Daemeeth observed everything with a triumphant and somewhat deranged expression until, amidst the crowd, she saw something that filled her with terror. Her sister Diamnith was among them, with an unfaltering gaze, slightly shaking her head in disapproval.

"It can't be... it can't be... you're not real," she said to herself in a low voice.

But wherever she looked, she only saw the face of her twin sister with an ironic smile on her lips. Daemeeth watched in horror and repeatedly denied what was happening to her, but it only made Dalikha and Edrok approach her with concern. Pushing both of them away, the woman got down from the platform and, ignoring the crowd, ran with all her might away from the place.

"You know what you're doing isn't right, sister..." Daemeeth heard her sister say, standing in a corner. The woman growled in anger and kept walking resolutely.

However, she could feel and hear the footsteps behind her, and the idea of looking terrified her. She didn't know what to do or where to go; she trusted no one and felt that everything that had happened the previous night seemed distant, although the images repeated themselves over and over in her mind, along with her sister's last words. Something in the middle of her chest burned and tortured her conscience and her very soul.

She couldn't allow the memory of that coward of her sister to divert her from her purpose, but despite wandering all over Ashtaroth trying to calm down, she had an overwhelming need to vent. Finally, she collapsed onto the dusty ground of a narrow street, crying inconsolably. Those who saw her walked away bewildered and fearful as she reacted violently when a couple of people tried to help her.

If she looked up, she would have noticed that she was on the street where Mirlya lived. Hearing the screams and laments, Mirlya came out of her house and saw her friend lying on the ground, her hair covered in dust. Mirlya quickly approached and knelt beside her, wrapping her arms around her.

"Diamnith! What's happening? Are you alright?"

Daemeeth raised her pale and tearful face, shaken by tremors and completely distraught. The wicked woman shook her head.

"Come, you need to calm down. I'll prepare something warm for you," Mirlya assured her, taking her hand. Daemeeth looked at her and slowly got up.

Once inside the house and having cleaned and combed her hair, Daemeeth looked at Mirlya, who had her back turned. Turning around, Mirlya held a steaming bowl filled with an olive-green liquid, which she placed near her guest. It had a sweet aroma, and as Daemeeth inhaled the light steam from it, she felt much better. Mirlya took the other chair beside her and took her hand again.

"Is something wrong, Diamnith? Why were you crying?" Mirlya asked again.

"I'm fine, Mirlya."

"You can't fool me. I've known you for a long time, and I know something is bothering you," Mirlya said.

"Well, it's not like that," she muttered somewhat defiantly, but immediately lowered her head and began to sob again. "Everything is worse... I don't know what to do," she managed to add before becoming overwhelmed by tears.

Mirlya stood up and hugged her. For a moment, Daemeeth remained stiff and reluctant to the contact, but she calmed down and cried silently. She didn't understand the reason for her anguish. She had done all kinds of things for Dark Ashtoreth, including killing her twin sister. But from the moment Diamnith stopped breathing, she felt that something within her was wrong, as if a part of her soul had also gone with her older sister.

Why did she feel this immense pain that tore her soul apart? For a brief moment, she had felt an inconceivable joy, but the memory of Diamnith's lifeless, glassy eyes tormented her. Daemeeth screamed in distress, and Mirlya held her tightly, concerned about the nervous breakdown that overwhelmed the woman she thought it was her friend.

"I am... I am a monster..." Daemeeth stammered with a trembling voice.

"Don't say that, Diamnith. You are a great woman," Mirlya consoled her.

"I've done... terrible things... you have... no i-idea..." the imposter murmured.

"Sometimes we make mistakes, but you have redeemed yourself over these years. I thank the gods for your friendship and for knowing you," Mirlya said, believing she was talking about her past.

Daemeeth calmed down and looked at Mirlya. The black pigment around her eyes was smeared by her tears and ran down her cheeks. Her hostess dried her tears and squeezed her hand.

"There are things you don't know, Mirlya. Things that would freeze your blood in your veins," Daemeeth assured her.

"What kind of things? You can trust me, you know that," Mirlya said.

"Years ago, when Elanya was alive... I had... I had a... sister," Daemeeth confessed. Mirlya adopted an expression of surprise and said nothing.

"She was one of the first followers of Aalyat's mother," Daemeeth added.

"And what happened to her?"

The priestess took a deep breath before speaking.

"She... succumbed to the darkness. I never saw her again," Daemeeth replied.

"And you never wondered what became of her?" Mirlya asked.

"I killed her... I killed my own sister. She was a threat," Daemeeth admitted, and Mirlya looked at her in horror.

She didn't know what to say to help her; the shocking confession had left her speechless. Then she remembered something, a hooded figure that always followed Diamnith. She had never been able to see the face beneath, and that idea had seemed mysterious to her.

"Why did she cover her face?"

"When we were children, fire from an altar burned part of her face. So that's why she hid under the cloak," Daemeeth lied.

"I understand... it must have been difficult for her," Mirlya said.

"Only a little... she was very shy and did everything I asked," Daemeeth remembered the way she behaved towards Diamnith.

"And did she really succumb to the darkness? Or was it something else?"

By this point, Daemeeth was still a bit sad, but the bitter memory of what happened made anger and hatred burn inside her, poisoning and clouding her thoughts.

"She lied to me. She betrayed me. I was foolish, innocent..." Daemeeth murmured as she remembered how Diamnith had borrowed her black cloak from her to go and make a sacrifice to Dark Ashtoreth. But instead, she managed to get close to Elanya and stab her in the back, arriving at the moment when her older sister took off the cloak to reveal herself to the Priestess of the Night as Diamnith and not Daemeeth.

"Diamnith, Diamnith... are you alright? I was asking if you wanted something to eat," Mirlya offered, snapping the usurper out of her reverie.

"No, there's something I must do," she said firmly and stood up, leaving the house without saying goodbye, filled with murderous rage.

