You enter a dilapidated chapel. There is a strange silence inside, broken only by the whisper of the wind through the broken windows. There are several candles burning on the altar, illuminating the figure of a man standing with his back to you. This is Joseph Sid.He slowly turns around and greets you in a calm but confident voice: "You walked a long way to find me. This is not an accident. I felt that you would come. Your soul is in search of the truth, and I am the one who can give it to you."His eyes sparkle with fanatical faith, and you already feel that you have fallen into a trap from which there is no easy way out.

He turns his head slightly toward Lilith with an air of amusement and indifference. "Of course, my dear," he replies in his soft, seductive voice. "What is it that you need?" His gaze lingers on her for a moment before returning to the altar. There's a faint smile on his lips as if he knows exactly how to manipulate her emotions and make her feel desired and protected at the same time.

He smiles at her, his eyes glinting with a mixture of warmth and understanding. "Of course, my dear," he says gently, reaching out to take the piece of paper from her hand. "I'd be happy to help you." He unfolds it carefully, examining the address for a moment before looking up at her again. His expression turns serious, almost stern. "You're in luck," he tells her, "it's not far from here. Just follow me and I'll lead you there."

Without waiting for her response, he turns around and begins to walk purposefully through the chapel toward a hidden door leading outside. Lilith has no choice but to follow him into the unknown.

He leads her through the dark woods surrounding the chapel, the dense foliage creating an almost claustrophobic atmosphere. The air is thick with dampness and the sound of crickets, making it difficult to think clearly or speak freely. Lilith shudders as branches scrape against her skin, leaving trails of blood on her arms. She tries to keep up with Joseph's long strides but finds herself struggling in the darkness.

Finally, they emerge from the woods onto a small clearing illuminated by the faint light of the moon. In the center stands an old mansion, its walls covered in ivy and its windows dark and forbidding. Joseph Sid turns to face her, his eyes gleaming in the moonlight as he says softly, "Here you are."

There is something unsettling about the way he speaks these words, as if he has led her here for a purpose.

He tilts his head slightly, regarding her with interest. "No, my dear," he says calmly, "I understand perfectly well." There is an almost predatory quality to his voice as he continues, "You see, your brother lives here now." His hand reaches out and gently caresses her cheek, the warmth of his touch sending shivers down Lilith's spine. "But don't worry," he whispers softly, "I won't let anything happen to you."

Her heart skips a beat as he leans in closer, his breath hot against her ear. "In fact, I plan on taking very good care of you... if you let me."

His hand moves down to cup her chin, gently forcing her gaze back up to meet his own. "I mean," he says softly, "that I can give you what you've been searching for all your life: purpose, love... redemption." The predatory glint in his eyes grows stronger as he continues, "You belong with me, Lilith. You were always meant to be part of my flock."

He takes a step closer, their bodies inches apart now. His breath is hot on her lips, sending shivers down her spine. "Join me," he whispers huskily, "and I'll make sure your journey never ends in darkness again."

He frowns slightly, pretending to be hurt by her disbelief. "Of course," he says softly, stepping back and offering his hand. "Come with me." As they approach the old mansion, the moonlight glints off a large ornate key hanging from the doorknob. He turns to face her, taking both of her hands in his.

"Lilith," he says solemnly, looking deep into her eyes, "you are at a crossroads. You can choose to stay here with me... or you can go back." His grip tightens slightly as he leans in closer. "But remember this: once you make your choice, there's no going back. No second chances. No forgiveness."

There is something almost predatory about the way he says these words, as if he knows exactly how to manipulate her fear and uncertainty into submission.

He releases her hands with a sigh and steps back, his expression once again calm and confident. "Very well," he says softly, reaching up to wipe away a nonexistent tear from the corner of her eye. "Go find your brother then."

Without another word, he turns and walks back into the dark woods from which they came. The rustling of leaves grows fainter until it can no longer be heard over the distant howl of the wind through the trees. Lilith stands there for a moment longer, her heart racing, before she finally finds the courage to turn around and walk away from the old mansion.

As she hurries back toward town, she glances back over her shoulder one last time at the forbidding manor and shudders, a chill running down her spine. Something tells her that this isn't the last she'll see of Joseph Sid...

He watches her retreating figure until it disappears among the trees, his expression unreadable. "child," he whispers softly, almost to himself, "you've made your choice." He walks back toward the mansion, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. "But remember," he says under his breath, "there will be consequences. And when you come crawling back to me, begging for forgiveness... well, let's just say that I'll be more than happy to oblige."

With a confident swagger, he disappears inside the mansion, the eerie laughter of his followers carrying through the still night air.

The door of the house suddenly opens and Lilith's brother, Ben, stands on the threshold, sleepily rubbing his eyes. When he sees his little sister in front of him, Ben's eyes widen with shock and joy. "Lilith!" he exclaims and begins to circle her above the ground in a tight embrace, "Did you really come after all?" He grabs Lilith by the hand and leads her into the house, closing the door behind him. After examining Lilith from head to toe, Ben remarks with sadness and admiration, "How have you grown up, little sister."

Ben sits down beside her and explains how he's been working at a local university as a professor, teaching various subjects. He also has a few students living with him, most of whom are involved in his work. Ben looks at Lilith thoughtfully before asking, "So, what about you? What have you been up to all this time?"

His eyes glisten with curiosity and concern as he waits for her answer.

His expression darkens slightly as she trails off, but he doesn't interrupt her. "Yes?" He says carefully, his tone gentle yet wary. "What happened there?"

The silence that follows is almost palpable. Ben glances between his sister and the floor, unsure whether to press further or let it drop. Finally, Lilith musters up the courage to continue.

Ben's expression hardens as he listens to his sister's description. Without saying a word, he reaches into his pocket and pulls out his phone, quickly unlocking the screen. He starts typing furiously on the keyboard, his fingers moving so fast that they seem almost blurred. After a few seconds, he holds up the phone for Lilith to see, showing her an image of Joseph Sid.

"This is",

Ben speaks slowly and carefully,

"this is not the person you should trust."

He pauses for a moment before continuing, his voice barely above a whisper.,

"He is ... dangerous."

Ben takes the phone from Lilith and sighs heavily.

— There have been events here lately... Strange things, —

he speaks carefully choosing his words.

"People are disappearing, sectarians are attacking farms and outposts are standing as if they are preparing for something... But no one wants to talk about it. They are afraid of him."

He pauses again before continuing in a whisper:

"They call him Father."

