Temptation

ㅤ They remained in the prison room alone. Rommy spoke sarcastically, either with sympathy or with a grin: "He's a monster. A liar, to say the least. As a representative of the Church, you should understand the nature of the lycanths." Rommy gently stroked Rubia's cheek, wiping away a stray tear. Rubia tried hard not to give in to such wrong, yet true, words. She was terrified of Caius's bestial form, his unbridled aggression. The mere memory of his claws tearing through Rommy's flesh made her faith in her childhood friend waver, almost melting before her eyes. All the tales about lycanths she'd never given any thought to were becoming reality. But most of all, she felt sick for herself. She loved Caius... The ease with which she'd lost trust in him was sickening. 'Terrible… I'm terrible…' And Rommy continued to speak evenly and inspiredly, coming up behind Rubia and putting her arm around her shoulders, standing so close that her words literally burned her ear: "You're a priestess, how can you not believe in the church? How can you condemn righteous deeds?" 'But is this really right?..' "It," Rommy emphasized the word, making it clear that Caius wasn't even worthy of a personal identification, "is a monster. If we leave him alone, one day not only will our blood be on his fangs and claws, but also that of ignorant innocents." Once again, a scene from the recent past appeared before her eyes. The horror she had experienced stirred her heart — Rubia almost choked. "We have to protect them," Rommy's words grew more and more convincing. And as if hypnotized, Rubia took the dagger placed in her hand. "You have to. Save them and take revenge." Rubia didn't hear the sound of retreating footsteps, only the throbbing in her temples. She was left standing pale and completely alone. The deal took place the next day. Caius kept his end of the bargain, but… "I can't go with you," Rubia burst into tears, refusing to go towards him. "I don't know what to believe in anymore!" 'I'm afraid I'll actually kill you…' She still kept the dagger; doubts and fear prevented her from throwing it away. This also prevented her from taking a step forward. But she prayed at that moment not for answers that would resolve her doubts. She prayed for her friend's safety, even if she had to protect him from her. And it was as if her prayers had been answered… ㅤ