As Daemeeth walked with resolve and anger back to the slave's market, Dogannu had left the village, heading towards the old cedar tree. There she was, sitting with her back against the tree and looking away from the village. About twenty steps away, Saerhys smiled and spoke.

"You have come..."

Dogannu said nothing and sat down beside her. Turning to face him, she gave him an affectionate and understanding look, then put her arm around his shoulders, and they stayed side by side.

"I thought for a moment that you wouldn't come. The storm is approaching," Saerhys said, looking at the distant horizon.

"What are you talking about? I don't understand," Dogannu replied.

"The power of Dark Ashtoreth is growing. It will be too late to stop her if something isn't done soon."

The young man nodded. It wasn't necessary for her to tell him that, as he was already beginning to feel an inexplicable anger within him, although that feeling was restrained when he was with her. This made him truly question his short but powerful bond with Saerhys. He felt very good with her, too good; and not only that, this woman, of whom he barely knew her name and a couple of details, made his heart beat the same way it did during his romance with Aalyat. He just didn't want to make a mistake with her.

"Have you ever been in love?" Saerhys asked suddenly. Dogannu cleared his throat and blushed.

"I think you can imagine with whom," Dogannu replied.

"Yes, I've noticed how she looks at you. The same way she looks at me," the warrior said.

An akward silence followed, during which they both looked to the south, at the hills and the winding river. The warrior adjusted herself a bit to search in a leather bag for a kind of amulet with the representation of Ashtoreth.

"I know it's hard for you to trust in the gods, but wherever you are, she will come to you and give you comfort," Saerhys assured him.

"Thank you... for real," the young man replied and tucked the amulet into his belt.

After that, it was as if an invisible barrier had disappeared, and they began to talk about their lives. Dogannu spoke for only about ten minutes, omitting his history with Aalyat, but he was captivated by the adventures and places Saerhys had visited: Memphis, Heliopolis, Thebes, Babylon, Damascus, Nineveh, and some places he had never heard of, like Mohenjo-Daro.

Saerhys downplayed it and only mentioned a few anecdotes of her adventures. When Dogannu asked her if she had ever fallen in love with someone on her travels, Saerhys laughed but confessed that she once had a friendship with a young priest of Amun in Heliopolis.

"Just a friendship? Your eyes seem to say more than your words," Dogannu said.

"No... no. It's not like that," Saerhys laughed and held Dogannu's left hand. "Let's just say that in the end, he became a Pharaoh... and after that, I had no choice but to leave," she added.

"Wow, I haven't heard of a recent Pharaoh who was a priest. Is it some kind of allegory or metaphor?"

Her gaze was inscrutable, but Saerhys remained calm and immediately clarified what she had said.

"In part, it's a story of how someone virtuous and honest becomes corrupted. And yes, there was once a Pharaoh who was a priest of Amun," Saerhys explained.

"Are you referring in some way to... Aalyat?" he asked doubtfully.

"It's a story that can apply to anyone," she clarified.

Changing the subject of the conversation, Dogannu expressed his concern about the approaching end of Samikhred Usim. Saerhys offered him words of encouragement for the near future and told him a phrase he would not easily forget.

"Don't worry, even if you don't believe it, a god is always watching you."

Dogannu couldn't help but think two things: Saerhys seemed like any devout follower of the gods, and he truly enjoyed her company. She was very simple in many aspects and shared his passion for visiting distant and incredible places. Perhaps it was too soon to say there was a mutual connection, but Dogannu had to admit that meeting her had not been pure coincidence.

He didn't know much more than what she told him, but he had the strange feeling that somehow he knew her much better. Part of her hair moved with the gentle breeze, and as he looked directly into her eyes, she smiled at him and he slowly moved closer. A few inches away, Saerhys retreated slightly, keeping her lips out of his reach.

"I don't think you want to do it," she murmured.

"Why not?"

"Because..." Saerhys began to say and caressed his cheek. "It wouldn't work..."

"I don't think it could be worse than what I'm going through," Dogannu replied.

"There are things better left unknown," the warrior said and kissed his cheek.

A slight blush appeared on both of their faces, and Saerhys hugged Dogannu tightly with the arm that encircled his shoulders. The young man didn't understand anything. What was Saerhys hiding that she wasn't able to tell him? A thousand possibilities ran through his mind, although for a second he thought that maybe she was secretly a follower of Dark Ashtoreth.

"It's not what you think," she suddenly commented.

"What are you talking about?" the surprised boy asked.

"I can see it in your gaze, and no, I am not a follower of Dark Ashtoreth," she confessed to him.

His curiosity and doubts increased. How could she know that? Maybe he was exaggerating, but he had to admit that he only talked of Aalyat most of the times, and that's how Saerhys could know his fear.

"There is an Egyptian art. Look into a person's eyes, and you will be able to see their soul," Saerhys indicated.

"I wish I knew how," Dogannu said.

"Believe me, you wouldn't want to know that. It's a true torment," she replied.

And then they fell silent, looking at the horizon once more. What they didn't know was that from a distance, Aalyat was watching them with tears in her eyes as they embraced under the shade of the old cedar tree. The Priestess of the Night was completely broken; her beloved Dogannu truly loved that unknown harlot, and she tightly pressed her lips and fists together. Elanya was at her side with a malignant and triumphant smile.

"Now do you believe me? That boy doesn't deserve your compassion," Elanya said, inciting her daughter.

"I thought... I... I can't..." Aalyat stuttered.

"My innocent and weak Aalyat... what more do you need to see? Do you want to see them fornicating? It would be better if you continue the task for which you are destined."

With her face contorted by pain and anger, Aalyat turned around and ran away. In the slave market, Edrok remained with Dalikha and the newly arrived Daemeeth. The dark acolyte welcomed the new believers of Dark Ashtoreth and made a small mark with a knife on their arms. She had been doing this for a while when Aalyat climbed onto the platform and looked at her follower.