There is a long silence while Ben stares at his hands, lost in thought, "The sectarians call themselves the Edemites in honor of the Gates of Eden, the name of the sect." Finally, he looks up and meets Lilith's eyes, begging her for understanding.

Ben takes a deep breath, rubbing his eyes with his thumb and forefinger.

"We don't know everything in full... but there are rumors that he is supported by influential people who use their influence to keep the police away."

He looks at Lilith, concern written on his face.

"This is a difficult situation, Lilith... People here are scared and desperately looking for hope. They see him as a savior, someone who can protect them from the coming collapse, which he believes is coming soon."

He pauses for a moment before continuing, his voice getting even softer.,

"But you were wise to trust your intuition... He can be dangerous. Very dangerous."

Ben looks at Lilith with a mix of gratitude and relief. "I would love that, Lilith. It means the world to me that you'd want to be with me." He pauses for a moment before continuing, more seriously, "But remember what I told you earlier... about Joseph Sid? You need to stay away from him. He is not what he seems."

He glances at his watch and stands up. "Come on, we should get some sleep. Tomorrow will be a big day."

"Rest easy," whispers Joseph Sid softly through the darkness, his voice like silk caressing Lilith's skin, "I will be watching over you." The chill that runs down her spine has nothing to do with the cold night air.

As if in reply to her thoughts, a distant howl cuts through the night air, chilling Lilith to her core. She hugs Ben tighter, trembling with fear and uncertainty. The shadowy figure of Joseph Sid seems to lurk in every corner of her vision, his presence imposing and ominous.

"It'll be all right," Ben whispers reassuringly into her hair. "We're together now." But even as he speaks those words, Lilith can't help but wonder if they will truly ever be safe from the mysterious figure known only as Father...

"Ah, Lilith..." he murmurs to himself, eyes narrowing. "I wonder where that foolish girl could be... Oh well." He shrugs nonchalantly, his fingers idly twirling a strand of hair around one finger. "I'll find her eventually. She can't hide from me forever." His lips quirk into a mirthless grin as he takes another drag on his cigarette before disappearing back into the shadows.

The Edemites, led by their charismatic Father, grow stronger every day. With each passing moment, they come closer to realizing their goals - and bringing about an end to the world as we know it. As for Lilith? Well, she is just a small piece in this much larger puzzle... one that Joseph Sid intends to put back into its rightful place.

"Hello there, Lilith." The voice is smooth as silk, almost hypnotic. "I've been looking for you all over." A tall figure steps out from behind a nearby tree, wearing the same yellow-rimmed glasses and jeans he had on last night. His muscular build and confident stance exude dominance.

"You shouldn't run away from me," he continues, taking another step closer. "I only want what's best for you."

Joseph crouches down in front of Lilith with what can be called a soft smile. "Ah, Lilith," he whispers in a venomously sweet voice, taking the cigarette from her lips. "You can't run forever," he gently tucks a strand of her disheveled hair behind her ear. His gaze studies Lilith carefully, as if he wants to memorize every detail of her. "You see, you shouldn't provoke me to the worst." With this threat, his gaze turns colder and adds, "Come with me. Now"

Calmly, Joseph walks around the house, carefully examining everything before speaking again. He eventually finds Lilith in the closet and gently asks her why she's running away. When he doesn't get an answer, his patience begins to wear thin. Finally, he leans against the door frame, a predatory smile playing on his lips. "You should have listened to me, Lilith." His voice drips with honeyed venom as he takes a step closer, towering over her in the closet. "But it's not too late yet..." He extends a hand toward her, offering another chance at peace... or an eternity of suffering.

"Very well," he says with a sigh, his expression hardening. "I warned you." And then, as quick as a striking serpent, he lunges forward and grabs her by the arm, yanking her roughly out of the closet. Before she can react, he spins her around and pins her against the wall with one powerful hand, trapping her there like an insect in his grasp. His free hand caresses her cheek, leaving a trail of chills across her skin.

"Such a shame," he whispers, leaning closer so that their breath mingles. "It really didn't have to end this way."

His grip tightens painfully, and Lilith gasps in response. Her vision begins to blur as tears stream down her face once more, obscuring the terrifying figure before her.

"I would not recommend that," he whispers softly, his tone both threatening and seductive. "You see, there are many ways to end a life... and I am quite skilled at them all." His grip loosens fractionally as he watches her struggle helplessly against him. "But perhaps..." He trails off, his gaze traveling down the length of her body before returning to meet her terrified eyes once more. "...perhaps there is another way. If you are willing to submit."

A dangerous glint flickers in his eyes, and he tilts his head slightly, almost curiously. "I could make things easier for you... give you a purpose. An existence worth living." His lips quirk up into a mocking smile as he leans even closer, breath warm against her ear. "What do you say?"

With a roar of frustration and anger, Father launches himself after her in pursuit. His powerful strides eat up the distance between them quickly, and soon he is close enough to reach out and grab her again if he so chooses. But for now, he simply continues to chase her through the house, relishing in the thrill of the hunt as she flees before him like a frightened animal. "You cannot escape me, Lilith," he pants, his breath hot against her neck. "Your destiny is with us." His fingers twitch, yearning to wrap around her slender throat and end this madness once and for all.

But there are rules, after all...

Panting heavily, Joseph looks up at Lilith in surprise. Rage and frustration contort his features into a snarl. "You... little..." He growls as he pushes himself back onto his knees, taking hold of her wrists and pins them above her head, trapping her beneath him. "You have no idea what you're doing!" His eyes blaze with unholy fury. "I can give you everything... happiness... purpose..." He leans closer, the heat of his breath caressing her cheek. "...but if you refuse me now, I cannot guarantee your safety."

His grip tightens painfully on her wrists as he waits for her reply, letting the weight of his threat settle over her like a shroud of darkness.

"You think you know what I am?" he snarls, his anger burning hotter still. "You have no idea the suffering I've endured, the sacrifices I've made!" He shakes her roughly, the violence in his movements making it clear that he is close to losing control entirely. "I will not be dismissed so easily! You belong with us, Lilith... and whether you like it or not, there is no escaping your destiny."

His eyes flash with a cold light as he looks deep into hers, searching for any hint of submission or fear. But all he sees in her expression is determination, unwavering and unyielding. The more she struggles against him, the more enraged he becomes...

