CHAPTER 5: THE CROSS-ROAD RIPPER

The city of Angles was a place where people came from far and near to achieve their dreams. With every ambition came at a cost. A perfect place for soul bargain. A den of lost ones casinos, talents and sinful city it had become, yet a place of opportunities to whom luck shined upon.

Lilith knelt in the forest, her hands drenched in the blood of the poor soul she had caught. She tore out his inside, feasting on it as she stared into the sunset. Soon she heard little sounds coming from amidst the bushes. Her eyes flamed in fury, ready to defend herself.

A male figure resting on the trees afar glanced at Lilith, drenched in blood as she glared in anger. He stared at her smirking "look.. we have a new guest in town". Lilith's eyes burned red, as she was on the verge of tearing him apart. He quickly added, "I'm just a passerby lady.. I've also got a bus to catch" he said and walked quickly, vanishing into thin air. He was Damien, an art collector who picked up a hobby as a mythologist, passionate about ancient artifacts roaming the streets of L.A.

Lilith eyes still rated in rage, but within the wondered how he could be less frightened by her presence, without the slightest flinch.

Damien was every inch of normal, except that he had a long history of ancient wicca history in his bloodline. Making him affiliated with the dark world. He had no powers but a rich knowledge of ancient practices.

The clouds grew darker into the night as Lilith cleaned herself up and walked down the street of this lovely city. She gazed upon people of all class, their looks as deceiving as a charmeleon's skin. So many of them walking dead, living humans without a soul; the high price of quick money and fame. Lilith walked through a lane, the streetlights pointing the direction of the road. She stopped, staring at a beautiful mansion before her with a nice front porch.

As she walked through, she touched the flowers, setting its fragrance across the atmosphere.The mansion was owned by an old man . Not long after she stood in the garden, the man came out and questioned her presence, demanding what she was doing in his home. Lilith smirked." I own this house now..." she proclaimed. Staring deeply into his eyes, watching him choke from the inside while he struggled for his last drop of breath. He died, laying helplessly on the floor.

She flicked her fingers, causing his lifeless body to burn to dust in seconds, the flames reflecting in her eyes. Content with the situation, she sighed and walked into the apartment, claiming ownership. She had found herself a new home.

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The bars were in full capacity, shots thrown everywhere as people swarm in the comfort of whiskey, strippers hanging round the club. Lilith wore a dark leathered jeans , her hair resting on one side of her shoulder. She walked straight to the manager's office, barging the door open. "Hello, where's Malcolm?" she said with a smile on her face. Her striking aura preceded the room. A lady in heels turned around questioning, " and who are you?"

Lilith smirked, "sweety..you don't wanna know" ignoring her question. Soon a middle-aged man came out from a larger office inside, interrupting the discussion. Catching a rare glimpse of Lilith, he froze. Lilith chuckled, " easy now.. I've come to see you in private." Malcom ushered her into his office, closing the door behind. She sat on his front desk peering into his fears. "I'm not here to collect your deed.. Your time hasn't arrived yet."

He sighed heavily in relief. " So what would you need in this meaningless world, my lady?" Lilith laughed. "Don't play dumb with me...I just need a job at your club". She could sense the fears in his eyes, wondering if he wouldn't die of fear and burn in hell before his time.

Malcolm replied." considered it done, Lilith." She smiled, turning towards the front door. " Now that's more like it". As soon as Lilith had left, he collapsed into the seat of his office, loosening his tie as he sweated profusely.

He was a well-built man, ravishingly handsome, but craved more success in his business. Seeking a faster route, his desperation caused him a deal with the devil; a price for his soul.

Lilith hung around the bar until dawn before leaving for her house. She walked into her apartment, admiring the huge art paintings on the wall. Walking into the bedroom, she glared at the scented candles, causing them to light up beautiful colored flames. She dimmed the lights, creating a reflection of what she desired; darkness. The red duvet spread over the bed, complementing the room's beauty.