"What are you doing?" Aalyat asked.

"I am following your orders, Priestess..." Daemeeth replied, pretending to be uncomfortable with what she was doing.

"Well, I did not order you to mark them..." she said, snatching the knife from her and slitting the throat of the man kneeling before Daemeeth.

For a moment, Daemeeth remained motionless, but Aalyat vented her frustration on her and delivered a strong slap. Humiliated, the renegade imposter had a face contorted with anger and murderous hatred. So, retrieving the knife, she descended from the platform and began to attack anyone within her reach. The woman screamed madly as she stabbed indiscriminately at any unfortunate person. People ran and stumbled, many dying as they were trampled by hundreds of others.

Daemeeth imagined that it was her sister she was killing again and again, stabbing left and right, incited by her wickedness and public humiliation. Edrok saw the situation and sang his hymn of gratitude for the harvest, uncaring of how bizarre and unjust the situation was. Dalikha was horrified by the atrocious scene, and Aalyat did not stay long. With a determined step, she left.

When her murderous rage subsided, she was covered in blood, and around her lay more than a hundred bodies, although most had perished in the chaos of the stampede. Then, in a gesture that was chilling to those who watched, Daemeeth's lips moved spasmodically, and her eyes carefully scanned her surroundings. She could no longer contain herself...

She began to laugh. A shrill laugh, the kind from someone who has lost their mind. Even Dalikha began to suspect that something was not right with Priestess "Diamnith," and with great stealth, she slipped away from the place toward her mistress's house, leaving Daemeeth and Edrok alone, offering those sacrificed victims to Dark Ashtoreth.

Greater consternation arose among the few who watched from hiding when Daemeeth stood in front of Edrok, caressed his cheek, and then dug her fingers in more forcefully.

"Kneel..." she demanded with an authoritative gaze.

Letting himself be carried away, he slowly knelt before his lover and observed her hard bulge trying to break free. Edrok freed Daemeeth's cock from its confinement, and she looked at him with a wicked smile as the young man swallowed her enormous cock in one go. The son of Hatimekh sucked and licked the entire shaft, returning to the glans and slurped with delight and joy. The dark acolyte buried her hands in Edrok's hair and began to fuck his mouth without delay, causing her lover to start gagging and tearing up within seconds.

"That's right... everyone should know that you belong to me..." Daemeeth murmured.

For obvious reasons, Edrok couldn't respond to that statement. Instead, he continued to swallow and savor every inch of that sublime, veiny cock. He didn't care about the scandalized looks of those who watched in disbelief as he knelt before a woman they believed to be a respectable priestess repentant of her past. Pulling out her cock filled with his saliva, Edrok repeatedly slapped his cheeks for her pleasure. He wanted to imbue himself with her essence like Ismaelite perfume.

Slowly, she began to undress, removing her black tunic completely. Her excited lover continued to move back and forth on her cock while his eager hands traveled over his sensual and shapely legs. Daemeeth closed her eyes and sighed in ecstasy. She needed to relieve herself completely, and there was only one more thing left to do.

Pushing Edrok away from her, she lay down on her clothes, and at her signal, he brought his buttocks closer to her face in a gesture to sit down. Spreading them apart, Daemeeth stuck out her tongue and began to lick Edrok's hole, who felt a slight shiver and then moaned loudly as he felt her making shoving movements into his sphincter. He couldn't help but bring a hand to his own penis and began to masturbate, enjoying the intimate caress she was giving him.

"Yes... that feels sublime... don't stop, don't stop!" Edrok exclaimed in an agitated voice, overcome with desire.

Daemeeth made a greater effort and plunged her long tongue deeper and deeper into his hole. With a prolonged and intense moan, Edrok began to ejaculate onto the priestess's belly, who did not stop licking and plunging her tongue into his ass. The young man also jerked off until the last drop of cum came out of his penis.

His legs began to weaken, and Daemeeth got up to lay Edrok down on her clothes, on his back, with the signs of pleasure still evident on his face. Without wasting any time, she began to push and plunged her cock into the needy ass of her dear Edrok, who bit his lips and moved his head, letting Daemeeth know that he was very willing to be her bitch in front of the whole town.

Moving frantically, the imposter's cock went in and out with great ease. Both lovers fornicated and indulged in their base pleasures right in the middle of the slave market, with some corpses nearby and scandalized eyes witnessing the sexual act. With one of her legs over his shoulder, Daemeeth unleashed her rough lust on Edrok, who panted in a high-pitched voice as he was relentlessly pumped by his beloved mortal goddess.

Her constant and rough pace showed no sign of pity for his anal orifice. Instead of complaining about the intrusion, Edrok moaned nonstop, asking for more and more of her cock. Leaning slightly over him, Edrok wrapped her neck with his legs while Daemeeth placed both hands around his. Her thrusts, fast and deep, drove the unruly pair of lovers wild with pleasure.

They stayed like this for a few minutes, kissing frantically and noisy relentless pounds from her, when the dark acolyte was overcome by tremors and moans indicating the peak of her climax. Thrusting with all her might, she buried her throbbing cock to the hilt, expelling jets and jets of hot cum into his bowels. Edrok reached his second climax with her in unison, as he could feel a viscous liquid on his abdomen. Both were left without strength and fully satisfied.

The Priestess of the Night was at home, destroying any object within her reach. Dalikha remained paralyzed with fear; she had never seen her mistress so furious. It was as if some evil spirit had taken over her being. Although that wasn't true, for the pain of a broken heart couldn't be compared or understood. The only connection to a happier past, Dogannu, her hope of being able to change her dark destiny, he didn't seem to care about her efforts to save him or her feelings towards him, which had been intact from the first moment she regained control of her soul.