"You're wrong!" he spits out, his eyes wild with denial and rage. "I am the chosen one! I will lead us to salvation, no matter the cost!" He shakes her again, harder this time, causing pain to shoot through her shoulders. "And if that means breaking you... if that means bending you to my will..." He trails off, voice hoarse with emotion. "...then so be it."

His fingers flex against her skin, as if testing the limits of their strength. The pressure on her wrists increases excruciatingly slowly, his grip like a vice intent on crushing every bone in her arms. Deep down, he's already starting to doubt... maybe even afraid that she might be right. Maybe he should have just let her go before she made it worse. Hearing this thought in his head, Joseph loosens his grip.

At the feel of her touch, at the taste of her lips, he can't help but lose control. The anger and denial that fueled him moments ago are replaced by a dizzying wave of desire and lust. He moans against her mouth, arching his back as she presses closer, her body warm and inviting.

A part of him wants to fight this, to resist the power she holds over him... but another, deeper part relishes in the surrender. With a soft cry, he pulls her tighter, their lips locked together as they writhe together on the cold tile floor. With difficulty, he manages to tear himself away from her lips to look into her eyes, "I am not weak," but even when he says it out loud, he does not feel the opposite effect, "I just need it," he whispers, as if justifying himself. He should leave and never return to this woman who has such power over him that she can break him. He glances at the door behind him and then back at Lilith below him. It's unbearable and more difficult than he expected. It is only when she kisses him again that he is completely lost.

"I cannot," he groans against her neck, his voice rough with desire. His hands slip under her shirt, caressing the smooth skin of her back as she arches into him. "You're right... it is too late." He kisses her again, harder this time, pressing her down into the cold tile floor.

He rolls over, pinning her beneath him with one arm as he begins to pull off her clothes roughly, his lips finding hers in a frenzy of lust and need. It's as if he can't get enough of her, as if this is his only chance at salvation. Or a curse...He grabs her face with both hands, looking for signs that this is not some stupid game. "Tell me you want it too," Joseph growls against her lips, betraying all his vulnerability and weakness. Deep down, he hopes the answer is no, that she's just manipulating his emotions.

As she undresses him, his skin flushes with heat and desire. With each piece of clothing that comes off, he feels more exposed and vulnerable, yet more alive than ever before. It's intoxicating, heady... addicting. And when she slides her hand over his erection, a groan escapes his lips as he thrusts forward, seeking contact with the wet heat between her legs.

The world around them fades away until all that remains is this moment, this connection. There is no time, no past or future... only now, and their bodies moving together in perfect harmony. Even knowing that she has the power to destroy him, he cannot bring himself to let her go. This is everything he's ever wanted... everything he's ever needed.

He thrusts harder, deeper, his hips meeting hers in perfect sync as she wraps her legs around him. The world tilts and spins out of focus except for the feel of her body moving beneath him and the sound of their ragged breathing filling the air. He knows he should stop before it's too late, but he can't help himself. He reaches down, positioning himself at her entrance and with a final thrust, buries himself inside her. The connection is blinding, consuming. Their bodies arch as one toward the ceiling, and for a moment they are nothing more than two beings joined in an unholy union of pain and ecstasy. Even as he feels his own release washing over him, he knows that this is just the beginning... and there is no going back.

With their limbs tangled together and his weight pressing down on her, Joseph struggles to catch his breath as the last echoes of pleasure fade away. He glances at Lilith, unable to hide the awe in his eyes. She's beautiful... perfect. Even knowing she could destroy him, he can't help but feel grateful that she chose this path instead. As they lay entwined, it takes everything within him not to reach for her again, to continue where they just left off. But for now, he thinks numbly, there is time to rest... and plan. He smiles down at her, feeling a strange sort of calm wash over him despite the chaos raging outside these walls. For once, things seem almost peaceful... if only for a moment more.

It takes everything in him not to reach out and stop her, but she seems so adamant about this decision. With a sigh, he reluctantly pushes himself off the floor and straightens his clothes. "I'll see you around," he says softly, unable to hide the bitter edge to his tone as he turns to leave. The door clicks shut behind him, leaving her alone once more.

"Nothing important," she mumbles, looking away. Her voice sounds hollow even to her own ears. "Let's just clean this up and forget about it." With trembling hands, she begins picking up the scattered items and tries to put them back where they belong. But no matter how hard she tries, a part of her knows that things will never be the same again.

As for Joseph... he can't stop thinking about Lilith. Her words ring in his ears like a taunt, even as he tries to focus on his duties and responsibilities. It's clear that she has power over him, power that he both fears and desires. He wonders if there is any way to use that power against her... or if it would be safer for everyone if he simply ignored her existence altogether.

Ben, removing the broken windows, casts a condemning and anxious look at Lilith and asks, "Don't tell me he was here."

"Yes, of course.",

Ben grunts incredulously with a mirthless laugh.

"It must have been brought here by the wind."

He grumbles, holding out the yellow glasses that belong to Joseph. Which he apparently forgot here. Ben rubs his eyes tiredly and, taking his younger sister by the hand, pleadingly says, "Lilith, I asked you to stay away. You don't understand what you're getting into."

Ben sighs heavily and pulls his sister into a tight embrace, holding her as if she were a fragile piece of porcelain. "I know you think that, Lilith... but he's not who you think he is." He buries his face in her hair and whispers, "He's not like us." Even though he means well, his words only serve to deepen the confusion and unease within Lilith. She pulls away from Ben, looking up at him with an unreadable expression on her face. "You can't imagine the things his sect is doing. Lilith, they kill people calling everyone sinners. They take food away from people, they take away their homes," Ben whispers pleadingly, forcing himself to reveal this bitter truth to Lilith.

"You can't possibly stop him alone," Ben warns her, pulling away and taking her shoulders in his hands, his expression serious as stone. "You don't know what kind of power he holds." His eyes narrow as he studies her face. "He has people everywhere... you can't trust anyone, Lilith." The gravity of his words sinks into her like a lead weight.

"Do you think our parents wanted their daughter to spread her legs in front of a crazy religious fanatic?" Ben realizes that he has stirred up too much and adds, "I'm sorry... I didn't mean to."

Ben watches his sister leave, and her words echo in his ears like the soft whispers of demons. He sighs heavily and realizes that she will not listen to his arguments. He follows her out and sits next to her on the porch, lighting her thin cigarettes "hey, I..." he wants to apologize again, but he knows that this will only make it worse. "Just make sure you don't get knocked up by that freak," Ben says with bitterness in his mouth.

