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Kobol raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. “Go on.”
“Well,” Orias continued, “instead of indiscriminately eliminating daemons with the sancre weapons, we could focus on those who pose a genuine threat to our cabal or daemonkind as a whole. That way, we’re still carrying out Belial’s orders, but we’re also protecting ourselves and furthering our own agenda.”
Nadir considered the suggestion, a spark of hope flickering in her chest. “That might work,” she agreed, nodding slowly. “It’s a delicate balance, but if we can walk that line, I might just be able to stomach the headcount.”
The others exchanged glances, nodding their agreement. It was a risky plan, but it was better than allowing Belial to hold complete control over their lives. And if they played their cards right, they might just be able to outwit the prince of Sheol himself.
CHAPTER30
ERIN
The next morning, Erin walked the perimeter of the park surrounding the temple grounds; the once desolate landscape had transformed into a verdant oasis. Her heart was bursting with pride and a sense of purpose. Erin was a maenad and devotee, and her loyalty to Dionysos would never waver. Looking up at the imposing structure, she was awestruck at what she’d been able to summon with his divine aid. The scent of fresh stone and wood filled her nostrils, and the texture of the intricately carved walls was rough beneath her fingertips. Erin had wandered alone through the multi-level structure last night, discovering all the nooks and crannies of the building, the sound of her footsteps echoing softly in the vast space.
The first floor was devoted to a grand hall, a stage, a bar, and a kitchen. The second floor was filled with lodging rooms, each with plush, inviting beds that cradled her body like a cloud, and a sumptuous, shared bathroom where the soothing warmth of steam and the gentle patter of water on tile enveloped her. The third floor was smaller but no less decadent, containing a large office and attached bedroom, which Erin immediately claimed as her own. Soft, luxurious fabrics draped across the furniture, and the view from the window was breathtaking.
The basement, unsurprisingly, contained an extensive wine cellar and pantry. The earthy scent of aged wines and the subtle chill in the air heightened the sense of mystery and excitement as she explored the space. Overnight, the gardens had transformed, filling in spaces once claimed by concrete and broken glass. Now the sprawling gardens wrapped around the building, filled with grapevines, their ripe fruit bursting with flavor on her tongue, and olive trees with their silvery leaves rustling in the breeze. Fountains gurgled melodically, their cool spray gently misting her skin, while fire pits crackled and cast a warm, flickering glow over the grounds and shadows over the white marble forms of dancing satyrs and dryads.
She knew this temple was her calling and that the people of the city would benefit from her actions and its presence here. As she circled the grounds, she couldn’t help but feel the weight of Blaine’s words still lingering in her mind. She knew he would be a formidable opponent. No doubt he would press for her pledge of loyalty within the week, but that was a problem for another day.
Erin recognized that her actions last night had made her an enemy of the corrupt mayor, the city council, and his minions, but she was undaunted. She was a woman on a mission, and she would do whatever it took to see it through.
After she’d summoned the temple last night, Erin thought Blaine’s head might explode with the fury evident in his gaze, but he’d simply declared that the matter wasn’t over before his man, Jake, pulled him away. Erin smiled to herself. Let Blaine whine and complain until he grew hoarse. She had her club, slash temple, slash community center, downtown despite the mayor’s protests.
Just wait until he saw the temple in the light of day. She could already imagine the steam billowing out of his ears and how he’d adjust his overly starched shirt around those broad shoulders of his.
Erin looked forward to their next duel, remembering the perfect pressure of Blaine’s fingertips gliding against her skin and the way he’d gripped her hips as their tongues had clashed with more than just words. After last night, she could appreciate Blaine’s clever, sexy self while also hating how he managed the city and its people. Running her teeth over her bottom lip, Erin decided that, although she wouldn’t mind tussling with him again, such distractions were a bad idea.
She couldn’t let her attraction to Blaine cloud her judgment. She had a mission to fulfill, a temple to tend to, and a community to lead. Her duty to Dionysos and the people of this city came first.
Blaine York might be downright edible, but she’d never forget he was her enemy. She’d take him and his corrupt city council down.
As she walked, her mind racing with thoughts and plans, Erin felt a strange sense of awareness. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up as she sensed that something, or someone, was near. She turned around, but there was no one there. She hurried back to the temple; the feeling intensifying as she went, so Erin quickened her pace.
As she reached the entrance to the temple, she felt a powerful surge of energy emanating from within. She sensed Dionysos was present. She pushed open the heavy wooden doors and stepped inside, her breath catching at the sight before her. The walls were adorned with intricate mosaics depicting the god and his followers, their wild revelries and ecstatic dances captured in vivid detail. The air was rich with the scent of incense and the sound of music, the gentle strumming of a lyre and the haunting melody of a flute filtering in from unseen instruments. She could feel the god’s energy pulsing through the room, and she knew she was in the presence of something truly divine.
So far, she’d been the only living soul on these grounds, which perplexed Erin, but she knew others would feel the call soon enough. As she reached the stage, the air shifted and roiled, a fine, golden dust filling the air, the only warning she had before Dionysos himself took form.
He stood before her, resplendent and awe-inspiring, his golden blond hair framing a handsome face with piercing blue eyes that seemed to see into her very soul. He wore a crown of ivy leaves and grapevines, a symbol of his dominion over nature and the pleasures it offered. The scent of wine and wildflowers clung to him, making her head swim with the intoxicating fragrance. In that instant, Erin was transported mentally to the bacchanal back in the forest, wild and limitless.
“My child and devotee,” Dionysos said, his voice deep and melodic. “You have done well in creating a sanctuary for my followers, and all humans within the perimeter of the gardens are now blessed and under my protection.”
Erin felt a thrill of anticipation at his words, wondering what it could mean and who would come to heed his call. This was what she needed to reform the city. With this place, Erin could finally bring things to rights.
“Erin, I charge you with the sacred task of growing my flock,” Dionysos continued. “Bring those who seek solace, those who wish to escape the bonds of their mundane lives, and those who yearn to embrace the wild, untamed nature within themselves. You will teach them to tear apart the ones holding back their dreams, to wear their bloody victories as trophies, and remake the world according to our grand design.”
Wait, did she hear that last part, right? Erin bowed her head, her heart stuttering. “I will do my best to fulfill your wishes,” she replied, her voice filled with determination yet also a note of confusion.
Dionysos smiled, the warmth of his approval washing over her like a soothing balm. “I have faith in you, Erin. Remember that you have my blessing and my protection. Together, we shall bring new life to this city and awaken the spirit of freedom and revelry that has long been suppressed.”
As the god’s image faded and she looked around the massive edifice to the wine god, Erin was left knowing that she had the support of a powerful deity. A deity who would rip apart his adversaries in order to reach his goals.
Surely it wouldn’t come to that, Erin reassured herself. This building appearing overnight was testament enough to Dionysos’ strength. Certainly that would deter others from standing in his way.
Erin’s heart swelled with excitement and anticipation for whatever was coming next. Erin knew she could finally bring about a change that would benefit not only the people of the city but also herself.
She couldn’t wait to get started.
CHAPTER31