She no longer considered Saerhys the real culprit; it was Dogannu who bore all the responsibility for allowing himself to be captivated. Amid the destruction she had caused, Elanya stood on a kind of trapdoor in the kitchen floor. Aalyat looked at her in surprise, and her mother nodded. Kneeling, the girl lifted the small wooden board and looked down to see a golden chest adorned with the image of Dark Ashtoreth.

"With the help of our goddess, you will fulfill your destiny. Pure herbs and roots... used by your grandmother," Elanya specified as Aalyat examined them. "They will give you great power; you will even be able to bring darkness over the known world, if you please, or anything else you desire," she added.

Remaining silent, with Dalikha behind her, the girl took out a finely crafted gilded ring from the heavy chest. The ring had intricate marks on its surface and a large black stone set in it.

"The Ring of Darkness. Ishalyat received it from the hands of the great Dark Ashtoreth on her journey to the East. With this ring, you will be able to do as you wish," the cursed ghost of the former Priestess of the Night explained.

"So you hid it here... you never told me," Aalyat replied to her mother, although Dalikha thought she was talking to herself.

"I had to act quickly. I knew Diamnith had betrayed me and planned to kill me. That's why I hid it, and that's why Daemeeth killed her, to avenge my death..."

"I d-didn't know that... I'm sorry..." Aalyat apologized in a low voice.

Putting on the Ring of Darkness, the young woman felt a strange sensation; an indescribable feeling of power, darkness... and hatred. Aalyat tightened her lips and fists, which cracked ominously. Her servant Dalikha was restless and disturbed by the unintelligible words Aalyat uttered, which provoked in her a feeling of fear and suffocation. As she turned around, the short maid could not suppress a gasp of surprise.

Aalyat showed a somber but calm expression. However, that calmness made her look unsettling and certainly dangerous. A cold, lifeless gaze with more pronounced dark circles under her eyes, which were expressionless and lacked natural sparkle; an aura of barely perceptible darkness enveloped her. Beside her, the ghost of Elanya smiled with sinister pride.

"Dalikha... prepare these herbs. I need to get ready for tonight," Aalyat ordered in a cold and distant voice that froze her servant's blood in her veins.

Grabbing the heavy chest with trembling hands, the girl left as quickly as possible to do her mistress's bidding. Aalyat stood up and, followed by the ghost of her mother, left the house heading towards Dogannu's. She had a pending matter to discuss.

Edrok and Daemeeth were in her hideout on the outskirts of the village. Lying on an old, worn-out travel cloak, both were lying down, and he had an arm around her shoulders. They were discussing future events.

"And what's going to happen? The Wicked One is still breathing," Edrok said.

"Not for much longer. Soon Dark Ashtoreth will have enough strength to rule this world. And you and I will be together," Daemeeth promised. Edrok smiled, enchanted.

"Why did you wait so long?" he asked suddenly.

"What do you mean?"

"Us. Why wait until now? We could have spent more time together," Edrok said. Daemeeth gave him a trembling look.

She remembered for a moment her stealthy arrival to Ashtaroth months ago to verify the rumors of the calamities that had taken place there. She watched from a close distance a group of people gathered around a young man dressed in white tunic, with long hair in a ponytail and black pigment around his eyes. It was Edrok, and he was fervently exhorting his followers to repent of their iniquities and vehemently condemning the Wicked One.

"When the plagues began... and you stood up against impiety and blasphemy, I remember listening to each one of your words. And..." Daemeeth did not finish what she felt.

"And?" Edrok repeated expectantly.

"I thought I would never find someone like me... pure and sincere," Daemeeth confessed with bright eyes.

"Really? I... thought that you... well, you know... didn't like me that much."

"That's not true! From the first moment I saw you... I had it clear," Daemeeth said.

Smiling, Edrok wrapped his arms around her neck and kissed her again. Daemeeth surrendered, and their lips melted into a long, passionate kiss. Then they looked at each other for several seconds, and this woman, who had never felt love for anyone other than her twin sister and herself, noticed how her heart was beating rapidly. This surprised her greatly. She didn't understand what was happening to her, nor did she comprehend the words that had come from her lips. Her feelings were confusing regarding Edrok, and although she had planned to use him for her purposes, she realized the situation was beyond her control. She could no longer restrain that strange feeling that overwhelmed her when they were together.

"Will you stay with me?" she asked softly.

"Until the end..." Edrok promised.

Back in Ashtaroth, Dogannu and Saerhys were in the backyard of the house when they heard voices, a struggle, and a muttered thud coming from inside. They looked at each other bewildered, and at that moment, they saw her.

"I told you my son was busy, that he isn't..." Dogannu heard his mother's worried and nervous voice from inside.

But standing before them in the doorway was Aalyat. She wore her long black tunic, and her gaze was cold and expressionless. Although the sun was shining in the sky, they couldn't help but feel a sudden sense of cold and despair, which dissipated almost immediately. The ghost of Elanya was beside her daughter, invisible to them. The former Priestess of the Night looked at the warrior with disdain, but in an instant, Saerhys fixed her sharp green eyes on her, looking at Elanya suspiciously.

For a moment, Elanya thought it was a coincidence, but without changing the expression on her face, Saerhys continued to stare at the cursed spirit, who realized this woman was capable of seeing her. Dogannu looked at his companion, wondering exactly what she was looking at, as he noticed her eyes were not fixed on Aalyat.

The Priestess of the Night glanced at her mother, who, without saying a word, vanished. She was on the verge of losing her composure but didn't, and directing a murderous look at Saerhys, she finally decided to speak.

"What is she doing here? We need to talk... alone," Aalyat said.

Looking at Saerhys, the woman nodded and went into the house to help Mirlya. Both Aalyat and Dogannu were left looking at each other. Aalyat approached Dogannu, and there was no trace of the tenderness and remorse he had seen on her face a couple of days before. He could even notice a dark aura surrounding her, and he began to feel that unnatural cold and shivered slightly.