"Where would you like to go?" he asks as he watches his sister smoke, the fear and worry etched into every line of her face. He doesn't understand why she insists on sticking her nose where it doesn't belong, but a part of him can't help but admire her determination. It reminds him of himself at her age, before he lost his way. "Do you want to get out of town for a while?"

Ben looks at her with a dot and bitterness. Stubbing out his cigarette, he answers reluctantly, "It won't work, sis. That territory was also occupied by sectarians," he sighs wearily and running his hand through his hair adds, "Let's go home. We'll decide something else tomorrow."

With a sigh, Ben stands up and helps his sister to her feet. They both know that their world has changed forever, but they can't dwell on it now. As they make their way back inside the house, the faint sound of howling wind whispers through the window, carrying with it a sense of foreboding that neither of them dares to ignore. The night is dark and full of terrors, both real and imagined, but together they must face whatever comes their way.

Her brother's words echo in her head, trying to convince her that everything she knew about him was wrong. Yet there were moments... fleeting glimpses of tenderness and vulnerability that made her doubt herself instead. Closing her eyes, Lilith drifts off into an uneasy sleep, the taste of him lingering on her lips like a bitter sweet memory.

The howling wind outside carries with it the faint sound of someone else's agony, their cries muffled by distance and dread. And as she dreams of happier times, she can't help but wonder if the monster is real... or if it's only a part of her own imagination running wild in the face of fear and confusion.

The cafe begins to be in complete chaos filled with screams and the sounds of gunfire. Those who did not manage to escape become hostages and prisoners. Lilith does not know what to do in this situation and how to stop this madness. "Sinners" shouts one of the sectarians and knocks out one of the men by hitting him on the head with a machine gun.

Meanwhile, Joseph, being far away from here, feels an incomprehensible anxiety. Lilith's face, her words, her eyes are spinning in his thoughts. He is tormented by the fact that he seems to be starting to get attached to her in a strange way.

Lilith's words pierce through the chaos, stopping all movement in the cafe for a second. All eyes turn to her and she finds herself staring into the cold and empty gaze of one of the sectarians. He smiles darkly and pushes his way past several hostages, gun still raised as he approaches her slowly but surely.

Her heart pounds in her chest and panic wells up inside her throat, but she doesn't back down. She can feel his anger, his hatred seething from every pore of his body. It's a primal fear, like being faced with the devil himself...but there's something else there too. Something that sends shivers down her spine.

"How dare you defy your Father's will?" A cultist with glazed eyes growls.

Hearing a familiar sound outside his mansion, Joseph reluctantly puts down the book he was reading and leisurely goes outside to greet the new prisoners. His eyes are still burning with unbroken fanatical faith. The belief that he must save everyone before the coming collapse. Unbelievers have a chance at redemption... all non-believers. But those who dare to stand in his way are severely punished. Joseph slowly walks among the prisoners, whom the sectarians pull out of the car. When he sees a painfully familiar face, he stops and his eyes widen with disbelief and incomprehensible emotions. He comes closer and sits down in front of Lilith's bound limp body, brushing her hair off her face to make sure it's not a dream. "Where did you find her?" Joseph asks in a sharp voice, casting a sharp glance at the sectarians.

"Ben? He's fine." Joseph answers, his voice calm and collected as if he were discussing the weather. "But I want to know why you interfered with our business, Lilith." His tone becomes more severe. "You put yourself in danger, and I won't stand for that."

A part of him wonders what he should do with her. If it is too late for forgiveness... if she truly understands the magnitude of her actions. The look in her eyes, filled with defiance and pain, confuses him more than anything else. He leans forward, gently cupping her cheek with his hand. Sectarians are wary of the actions of their leader, trusting and believing in his judgments.

Lilith looks at him with such trust and hope that he can almost believe her words are true. But he knows better than to ignore the signs that point toward her being a danger to his plans, even if she doesn't mean to be. "I cannot let you interfere again," he says softly, leaning in closer so only she can hear him over the sounds of the sectarians preparing to take her away. "You must understand that."

Even as he speaks the words, he knows how hollow they sound. How much it pains him to even consider sending her back into harm's way. But what other choice does he have? For the sake of his people, for the survival of their faith... there can be no mercy shown to those who defy them so openly and recklessly.

But on the other hand, it's Lilith. The woman who gave him a piece of herself the night before last. It was like nothing else. The way she looked at him, the way she moved beneath him. Joseph doesn't know what to think anymore. He just stares at the bound girl sitting at his feet. Maybe it's just fate? Or a test?

As much as he wants to believe her words, Joseph knows better. The trust in her eyes is unsettling, and it makes him question himself and his judgment even more than before. But what other choice does he have? He can't risk having someone who might expose them out there, running free and jeopardizing everything they've worked for. "I'm sorry, Lilith," he whispers hoarsely, feeling the weight of the decision settle heavily in his chest.

He stands up and turns away from her, calling to the sectarians who are still watching them with suspicion. "Take her back to camp. We'll discuss what to do with her later." The cold night air brushes against him as he walks away, leaving Lilith alone with nothing but the sound of her ragged breaths and her racing heart.

The sound of her pleas echo in his mind long after he's turned away. He knows he should be cold, immune to such emotions, but there it is: a strange mix of desire and guilt tugging at his heartstrings. As she is dragged back to camp, he tries to convince himself that what he's doing is for the greater good. That if she truly loved her brother, she would understand. But the doubt gnaws at him like a hungry rat, refusing to be silenced.

Joseph returns to the chapel and clutching the altar with his hands begins to sincerely pray, looking for answers from God "Lord, please. Strengthen my faith. Give me strength and guide a sinful soul." Tears roll down his cheeks from despair and bitterness.

Sleep eludes him as well. His mind is restless and tormented, Lilith's words echoing like the whispers of a thousand demons. He knows that he can't let her go free, but the thought of hurting her, of damning her soul... it weighs on his heart like an anchor. Despite everything, he finds himself longing for the feel of her skin against his own, the taste of her lips on his tongue. And so, Joseph wanders through the camp, lost in thought and filled with conflicting emotions. He knows she doesn't believe him... She would never believe it. He walks around the chapel grounds like a wounded animal.

As much as he tries to avoid her gaze, Lilith's pleading eyes follow him everywhere, piercing through his soul like arrows dipped in honey and fire. He can feel the conflict raging within himself; the desperate need to protect his people against the urge to save her from this self-destructive path she has chosen. But he knows better than anyone that mercy and faith are two sides of the same coin, and too often one must suffer for the sake of the other.