Lilith sprinkled rose petals on the floor, filling the room with a romantic atmosphere. She took a warm bath, stepping gently on the tiles towards her room. The arches of her feet , eloquent as she walked.

She laid on the bed reminiscing on her future in this busy city. Pondering on the deeds to collect as responsibility of being a queen. Her presence would make a striking statement to the souls and spirits on earth, just as she desired.

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The chipping of the birds , the beautiful rays of sunlight penetrated through the glass window of Lilith's room. It was a bright morning, a new day for a new adventure. She clothed herself in a black flowing gown, a black necklace that depicted the head of a bull hung across her shimmering neck line. Wearing a matching silk glove and pair of heels complemented her look. Lilith glanced at the mirror. Holding a dark rosery in her left hand , and the other carefully placing her black hat.

Walking through the gravel on her way to church Lilith hummed. Heading to a mass of an acquaintance.

With her eyes closed, she could recognize every soul that had dealt with her father by the mark on their forehead visible only to her eyes. She was going to be a guest on Earth for the next 365 days, so it was only customary to pay a surprise visit to some dear friends.

Lilith walked over the grasses, squinting her eyes at the massive golden structure standing before her. An enormous cross hung at the top of the front building, welcoming people to the church. The auditorium was spacious, giving room for many audiences. The podium, decorated with countless numbers of lighted candles with the image of the virgin Mary on the large crystal walls.

Lilith walked into the church , sitting at the last roll behind to get a better view of Alfred, the Priest of the church.

Alfred had been a priest in many small denominations, yet a man of vile faith, turning into a hideous version of himself. His quest to become a renowned man through extending his help, consumed him. Travelling miles to deserted towns to spread his Gospel until he was tired of the burden. He wanted a faster route to attaining glory and in return for helping people ."A noble cause" he called it.

Until one day, an opportunity came lurking around the door. He was sitting at the train station, awaiting his next train to a small town. Reading a newspaper clamped into his hands; a present he got from one from a local before his attention became drifted. He hadn't read through a page before a voice peered into his mind, jolting him from focus. "The world needs a change, don't you agree?" The man in a hat questioned. He had a bright smile on his face and a black briefcase resting on his lap.

"Well sure.. I couldn't agree more," Alfred responded, ranting on about how sad the world had become, the need for an uprising to help the weak. The man listened with keen interest, staring into Alfred's eyes.

Known as the Crossroad ripper in folklore, a trinket man of doom for the bargain of souls. He could sense the desperation in Alfred's words and the cravings of this hungry human savoring through the atmosphere.

He smiled, responding to Alfred, "Look into the box…" he continued. "There are a few priceless pieces of ancient history here. You just have to pick one and something will slowly unravel all your dreams on the earth. Beyond what you could ever imagine!". Alfred raised his brows in suspicion. " I am a man of God! And I certainly do not indulge in fetish practices !"

The Trinket man laughed, looking at him in disbelief. "I wasn't disputing the fact Mr, but can't a man play a little child's game of wish? After all… it won't be free, as it comes at a tiny cost." He smirked. Alfred questioned, seeming to pay a bit more interest "at what cost?". The trinket man grinned. "perhaps one of your most precious gifts...". To which Alfred chuckled, "I have nothing of sentimental value to me...you're wasting your time."

The man smiled. "not to worry, the giver would take what he desires from you when the time comes…you shall receive a sign when the sun sets". Alfred looked at him as a man with the tongue of gibberish. He laughed, sensing that it was simply a game of luck. "If this would make my dreams I reality, I could not possibly care at what cost".

He stared at the objects in the opened briefcase before him and picked a golden image of a carved statue. The trinket man smiled. "Pleasant choice... the head of Mammon, ancient god of wealth and power". In a short while, the train stopped and Alfred walked in. Turning his back to see the trinket man seated with a wrinkled smile on his face. As the train began to move, the voice of the trinket man echoed in his mind. "Your future awaits you, the gift you have received for a well-paid price."

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