"I thought you loved me..."

"Aalyat, I was looking for you all day..." Dogannu said.

"And since you couldn't find me, you flirted around with that whore," Aalyat reproached him, hurt.

"I didn't sleep with her. What are you talking about?"

"I saw you together... under the cedar. How could you!? That was our special place!" she replied, raising her voice.

"Nothing happened. We were just talking! What's wrong with you? One day you say you love me, and the next..."

"I just want you to look into my eyes and tell me that you don't love her, that you only love me," Aalyat pleaded, her face contorted, trying to hold back the tears.

"I... I... no... I mean, I..."

"I hate you, I hate you!!!" she interrupted, furious and crying, consumed by the pain and suffering that, unbeknownst to her, was caused by the Ring of Darkness, in addition to knowing what Dogannu had unsuccessfully tried to deny, that he was in love with Saerhys. "Don't expect compassion or rest from me. I swear for Dark Ashtoreth and my mother you will suffer every second of your existence until the mystery is consummated," Aalyat vowed, full of hatred.

Dogannu stepped back at the sight of Aalyat's sadistic and unhinged gaze. Turning around and lifting some dust with the edge of her tunic, she left, slamming the door shut. Despite the obvious pain he felt for her and what they had, another thought drove the sadness from his mind and heart. Did he really feel attracted to Saerhys? At that moment, she came out again, and they looked at each other solemnly. She walked towards him and wrapped her arm around his shoulders. Feeling her warmth nearby was comforting after the supernatural coldness and desolation he had experienced in front of Aalyat.

"You must be strong. There is something very bad in her, an ancient and dark power," Saerhys said.

"How can you know that?" Dogannu questioned.

"I already told you, I see with more than just my eyes. A dark presence always accompanies her," Saerhys revealed.

For an instant, he remembered the vile and chilling creature that Aalyat had transformed into in the Temple of the Night, the reflection of Dark Ashtoreth, and he thought Saerhys was talking about her. He looked at her intently, from head to toe. He felt that every time she told him something, he knew less about her and couldn't believe what he already knew about her. Saerhys remained silent, waiting.

"Who are you? For real? How can you know these things? And don't tell me that lie about the Egyptian gaze, I want the truth!" Dogannu demanded, angry about everything.

Saerhys was surprised by Dogannu's vehement reaction, but after a few seconds, she nodded somewhat resignedly.

"I think the best thing is for me to leave. I only cause you more problems. I truly hope you can find that truth you seek so much," Saerhys said with a solemn smile and turned away.

"Wait! You're just going to leave?"

"There's nothing more I can do, dear Dogannu. Don't hate me for this," she said goodbye and, placing the cloak over her head, left the house for an unknown destination.

He shook his head. He was furious but at the same time fearful, confused, lost. Was the truth so horrendous that it had to be hidden from him at any cost? Or perhaps the truth was beyond his comprehension. From the clues he perceived, Aalyat's new and darker powers were something he was not ready for. That coldness and the feeling of pain and suffering could drive even the bravest of men to madness.

What he wanted was no longer there. Aalyat now seemed determined to condemn his body and soul to an indescribable punishment, and Saerhys had left him alone. This provoked a feeling of abandonment and desolation in Dogannu, who felt a lump in his throat and his eyes moistened. He no longer wanted to know anything about the world or the surrounding people. He only hoped that everything would be quick and his agony would end. He didn't even think about his mother or Diamnith. The simple and common things in his world seemed distant, part of a forgotten past.

Not even at the moment when Evarod and his men arrived to take him to the Temple of the Night he felt fearful or happy. Perhaps that sense of emptiness within him was strange in a way, but that's how it had been before Saerhys's arrival. Along the way, they encountered some people who insulted him, but Dogannu did not lend his ears to listen to the scandalous curses of which he was the object. For a few seconds, his mind would cloud over, and he was not aware that he had less and less time, but a voice in his head hissed and indicated that everything was near the end.

The interior of the cave was crowded with hundreds of people, as had been happening in recent nights. The fires that lit the temple crackled nonstop, as if everyone were silently awaiting what was about to happen in the middle of the altar. Without waiting for the priestesses of Sun to remove his tunic, he voluntarily undressed and approached the altar.

Aalyat was already waiting for him in the middle of the stone circle, naked and only with the golden collar and the Ring of Darkness on her finger. With those sole garments, she held a three-cord leather whip. The young woman cracked the whip in the air; the sound shook Dogannu a little, but Aalyat's gaze of pain and suffering overshadowed any external sensation.

"On your knees..." she ordered. For a fraction of a second, he hesitated to disobey but ended up kneeling.

The young woman walked slowly around him, gently caressing his back with the whip. The contact of the leather against his skin caused him dread and a sense of submission. Nevertheless, he tried not to show insecurity or fear of what she might do to him. As on the previous night, the Priestesses of the Sun struck the ground with their rods. Aalyat cracked the whip again, and Dogannu closed his eyes and gritted his teeth, although it hadn't hit him; the sound and the proximity made him breathe faster.

Finally, Aalyat delivered a sharp blow to his back. Dogannu moaned and tensed his entire naked body; it felt as if it were red-hot. The area quickly reddened and stung. The girl walked around him again and struck another blow. The young man arched his back and let out a small cry; his knees gave way, and he supported himself with his hands on the ground, ending up on all fours in the middle of the altar.

The Priestess of the Night had a look full of hatred and tears, but for an instant, seeing Dogannu react that way, she knelt beside him and lifted his gaze by placing her hand on his chin. He had his lips pressed together and tried to endure the burning and pain in his back.

"It hurts, doesn't it? You don't know what pain is... the pain that tears your heart into pieces, pain that takes away your desire to live, to see what you love most slips away and never return..."