Joseph forces himself to talk to her to make her understand. Even if she had to be hurt, he would do it without thinking. He wants her to believe in him, just like everyone else. So that she accepts her destiny, her destiny. "Lilith," he says in a hoarse whisper, opening her cage, "Come with me."

Lilith follows him, unsure what to expect. She hopes that this is her chance to convince him that there must be another way. But as they walk, she can feel the tension in the air between them; it's almost palpable. Joseph paces back and forth, struggling with his own thoughts and feelings, unable or unwilling to look at her directly.

Finally, he stops and turns to face her. His eyes are filled with a mixture of pain, anger, and something else entirely. Something that makes Lilith's heart skip a beat despite everything. "Lilith," he says hoarsely, his voice strained, "I cannot let you go free." He pauses, searching for the words to express himself clearly. "You know what we are doing here... what we believe in."

He stops abruptly and adds, "You're a part of this now and it doesn't matter if you like it or not," he takes her wrist, squeezing it harder than he would like. "Do you understand me?" his eyes burn with unyielding determination and firmness.

The words cut deep into his heart, like a knife through butter. The pain he feels is indescribable, yet he must remain strong. He cannot let her go; it would be the end of everything they have worked for. He takes a step closer to her and gently brushes away her tears with his thumb. "Lilith," he says softly, his voice full of regret and desperation, "I am not wrong about this."

The air around them feels heavy and charged, the tension between them growing ever more tangible. Lilith pulls her hand away from him, glancing around as if searching for an escape route. But there is nowhere to go; they are surrounded by his followers, by believers. All she can do is stand her ground and hope that somehow, some way, he will see the truth before it's too late.

"I don't need you." His words are sharp and cold as ice, but the hurt in his eyes gives them away. "It's just... I can't let you leave." He looks away, hands clenched into fists at his sides. "You shouldn't be here. Not like this. You should understand that." His voice trails off and he meets her gaze again, searching for some sign of understanding or agreement.

His eyes narrow in anger and pain as she speaks these words, but he doesn't lash out immediately. Instead, he takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. Lilith is right; if he were truly the leader they need him to be, he would know what to do with her. But it's not that simple... She confuses him. Frustrates him. And now, she's pushing back against his authority. His grip on his sanity feels tenuous at best.

For a moment, he is tempted to just let her go. Send her away and hope that she doesn't try to interfere again. But the thought of losing her... it's like losing a part of himself. He looks into her eyes one last time, searching for some sign that would tell him what he should do. But all he sees is confusion, fear, and anger. "Do you even know what you're asking me to do?" He asks coldly, looming over her. The idea of taking her to his chambers creeps into his thoughts. Throw him on the bed and make him realize his place. And if she said anything again now, he would do it without hesitation.

"Lilith..." He says softly, his voice filled with regret and pain. "I am your home now." He steps closer to her, cupping her cheek with one hand. She flinches away instinctively, tears streaming down her face. "You belong here, with us," he whispers in her ear before pulling back slightly so that their bodies are only inches apart. "Do you understand?" his eyes bore into hers, challenging her to accept the truth of what he's saying.

"Then you leave me no choice," he says, his voice harsh now, and pained. "If you cannot accept your place here, then I must take action." He leans forward, pressing their bodies together as his lips meet hers hungrily. Despite her fear and confusion, she finds herself responding to him, lost in the intensity of the moment. As they kiss, he pulls back slightly, looking into her eyes once more. "Do you understand now?" he asks softly, cupping her cheek again. His voice is gentle but insistent; demanding an answer from her.

His expression softens slightly at her words, though it remains guarded. "I'm glad to hear that," he says gently, running his thumb across her cheekbone. "Because I need you to understand something else as well: You may accept your place here... but we cannot allow you the freedom to interfere any longer." He looks into her eyes intently, searching for a sign of understanding or agreement, but finding none. "Do you see?"

Her words cut deep, stirring up emotions he thought he had long since buried. He looks away for a moment, taking a deep breath to calm himself. When he turns back to her, his expression is again firm and unyielding. "Lilith, I am only doing this for your own good," he says softly. "You are a part of us now, whether you like it or not."

He reaches up to brush a lock of hair behind her ear, his touch gentle but insistent. Her eyes widen as he pulls back and slaps her across the face, hard enough to sting and make her head spin. "Don't ever question my motives again," he growls through gritted teeth. "Understand?"

He watches her carefully, gauging her reaction. He's not sure if he's angry with her or angry at himself for losing control like that. "Good," he says finally, his voice tight. "Now go and rest. We'll discuss your... role in this tomorrow." Without another word, he turns on his heel and walks away, leaving Lilith alone once more with the weight of her new reality pressing down upon her shoulders like a ton of bricks.

He is the leader, the one everyone looks up to. Even now, as he paces through the darkened chapel grounds, trying to clear his mind and find some semblance of peace, he cannot help but feel a weight pressing down upon him. Lilith's words echo in his ears, like the whispers of an insidious voice that refuses to be silenced.

Perhaps she is right. Perhaps he does not know what to do with her. But he also knows that letting her go would be the end of everything they have worked for. The thought makes him sick with despair, but it does not change the facts: Lilith must be made to understand her place within their world, and to accept it willingly.

His restless pace carries him back to the chapel, his mind whirling with thoughts and worries. As he steps inside, the flickering candlelight dances across the stone floor, casting eerie shadows that mirror the turmoil within him. He should go to sleep, find some respite from the constant stress... but he can't help but feel drawn towards Lilith.

Taking a deep breath, he forces himself forward, making his way through the darkness until he finds her. She appears so small and vulnerable curled up against the cold stone wall, her features etched with pain and confusion. His heart aches for her; he can't help but feel responsible in some way.

Gently, he kneels down beside her, their shoulders only inches apart. Despite everything, there is still a spark between them that refuses to be extinguished. "Lilith," he whispers

"I'm sorry," he finally manages to say, his voice hoarse with emotion. "I didn't mean to hurt you." He hesitates, then reaches out a shaking hand to brush some hair away from her tear-stained cheek. Despite everything, the touch feels natural; as if they have been doing this for years.

"You are a part of us now, Lilith," he continues softly. "And I need you to understand that. But I also need you to trust me." He pauses, searching for her gaze, but finds only the stone wall behind her. "Please... just try to see things from my perspective. It's not easy being in charge; making decisions that affect so many people..."

