Story 747: Bloodlit Baptism

The darkness pulsed. A heartbeat. A whisper. A calling.

Selene Nocturna stood at the altar of the Rotting Cathedral, her golden eyes alight with a malevolent glow. Crimson energy swirled around her, licking at her skin like sentient fire. The veined sigils on her arms throbbed, feeding on the suffering in the air.

Her latest prey—the defiant paladin—lay broken at her feet.

Still breathing.

Selene clicked her tongue. Persistent.

"You truly don’t know when to kneel, do you?" Her voice was smooth, almost affectionate, yet laced with venom. Her smile widened, revealing sharpened teeth.

The paladin coughed, blood staining his lips, but his faith did not break.

"I will never kneel to you." His voice was hoarse, but strong.

Selene’s laughter rang through the decaying hall, a chilling melody.

"Oh, but you already have."

She lifted her hand, and the very blood in his veins rebelled.