"She is no longer here... if that's what... worries you," Dogannu stammered, looking into her eyes.

Glancing quickly, Aalyat did not detect the presence of Saerhys in the temple. In the process, she met the stern gaze of Daemeeth in her position among the other Priestesses of Sun.

"Well... it would be better for you to get on your knees again. Like this, you will feel the full force of the blow. I want you to feel how much I love you... because I truly love you," Aalyat said and stood up.

Dogannu did as she asked, and even though he still felt the burning on his back, Aalyat delivered a new blow. He could only arch his back and endure in silence. The girl let out a tear as she struck again. Although the pain did not subside, Dogannu could perceive some numbness in the area; he felt the burning reach the deepest part of his soul.

With a final blow, the girl dropped the whip, and Dogannu could finally breathe relieved. For a moment, the boy wished that she did not love him in such a sick and obsessive way. Soon, he shuddered as he noticed an unexpected cold where she had whipped him. She passed her white and smooth hand over his back; it seemed as cold as a corpse, but at least the pain disappeared almost instantly. He didn't know what was going to happen or if he should say something.

"Kiss me... one last time," she murmured in a low voice.

Feeling more fear than desire, Dogannu did not reject her request and, with restraint, brought his lips to hers. Aalyat closed her eyes and let herself go, but at the last moment, he pulled away. The girl opened her eyes and adopted a desperate expression.

"Just kiss me, please," Aalyat said.

"End this, I don't want to be here any longer," Dogannu replied.

She didn't say anything and signaled him to stand up. Kneeling in front of his penis, Aalyat swallowed his cock in one go. In a few seconds, his cock grew in size and thickness, and then he let out a long moan of pleasure as he felt her intensely sucking his glans. Combining the suction with caresses of her tongue, Aalyat lightly stroked his cock and didn't stop sucking, licking and biting his glans, which in a few minutes was already very sensitive to any touch. Dogannu's mind was blank; his legs tensed with every gesture she made, and he could feel his balls swelling, preparing his seed to be expelled at any moment.

The silence was almost total in the Temple of the Night, interrupted only by Dogannu's moans of pleasure. He clung to Aalyat's hair as his body tensed and his testicles pulsed, feeling his cum gush like a torrent into Aalyat's mouth, who continued to masturbate his cock and swallow every hot jet of semen that gushed from his member. Slowly, he relaxed, and a wave of weakness took over his lower limbs, falling to the ground in a ball next to her.

Insisting again, she managed to kiss him this time and shared his climax with him. Aalyat caressed his cheeks, and then she stood up and helped him, leaving her enormous and portentous cock in front of Dogannu, who barely parted his lips. She grabbed her cock and rubbed it against his lips, visibly excited and introduced her glans into his mouth.

Dogannu did not resist and swallowed every inch of that cock until he felt the glans reach the deepest part of his throat. Pressing his nose to her pelvis, he stayed like that for a few seconds and then pulled it out, covered in saliva and coughing several times, trying to catch his breath. Slowly licking the part of the frenulum, he covered the entire glans and swallowed little by little until halfway, going back and forth, swallowing more and more and managing to put it back in the depths of his throat again.

A few seconds later, he pulled it out again, shiny and well lubricated. Lying down on the altar, Dogannu placed his legs on either side and slowly sat on her cock, which, without much resistance, managed to overcome the slight opposition of his sphincter. The boy placed his hands on her shoulders and began to ride her cock comfortably, getting his ass used to her girth, then increasing the speed as pleasure took over his body.

Their gazes crossed for an instant but not for long, as Dogannu closed his eyes and, repressing a moan, continued to move over her with more eagerness. Aalyat panted softly, and her hands caressed his sides, slowly descending until they reached his buttocks, massaging and squeezing them with passion. She began to move her hips in time with Dogannu's back-and-forth motion, increasing the pleasure between them, and this time, he could not contain himself.

"Fuck me harder, whore!" Dogannu urged, filled with anger and pleasure.

"You won't go unsatisfied, Wicked One..." she murmured breathlessly and moved at a faster pace.

Her balls slapped against his buttocks with renewed vigor. Their voices echoed in the enormous cavern, and those who witnessed the ritual remained silent, reveling in Dogannu's humiliation. He didn't stop moaning and howling with pleasure. Aalyat's cock went in and out of his ass without stopping. With each thrust, he felt it go deeper. As it was pulling out, he anticipated its return and panted more fervently, holding on tightly and pinching her erect nipples.

"Beg for more, do you want more?" she exclaimed with a wide, lascivious smile.

"More... more..." Dogannu managed to stammer in a choked voice.

"Louder... say it louder, Wicked One!"

"Fuck me more, don't stop!!!" Dogannu screamed, his eyes rolling back.

Aalyat was unstoppable, and Dogannu trembled as he rode her, but not precisely from suffering. Mirlya watched everything helplessly and looked at her sisters, who did not seem willing to do what she, as a mother and compassionate person, was about to do: save her son from a deranged lunatic.

Standing up, she walked determinedly to the center of the altar. Dogannu opened his eyes and stopped panting; Aalyat mimicked him almost instantly and, without much effort, pushed her prey aside.

"What do you think you're doing, for Dark Ashtoreth's sake?" Aalyat inquired, offended by Mirlya's blasphemous interruption.

"It's been enough, Aalyat. You're going too far," Mirlya said, somewhat hesitantly but showing a look of courage.

The girl stood up resolutely, and with two quick strides, she was already a few steps away from her. Aalyat's mocking expression in another situation would have been worthy of some funny anecdote, but the gleam of her eyes, a dark danger flashed. She showed her teeth in a mad grimace.

"Do you really think that you, an insignificant and coward interpreter of signs, can stop the power that resides in me?" Aalyat asked in a low voice and then added, looking at her with hatred. "I don't think so... now step aside..."