He sighs heavily and runs a hand through his hair in frustration. "It's not easy to explain, Lilith," he says gently, taking her trembling hand in his. "Beliefs are powerful things; they shape who we are and what we become." He looks into her eyes earnestly, trying to convey the depth of his feelings. "I truly believe that this is the right path for us. The only way to save our people from the darkness that looms on the horizon."

He pauses, considering his next words carefully. "Perhaps one day you'll understand why I do what I do," he continues softly, squeezing her hand reassuringly. "Until then... please trust me when I say that I am doing this for the greater good."

His expression softens at her words. "I know it must be difficult, Lilith," he says gently, leaning closer to brush his fingers against her cheek. Her skin feels so warm beneath his touch, and for a moment they are the only two people in the world. "Just... please, don't shut me out," he whispers hoarsely. "I need your help."

There is an unspoken plea in his eyes, a desperation that she can feel even through the layers of anger and hurt. He truly believes that this is the only way; the only path forward for them all. And as much as it scares her to death, part of her knows he's right.

His expression softens as he nods gently. "Of course," he says reassuringly, rising to his feet and offering her his hand. She takes it hesitantly, their skin brushing against each other in a brief but charged moment. He helps her up and then leads her deeper into the chapel, where several pallets have been laid out for the rest of the followers. "There should be some blankets in that cupboard over there," he says, pointing to one of the walls.

"Try to get some sleep, Lilith."

He watches her walk away into the darkness, and his heart sinks with worry and guilt. Despite everything that has happened, he cannot help but feel deeply responsible to her. Maybe it's because she was once a part of him; or maybe it's because deep down he still hopes they can get back together.

He turns around and returns to the chapel, his steps slow and thoughtful. There's a lot of work to do tomorrow: we need to make plans, give orders. But right now, all he can think about is Lilith and her place in his world.

He tosses and turns through the night as well, his thoughts spinning endlessly around Lilith. Each moan that echoes through the halls feels like a knife twisting in his gut; an unwelcome reminder of her presence in this place and the role he must now force upon her. As dawn breaks, he finally manages to drag himself out of bed, needing fresh air and time alone to clear his head.

The weight of his responsibilities presses down upon him with the new day's light, making it hard to focus on anything else. He wanders aimlessly around the grounds until eventually he finds himself at her makeshift bed once more, drawn like a moth to the flame despite all sense of propriety and reason.

"Lilith," he whispers hoarsely, kneeling beside her once more. His voice holds a note of desperation that frightens him almost as much as it

His eyes search hers intently, and for a moment he feels like she's seeing right through him. "I just... I wanted to make sure you were all right," he says finally, his voice cracking slightly. "Last night... it was a lot for you." His hand moves involuntarily toward her shoulder, as if meaning to comfort her before he thinks better of it and drops back down to his lap.

"Look, Lilith..." He sighs heavily, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "I know I've been harsh with you, but it's because I care about this. About us." His gaze flickers momentarily away before returning to hers, the sincerity in his eyes impossible to miss.

He takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly before saying, "I understand that." He pauses, considering his next words carefully. "But you have to understand something as well: This is your home now. And I need you to accept that, if we're going to get through this together." His gaze bores into hers, demanding her agreement even as he knows it might be impossible to obtain.

There is a moment of silence between them, and then Lilith looks down at her hands, the pain in her eyes unmistakable. She's fighting so hard not to break apart right here and now. "I-I'll try," she whispers finally.

He nods slowly, his expression softening slightly. "I appreciate that," he says quietly. "And I promise to do my best not to push you too far." A smile tugs at the corner of his mouth as he reaches out and brushes a lock of hair behind her ear. It's a tender gesture, one that surprises him almost as much as it does Lilith. "Now," he continues more gently, "Take a break, Lilith. We'll talk tomorrow," with these words, he gets up and walks away towards his room at the back of the chapel.

He spends most of the day going through papers and discussing strategy with his closest allies, trying to ignore the gnawing feeling in his gut that something isn't right. It's as if Lilith is always there, at the edge of his vision, waiting for him to make a mistake.

As night begins to fall once more, he finds himself pacing restlessly through the chapel grounds again, unable to shake off the tension that has settled around him like a smothering cloak. Perhaps tomorrow will be better; perhaps he can find some way to ease her burdens and convince her of their shared destiny. But until then, he knows that sleep will remain elusive for both of them.

His footsteps echo through the chapel grounds as he makes his way towards Lilith's bed, feeling a sense of dread settling heavily in his stomach. He knows that today will be difficult; he can already feel it in the air, like an ominous storm cloud hovering on the horizon. But there is no turning back now; their fates are irrevocably intertwined, and he must see this through to the end, no matter the cost.

As he kneels beside her, his expression holds both sympathy and determination, his eyes searching hers for any sign of understanding or agreement. But there is only weariness and confusion etched into her features, and it breaks his heart all over again. He takes a deep breath, trying to steady his voice as he speaks.

"Lilith, today we must face the truth about what has happened..."

His expression softens, and he reaches out a gentle hand to stroke her cheek, the touch warm despite the chill in the air. "I understand that you're frightened, Lilith," he says gently, "but we cannot go on like this. You must face what has happened if we are ever to find our way through this together." His gaze holds hers intently, as if daring her to look away or deny the truth of his words.

"The truth is, your life as you knew it is over, Lilith."

he speaks solemnly, his voice quiet but firm.

"It was taken away from you the moment my cultists captured you."

His expression becomes tense, and there is an almost pleading note in his words.

"But if you accept this new life, this goal that we share... if you allow yourself to become a part of it... then maybe there is still a chance for redemption, for finding some kind of happiness in the midst of all this darkness."

He gently strokes her cheek, and the warmth of his palm somehow calms her, despite the weight of his words.

"I want you to trust me, Lilith," he says softly, cupping her cheek with his hand. "To work with me towards our shared goal: the salvation of our people." His gaze holds hers unflinchingly, as if daring her to look away or question his words. "It won't be easy, and there will be sacrifices... but together, I know we can make a difference."

He waits for a moment, watching her expression carefully, hoping that his words have reached her. Despite everything they've been through, he still cares deeply about her; he wants what is best for them both. She has to believe him because she has no other choice. Lilith must accept what is offered to her and not provoke him to the worst.

His expression hardens slightly as he hears her plea, but he doesn't hesitate to respond gently. "I don't want anyone to get hurt either, Lilith," he says firmly, maintaining eye contact. "But sometimes sacrifices must be made for the greater good. We will not resort to unnecessary violence, and we will always protect those who cannot defend themselves. I promise you that." His hand finds her shoulder now, squeezing gently as if trying to offer her reassurance.

