Lafrenia

"Goddess, today I saw the devil incarnate. Right here, in your sacred place. He is still here; I feel his corrupting presence, I feel his gaze on my back, devoid of conscience and morality. I was not afraid of monkeys, bandits, or even the deaths of my comrades, but this man... He frightens me. Not so much by his evil words, skillfully disguised as business communication, but by... Goddess, I recognized myself in him. My future self, a version of what I could become. This temptation is truly terrible and... and so alluring... I cannot know if the devil will retreat from me or drag me into the darkness. Even now, he whispers soothingly in my head, telling me not to give in to fear and to make the right decision. He promises untold riches, unlimited power over captured souls. I can barely drown out his voice with these words. Avaritia, I beg you, help me to resist, protect me from sin, and lead me to the light. Save my soul, deliver me from the tentacles of the abyss that are reaching for my heart."

Ashur took a deep breath, opened his eyes, and looked at his hands, which were clutching the altar. He was still trembling, but the horror had receded. He knew for sure that he would never set foot in this temple again, defiled by the serpent that had taken root in it.