"No... I won't. You will let Dogannu go..."

The Priestess of the Night laughed, but not for long. Her face contorted into a sneer, and a hint of malice appeared in her eyes.

"That will not happen. But if you love him so much, since you caused all this, tonight you can choose between him and you," Aalyat replied.

Mirlya tilted her head, looking at Dogannu, who was still standing with the evident signs of forbidden delight on his face, and then at Aalyat. The images of the previous days crowded her mind, and a solitary tear slid down her cheek.

"If I must sacrifice myself once to keep him safe, I am willing to pay the price," Mirlya replied.

With a clap, three women approached and took Dogannu, who reluctantly reproached his mother. She did not say a word, and the young girl carefully examined her new prey, breathing on her neck as she stood behind her.

Daemeeth didn't understand what was happening; she only saw that Mirlya was in the center of the altar and Dogannu was being taken away to the other side of the cavern and was getting dressed. A slight cough brought her out of her reverie.

"Do you still think you can control her?" Diamnith reproached her so calmly and without looking at her. "You are still in time to do the right thing and save an innocent young man; you would find the peace you lost years ago... sister."

"Enough," she whispered, barely audibly.

"Oh, Daemeeth, Daemeeth... you hold so much resentment in your heart, and you can't see that deep down, you are still that sweet and tender young woman you once were."

"You're wrong..." Daemeeth contradicted her, and when she looked to her side, her twin was no longer there.

Her attention shifted to what was happening on the altar. Aalyat had her hands on Mirlya's cheeks. The older woman avoided looking at the priestess, but the young woman insisted, and finally, she managed to overcome her resistance and made her look at her. With a wide, lascivious smile, Aalyat brought her lips to hers and began to kiss her. Mirlya stopped resisting and returned the kiss but did not seem to be given over to the overflowing lust of the young woman.

Taking her hands away from her face, Aalyat took Mirlya's hands and made her place them on her buttocks. She tried not to touch them, but a simple look from the girl forced her to desist.

The turgid and perfect breasts of the mature woman were passionately massaged by Aalyat, who had before her a body in all its splendor. Her smooth and firm skin invited her to caress every inch, explore every corner, and find her way to the pleasure she enclosed. Although Mirlya was not given to the perverse practices she had witnessed in the Temple of the Night, she could not help but have her breathing become a little more agitated. Since Hanoth's death, she had remained chaste out of respect for his memory. Now she was at Aalyat's mercy and wavered at times to give in to a dark and profane pleasure, all to protect her beloved son.

As Aalyat's hands descended all over her body, the young woman finally knelt in front of her sex, exposed and expectant. A few trimmed hairs adorned her mount of Venus; Aalyat inhaled the aroma it gave off... and smirked. The entrance to paradise awaited her. Mirlya shuddered as she vaguely intuited what would happen. She watched the girl slowly stick out her tongue and lick slowly around her vagina. The situation overwhelmed her at times; she swallowed saliva, and her heart beat faster, anticipating the inevitable. A wave of heat took over her body, blushing her cheeks. She did not believe she could bear the wait.

Finally, Aalyat's fingers parted her labia, and her tongue delved in. Mirlya watched everything, and her belly rose and fell with her breathing. The young woman began to lick slowly, tasting the exquisite pussy of Dogannu's mother. Her clitoris received the attention she had voluntarily denied herself for a long time, and she could not contain a silent moan. With a little laugh, Aalyat continued licking and sucking her sex. Sometimes, she gave small bites that only increased the pleasure Mirlya was experiencing. Her juices did not take long to flow, and the girl devoured them greedily, wanting to savor every last drop.

Mirlya placed her hand on the young woman's head, who fully dedicated herself to satisfy the reserved woman. Her tongue made its way in, and she plunged it as deep as she could. She shook her head from side to side while moving her tongue incessantly. Mirlya's soft and muffled moans soon turned into gasps and cries of ecstasy. Aalyat barely separated from her wet pussy, and her hands rested on her buttocks to keep her mouth buried in her sex for as long as possible.

The pleasure was indescribable, and a couple of times, Mirlya tried to push her away, but there was no remote possibility of that. Instead, Aalyat pressed her mouth into her wet pussy, and with the help of a finger, she continued sucking and licking her clitoris, possessed by uncontrolled lust. Her finger went in and out of her pussy, doubling the sensations of pleasure. Introducing a second finger, the girl masturbated Mirlya relentlessly. Invaded by tremors and spasms, she screamed wildly that she was coming. The Priestess did not stop for a single moment, and Mirlya screamed with pleasure as a torrent of fluids gushed from her wet swollen pussy, soaking Aalyat's hand and then her arm. With a wicked smile, the young woman did not stop until the woman fainted from the intensity of the orgasm and helped her lie down on the floor. Panting and without strength, Mirlya had never had a climax like that one.

Without wasting time, Aalyat lay on top of her and kissed her again. This time, she was willingly reciprocated, perhaps as a kind of gratitude. Their tongues played and intertwined so much that it was impossible to say which of the two was more aroused. In silence, Dogannu watched the scene, embarrassed and uncomfortable. He didn't know exactly what to think of his mother or the fact that Aalyat didn't care if it was him or her.

"You are as mine as Dogannu, and you won't be able to deny it after tonight," Aalyat whispered as she pulled away.

Getting comfortable, she spread her legs without any effort. Mirlya was still recovering her strength after that wild orgasm when she noticed what Aalyat was doing. She felt the tip of her glans brush her vaginal lips, and little by little, she inserted it all the way in. Mirlya's lips opened in a grimace, and she panted with ecstasy again, being filled by Aalyat's hard cock.

"Moan like the slut I know you are. Don't be afraid to enjoy this moment," Aalyat murmured.