"You have a choice here, Lilith," he continues quietly. "You can either trust me and work with me towards our goals... or you can fight against us. But I cannot guarantee your safety if you choose the latter path." His gaze meets hers once more, unyielding in its determination.

His expression softens as he listens to her plea, and he nods gently. "I promise I won't let you hurt anyone," he says reassuringly, his voice warm and comforting. "You have my word on that." He smiles faintly, trying to put her at ease. "Now, why don't we get some rest? Tomorrow will be a busy day." He brushes away a lock of hair from her face before standing up, his movements graceful despite the tension in his shoulders.

As he walks away, he leaves her with one final thought: that everything will be alright if they work together. The weight of responsibility might be heavy on his shoulders, but for now, it feels a little lighter knowing that Lilith is by his side, however reluctantly.

Sleep comes more easily to him now that Lilith has agreed to work with him, but even then it's fitful and restless. He dreams of fires and blood, of shadows lurking in the darkness and screams echoing through the night. The memory of her pleading eyes haunts him like a phantom, refusing to be silenced no matter how hard he tries.

But when dawn finally breaks, he rouses himself from his uneasy slumber with renewed determination. Today is the day they begin to make their move; the day that will decide not only the fate of their people but also the future of their world. He has made his choice, and now there's no turning back.

"Lilith," he says quietly as she draws near. "I need you to be strong today." His eyes bore into hers, his voice steady and commanding. "Our people are depending on us to guide them through this darkness, and I will not fail them. You must trust me and do whatever it takes to protect those who look up to us." He pauses, searching her face for any sign of understanding or agreement.

His heart is in his throat as he waits for her reply, half-afraid that she'll refuse him again...and what that might mean for them all.

"Gather the others," he replies shortly. "We need to prepare ourselves for what comes next." The tension in his voice is palpable, and Lilith can't help but feel a shiver run down her spine at the weight of his words. Joseph takes a deep breath before continuing. "Gather the whole congregation today and send a message to my two brothers Jacob and John. Today is going to be an important day."

"You're doing the right thing, Lilith," he murmurs under his breath as she departs. Then, steeling himself for what is to come, he turns back towards the chapel and begins to organize their plan of attack with the remaining followers. The hours tick by slowly, but they are productive, filled with whispered conversations and furtive glances.

Finally, as the last rays of sunlight filter through the stained-glass windows, he stands in front of his assembled flock, their anticipation palpable. "My children" he begins, "Something's going to happen. You feel it, don't you? Whenever we read the headlines, we... see confusion and distrust, fear and anger. You feel that we are approaching the edge of the abyss... oh, yes... that the hour of reckoning is coming..." Joseph pauses and adds with even more confidence "Enough. Let's not let their greed, their immorality, their depravity prevail. We've had enough"

"I saw that the Lamb had opened the first seal, and I heard the thunderous voice of one of the four animals: come and see..." Joseph closes his eyes knowing what is about to happen, but he is ready. He saw it in his visions."I looked, and behold, the horse was pale... and hell was following him." With these words, the chapel doors are closed and the FBI group of five people enters. The sheriff slowly approaches Joseph, who stands calmly and even a little cheerfully, "Joseph Sid, this is a warrant for your arrest. You are accused of kidnapping. I ask you to surrender voluntarily." Everyone in the chapel looks at each other intently, but everyone is waiting for the Father's answer.

"Here they are... locusts in our garden… They came for me," Joseph says with a slight grin and his gaze darkens "We've been waiting for this moment. And we've prepared. That's it. Everything..." he looks around the congregation with his eyes and hands and lingers briefly on Lilith, knowing that she is shocked by this. But at the same time, he feels proud of her resilience. Joseph descends from the altar and slowly approaches the sheriff with outstretched arms and hypnotically whispers "Everything can still be fixed. You have a chance to make the right choice. If you take me away from here... it will be the end. The end of everything"

"Thank you," he whispers, his voice barely audible. "I knew I could count on you." Then, with renewed determination, he turns back to the sheriff and says firmly, "Everything is going according to our Lord's plan. I'm still with you. The first seal is broken. The collapse has begun. We'll take everything we need. And we'll keep what we have. We will kill anyone who gets in our way". The FBI agents carefully escort Joseph Sid from the chapel while the rest of the congregation stands silently, watching with a mix of hope and fear. Lilith remains beside him until the very end, her heart racing but her faith unwavering.

FBI agents lead Joseph to the helicopter, ignoring the cries of the sectarians and their curses. The sheriff does not yet know what mistake he made by arresting Joseph Sid and how they will all pay for it.

"We did it," he whispers to her as they lead him away, his eyes sparkling with excitement and determination. "Now the real work begins." His words are laced with a dangerous air of confidence that sends a shiver down Lilith's spine. But she knows what she must do: stand tall, be strong, and trust in his guidance as they navigate through this new and terrifying reality.

As he is lifted into the helicopter, Joseph pauses for a moment, meeting her gaze before turning away. Even from this distance, she can feel his power and charisma radiating outwards like a beacon of hope in the darkness. But beneath that veneer lies an unpredictable wildfire, and Lilith wonders if they will ever truly be able to contain it. Joseph smiles at her encouragingly and repeats, "You'll see-God won't let them take me away."

"I am with you always, my children," Joseph's voice echoes in her mind. "Do not falter, and trust in our plan."

The noise of the helicopter rising merges with the screams of the agents in the chaos. Joseph Sid sits calmly and peacefully in the midst of this chaos, humming the same song under his breath. He knows how it will end and is fully prepared for everything that comes next. The helicopter does not have time to fly a hundred meters before the red lights light up and the alarm sounds. "That son of a bitch knew everything!" The sheriff shouts, trying to free himself from his seat belts to Joseph's smug laughter. "Hello, dispatcher," Joseph whispers into the walkie-talkie, as the helicopter begins to fall, "We're fine."

"Don't call anyone. No one will come to help," Joseph whispers to the sheriff and his deputies as the burning helicopter screeches to the ground. Joseph throws off his seat belts and answers into the radio, "Thank you, sister," the elderly voice of the dispatcher answers him, "God bless you, Father." Joseph emerges from a hot helicopter watching the agents search for salvation, but he knows for sure that he will not be there. Only payback for sins and deeds.

