It hurts.
The burning sensation in my forehead? Well, yes, but the real pain is knowing I was just a pawn in someone else's plan.
They sacrificed me. I didn't even know. I thought I was chasing answers, but I was the prey all along.
It felt real. Maybe the trial conjured it, but it felt real.
I never asked for any of this. If anything, guilt is the last thing I owe.
Why should I clean up someone else's mess?
I am Viktor. To me, it's just a name.
I opened my eyes.
The room was dark; I could see blue wisps near me.
"Nyx," I called out, my voice breaking.
My throat hurts.
"You are alive!" Nyx exclaimed. I feel nostalgic.
"Unfortunately, no one to throw daggers this time," I mumbled.
Nyx avoided my eyes. She knows!
"So, who is he?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.
"Let me guess, your memory is not working!" I said, faking surprise.
Nyx looked hurt.
"Whoever he is, he killed me. Now I'm taking this life as a refund. I will live as I please. Convey my regards," I said, giving her a crooked smile.
KNOCK.
It was Cyrun, with a tray in his hands.
"Lord Viktor! You're awake!" he said, his face lighting up.
"How long has it been?" I asked, grabbing the glass of water he brought.
"Two days," he said, looking worried.
Not bad.
"So what happened? Am I homeless now?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"No! You passed the trial, my lord. You're the first person to ever do that!" he said, bowing deeply.
"So it's safe to assume this trial only came into practice after the scriptures were translated?" I asked.
"Yes… I guess so," Cyrun hesitated.
"And the high priests? They've been here longer than that. So they got their positions without proving their faith?"
"But they've served the temple most of their lives!" Cyrun argued.
"They paid with time. You paid with your inheritance. Fair trade?"
He looked conflicted.
"I mean… we can't question the scriptures. It's blasphemy," he said, clutching his head.
"Then, can I ask who translated it, and how are you sure they knew Elthric?" I asked firmly.
He opened his mouth and slammed it shut, not knowing what to say.
He looked conflicted, took a deep breath, and said,
"Most of us were raised here... The trials are for outsiders," he said, avoiding my eyes.
I wanted to argue more, but I felt bad for this kid.
"Can I have a meeting with the high priests?"
Cyrun nodded, running out of the room.
"What are you planning?" Nyx asked quietly.
"You'll see soon enough," I said, shrugging.
I got out of bed and dressed in my religious attire. I looked at the mirror—there was a mark on my forehead. I concentrated my aura there, and it glowed blue. It was a mark that looked like an arrow covered with flames.
I touched it, and it felt like a permanent mark.
I'm sure the other Viktor didn't have it.
That evening, I was summoned to the council hall for the meeting.
The hall was situated outside the temple, deep inside the forest, covered by tall trees.
I wouldn't be too surprised if I got sacrificed for a ritual.
I entered the hall: a lone chandelier hanging from the tall ceiling, in a room devoid of any decorations. The five were sitting at a cheap dining table, which occupied the entire room.
The candles were lit, giving the room an eerie glow.
Feels ritualistic.
"Welcome, Lord Viktor," Franc greeted from the head of the table. The rest nodded in greeting.
I gave them a smile with a small wave, sat on the other side of the table, facing Franc.
"So, what's next?" I asked, resting my chin on my palm.
"What do you mean? Now you shall start serving the deity," Franc said, smiling.
I laughed out loud. The five looked at me, stunned.
"Excuse me," I said, trying to control my laughter.
"Lord Viktor, this is a sacred council," Lux said sternly, glaring.
"Right. Right," I said, still smiling.
"What did I expect? Another misguided child," she muttered, turning away with a tch.
Another? Is it general or about our family? I'm invested now!
"Misguided?" I prodded, tilting my head.
"What kind of child can come from a family like that?" she replied with distaste.
I nodded. Fair enough.
"You don't seem surprised! In that case, you should wash your sins away with prayers!" she continued, determined.
"Right, I will give you two options. One: I leave the temple, and you gain nothing. Two: I stay here and be your poster child while you protect me and give me authority and power. Mutual gains. What will it be?" I said, crossing my arms.
"This is blasphemy! His grandfather sold drugs, and now this! I prayed relentlessly, and this is what I get!" Lux bellowed, slamming the table.
"You should not pray with expectations," I said, paraphrasing scripture.
Lux opened her mouth to argue, but turned away, embarrassed.
"Are you trying to buy the temple?" Esmer fired, standing up.
Richter and Randall looked amused.
"Lord Viktor, you shall serve the deity. You already have the blessing of bonding with her," Franc said calmly.
"So, option one it is?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"If I leave, you'll have no hold whatsoever. No fame. No new devotees to scam. I'll go back to my mansion. Nothing to lose," I said, walking away with a smirk.
"It runs in the family! You should stop this, Viktor! This is not the right path," Lux said, distressed.
Esmer nodded, muttering prayers asking the gods to forgive me.
"I'd agree, but then I could say the same about threatening people with fire just to prove their faith," I shrugged.
"That is to warrant commitment!" Lux argued.
"Commitment should come from unwavering faith, according to scriptures, not me," I replied calmly.
"Mockery wrapped in scripture, what a curse to bear," Lux muttered.
I smirked.
"What are your terms?" Randall asked, while Richter smirked.
The others looked at the two, betrayed.
"Simple: stop scamming people. Let them donate what they want, not out of fear. I want a cut. And a flashy title like Sacred Flamebearer, and immunity, of course," I said with a smile.
"You are smart," Richter laughed.
Randall looked at Franc, who gave me a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"There are people who genuinely want salvation and peace. The funds are for the welfare of the people and the island!" Lux snapped.
"Can I ask for an audit? If you let me sit on that welfare board, I'll let it slide," I said, tapping the table.
"The kids these days… ask the questions we stopped asking," Esmer whispered.
"The phoenix decided to bond with me. I must be special," I said, flipping my hair just to piss them off.
Franc opened his mouth, but I beat him to it:
"Fine. 10%."
10%? How much can I push? Let's go wild.
"70%," I said, dead serious.
Franc looked taken aback while the twins snickered.
"This is atrocious! Franc, by doing that, are you agreeing with this brat? That our temple is corrupt?" Lux barked.
"Faith is something that, once questioned, will never remain the same," Franc replied, slightly annoyed.
"What are we going to gain by making that deal? Devotees gained like that aren't here for prayers or blessings!" she retorted.
"Just saying, if I leave, I will ask questions like: if the phoenix is mythologically a woman, then why are female priests not allowed into the relic room?" I said in a sing-song voice.
Franc began to speak, but I held my hand up.
"Not just that! I'll also ask you to return the money donated by my alleged drug-dealing grandfather and request a full audit of the temple's finances!" I added brightly.
"30%," Franc muttered with a sigh.
I'll settle for 50%. Not bad.
"What do you mean, your grandfather donated?" Lux asked, shocked.
"I mean, the biggest funding in temple history is your alimony. Besides that, Gramps donated a LOT, out of love for you, I'm afraid," I said, fanning the flames.
Did Franc hide the donations from our family? How much does Lux even know? I should talk to her later.
Franc shot me a glare. I responded with a grin.
"60%," I drawled.
"Fine. 50%," Franc relented.
"Draft a contract," I said, standing and shaking his hand.
"Franc!" Lux gasped, sounding betrayed.
"Three out of five voted. Thus, the decision," Franc said, ending the debate.
And that is how to buy a temple!