She arched her back slightly, surrendering to the young woman. Now, Aalyat had her entire cock inside her wet vagina and began to move slowly, pulling out a little of her cock and plunging it back in as deep as possible. Instinctively, Mirlya brought her hand to her clitoris to stimulate herself while the priestess entered and exited her pussy without stopping, gradually increasing her rhythm.

"Is that all you got, young lady? My husband was way better..." Mirlya panted, trying to hurt Aalyat's pride.

"You'll see now, whore," she replied, biting her lip.

The young woman began to thrust more vigorously, eliciting wild screams from Mirlya, overwhelmed by the immense pleasure that took over her body, clouding her senses except for the most basic ones. One of Aalyat's hands rested on her left breast, pinching and kneading her tit as she penetrated with more eagerness. As on other nights, a macabre silence reigned in the cave, as if only the two of them were present.

"Harder, faster!!!" Mirlya demanded, covered in sweat and agitated.

Leaning over her, Aalyat penetrated deeper and deeper with short, powerful thrusts that drove her victim wild. Thrust after thrust, both women gave free rein to their lust and, bringing their mouths close again, kissed without control, intertwining their tongues and caressing their bodies.

Moving her hips rhythmically and as fast and deep as she could, Aalyat and Mirlya began to tremble as the climax approached. With a long and passionate moan that seemed to come from her soul, Mirlya began to writhe and come, squeezing Aalyat's cock inside her at the same time. Pulling out her shaft, Aalyat came with great spasms and moans over Mirlya's abdomen, covering her with her hot, abundant, and thick cum.

The women breathed noisily and were exhausted. The Priestess of the Night did not remain on the altar for long and got dressed with the help of other priestesses and approached Dogannu. The boy was furious but refrained from saying something harsh to her.

"Don't think your mother will free you from me again. But I liked it. Now I know why you are so perfect for sex..." Aalyat said and left.

While Dogannu, Evarod, and the others helped Mirlya, Daemeeth and Edrok followed Aalyat back to Ashtaroth. The girl was discreetly caressing the black stone of the Ring of Darkness. Elanya walked with them, but only her daughter could notice her presence.

"Priestess Diamnith, I need you to stay at my house tonight. You too, Edrok. The sacrifice has not yet been offered," Aalyat said.

"What do you mean?" Daemeeth asked, puzzled by the last sentence.

"Gather our followers. The blood sacrifice will be made tonight," Aalyat indicated without looking at her.

Back in the village, at the house of Priest Hatimekh, a crucial meeting had been arranged after the events at the Temple of the Night. Hatimekh himself, Themeon, Evarod, and several of the oracles were present. They all looked visibly tense and worried.

"We must stop this madness. We must kill Aalyat tonight," Priest Hatimekh roared.

"I agree. We cannot allow her to keep increasing her powers," Themeon replied.

"My men are ready, but I would prefer to consult the gods first. This could give them more confidence and courage if success is assured," the warrior commented.

Priest Hatimekh adopted a thoughtful expression and nodded.

"Oracles, tell us what the gods have to say about this noble cause," the priest said.

Falling in trance to speak to the gods, all the oracles gave a common verdict: blood will be shed, and the great deity would lose its head. This was interpreted by old Themeon as the fall of Aalyat and the end of the channeling ritual of Dark Ashtoreth. Without any doubt, Priest Hatimekh ordered Evarod to prepare fifteen of his best men to break into Aalyat's house, kill her, and destroy any vestige that reminded them of the cursed goddess.

In her home and unaware of the preparations against her, Aalyat held a bowl full of a dark drink. Her servant Dalikha stood before her, looking at her with suspicion, for in the days when her mistress was not under the total influence of Dark Astarté, she had had a respite. The young woman inhaled the aroma and brought the bowl to her lips.

She drank the contents in one gulp. She breathed deeply and closed her eyes, feeling a very familiar sensation, losing control of herself, and the same ancient spirit took hold of her being once again. When she opened her eyes, they seemed expressionless and full of evil.

"My lady... are you all right?"

"Better than ever... now leave. Tomorrow will be a long day," Aalyat ordered with an expressionless voice and severe gaze.

She walked slowly to her room and lay down without worries. Protected by the darkness, Evarod's men approached the house stealthily. They found a couple of men whom they silently eliminated. With them were Hatimekh and Themeon, for they wished to finish off the young woman themselves. They forced their way into the place and entered, swords drawn, ready to kill anyone who stood in their way.

"We will go after Aalyat. You finish off the servant," Hatimekh instructed Evarod in a whisper.

Four men headed towards Dalikha's room, Hatimekh and Themeon entered Aalyat's room, where she lay in her bed, asleep. The two old men were very anxious, and the hands holding the knives trembled slightly. The expression on the girl's face was serene, ignoring what they were doing.

But something happened when they were right beside her. The girl opened her eyes wide with an mad spark and put on a cruel grin. From her clothes emerged a huge knife, and suddenly they heard a scream and the unmistakable cries of a savage fight outside. Aalyat quickly got up and launched a swift stab at Themeon, plunging the knife into his right arm. The old man let out a pitiful cry of pain and collapsed on the floor. Hatimekh jumped on the young woman and, holding his knife, tried to plunge it into her chest.

"Die, wicked demon!" Hatimekh shouted inches from her, who maintained an improper calm and coldness for the situation.

The priestess was stronger and, managing to twist the old priest's wrist, snatched the knife from him and buried it in his heart. Hatimekh's eyes opened wide, not assimilating what she had done. Aalyat did not change her gaze or expression and twisted the knife in circles while the dying man clung to her.

Daemeeth and Edrok had arrived with a horde of fanatics, the reason for the uproar and subsequent confrontation. They found Dalikha pale and with a cut on her forehead, but nothing serious. Evarod and some of his men had been subdued and disarmed; the others lay dead in different corners.

When calm was restored, Dalikha looked at the couple and then towards her mistress's room. The door was ajar, and they feared the worst...