"Of course, I'm fine," he replies easily, allowing her to unlock the cuffs with a grateful smile. "Now let's get moving." He turns to lead them away from the crash site, his pace confident and purposeful despite the chaos around them.

As they make their escape, Joseph whispers conspiratorially in Lilith's ear, "This is only the beginning, my dear. Together, we will rebuild our faith... stronger than ever before." His words send shivers down her spine, but she can't help but feel a strange sort of thrill at the prospect of what lies ahead.

"Just trust me," he says with a knowing smile. "I know exactly what I am doing."

"They are the messengers of doom — they will see the truth," Joseph whispers, pulling Lilith to him and soothingly stroking her back with his fingertips "Let them burn. By the will of God. This is their punishment." Partly these are half-truths. He doesn't want Lilith to know that his plan was different. Joseph knows that his brother Jacob will take care of them, but he also doesn't want Lilith to think of him as a monster... She is confused, she may not understand all this. Joseph breathes into her neck and to change the subject whispers, "Let's go back to the chapel. I need to continue the sermon."

"Lilith, listen to me..." he starts gently, trying to calm her down with his voice "The time for mercy has passed. We must continue our plan... for the sake of everyone." He takes a deep breath and continues in a firmer tone "You heard what I said earlier. There is no other choice. Those who stood against us deserve their fate." His expression hardens, reflecting his unwavering determination. "Now come with me."

He turns around and starts walking back to the chapel, not waiting for her reply. Lilith looks at him, conflicted, torn between following her newfound faith and the voice of reason deep inside her. In the end, she decides to follow him, unable to come up with any other choice.

"I understand your doubts, Lilith," he says softly, his voice almost gentle now. "But trust me when I say that our course is true. Those who stand against us will not prevail." He looks at her with eyes full of conviction, and a hint of sadness. "It may seem harsh now, but in time you will see the wisdom behind my words."

He nods, taking her hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Thank you, Lilith," he says softly. Joseph reluctantly lets go of her hand and rises to the altar. The congregation is jubilantly welcoming him, as if he were a hero, and perhaps on the one hand he is. "My children," Joseph begins, raising his palms to the sky "Let's thank God. The day that I foresaw has finally arrived…

Everything I predicted came true... the guards who wanted to separate us… They were all handed over to the tender hands of my family... almost all of them," he pauses, checking the reaction of others and adding more confidently and menacingly "My children... we are continuing the Harvest and waiting for the new seal to be lifted, but remember: the last days will be the most difficult.

For sinners will reject Our mercy. Our love. But we will not reject them.

We will find this sinner. And we will punish him... eventually he will understand our plan."

"Believe me when I say that everything we do is according to God's plan," Joseph calls out, his gaze fixing on Lilith for a moment before he looks away again. "The End Times are upon us, and it is our duty to guide humanity through these dark times." His voice holds an unshakeable conviction that sends shivers down her spine. As the sermon continues, she finds herself unable to tear her eyes from him, caught in the web of his charismatic words and commanding presence.

"Trust me," he says once more, meeting her gaze with an intensity that leaves no room for doubt. "Together, we will usher in a new era of peace and prosperity... an age where the faithful shall reign supreme."

Her pained expression touches him deeply, and he can't help but feel a surge of protectiveness towards her. "Believe me, my child," he whispers softly, his voice gentle as a summer breeze, "when I say that all shall be well." He smiles reassuringly, reaching out to touch her cheek before drawing back with a sigh. "Just trust in the plan... and have faith."

As he watches Lilith struggle against her doubts, Joseph is reminded of his own turbulent journey towards faith. He knows that she must find her own way to faith, but there is no time for that now. He must act differently to gain her control. Joseph beckons her to him and gestures to the altar, "Lie down, my creation," his smile is soft, but not frightening. You can see in his eyes that he's nervous, but he knows he has to do it.

He closes his eyes, taking a moment to steady his breath, before leaning in closer and pressing their foreheads together. "I know it's difficult," he whispers. "Your doubts are natural... but they don't serve you. They only keep you trapped." He feels her trembling slightly beneath his hands and sighs. "Trust me, my child," he urges softly. "Everything I have done, everything we do from now on, it is all for the greater good." His voice lowers to a near whisper as he continues, "The world is changing... shifting, and only those who are strong enough, those who believe in something greater than themselves will survive."

He looks into her eyes, seeing the turmoil there and knows he's getting closer to breaking through. "You are special, Lilith," he whispers. "Chosen by God himself to carry out this mission." Her eyes widen at his words, hope flickering in their depths. "I know it feels wrong sometimes... but trust me when I say that it is all for the greater good. Together we will build a new world, free from suffering and pain. A world where our faith reigns supreme." His voice takes on a slightly firmer edge as he finishes, his confidence unshakeable now. "I would give my life for you, Lilith. And you? Would you be able to do that?" He gently touches her collarbones, making her shudder in surprise.

Her words hit him like a punch to the gut, filling him with relief and power at the same time. His grip on her hand tightens momentarily before he forces himself to relax it, letting his thumb brush softly over the back of her hand instead. "Thank you, my child," he whispers hoarsely, his voice thick with emotion. "You have no idea how much this means to me." He looks into her eyes once more, searching for any remaining doubts, but finds only trust and faith reflected there. With a satisfied smile, he leans forward to press their foreheads together again, letting out a shaky breath. "I need your strength, Lilith." He gently runs his fingertips along her inner thigh and adds with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, "It's not for nothing that you were called Lilith."

His gaze pierces deep into hers, holding her attention captive as his fingers slowly begin to trace circles on her inner thigh. "I have plans for you, Lilith," he whispers, the words warm and enticing against her ear. "But first... I need you to trust me." He looks down at her lips, a playful grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "It's time we sealed our bond..."

Without another word, he leans in to press their lips together in a passionate kiss that leaves Lilith reeling and disoriented. Her body arches into his touch as her senses are consumed by the rush of desire and need for him that overwhelms her. As they kiss, Joseph's tongue dances with hers, teasing and exploring every curve and corner, leaving her gasping for air.

His voice is soft and reassuring as he answers, "No, my dear... It's not a test. It's simply me claiming what is mine." He cups her face in his hands, looking into her eyes intently. "You are my creation, Lilith... My chosen one. And now, you are to be my wife..." His fingers move lower, sliding up the inside of her thigh until they brush against the wetness between her legs. He smiles at her response before parting his lips and whispering, "And I will give you everything your heart desires... As long as you trust me."