Fake Priest Reborn: Powered By A Demon’s Obsession

AT THE SAME TIME

KAEL'S POINT OF VIEW:

I moved through the shadowed halls of my castle like a storm unleashed, every step sharp, every glance deliberate. The east wing, sealed tight for centuries, would be his sanctuary, fragile and safe. I commanded the ancient locks to unwind, metal grinding with reluctant obedience. I needed make sure that everything is going exactly how I have planned.

"Bring me the softest linens." I ordered a silent servant who appeared as if summoned by my will alone. "Gather herbs and candles, lavender and jasmine. The scent will calm his nerves."

The servants exchanged uneasy glances but dared not question. It seems they understood that I will be bringing someone here.

"My lord… why the gentleness? The care?" One of them asked.

I turned slowly, eyes gleaming like onyx shards.

"Because." I said, voice low and dangerous. "For once, he's not just another toy. He's… something different."

A murmur ran through the shadows.

"You've never cared for anyone before."Another servant said.

I let a slow, cruel smile stretch across my lips.

"Watch me."I said.

Soon some servants started to whisper to each other hoping not to get caught up by their master.

"Did you see? The master ordered the east wing opened. It's been closed for hundreds of years."One said.

"Yeah, and with fresh linens and herbs, too! Smells like he's expecting someone delicate."Another said.

"I thought he hated mortals." First one said.

"Maybe he's found someone to play with for a change."Another said.

One older servant shook his head, brow furrowed. 

"This obsession… it's not just a game. Something's different this time. The master's eyes, they've changed."He said.

"I'm just glad he's not alone. Castle's been too quiet." Another chuckled nervously. 

I stood in the empty room now, every detail arranged to perfection. A plush bed draped in silken sheets, pillows fluffed just so. A carved wooden chest filled with warm clothes, not the coarse rags of a temple priest, but something softer, finer. A small table held fresh water and fruits, and candles flickered, casting gentle shadows. He'll want to leave. I thought. But he won't be able to. I let the faintest smirk cross my face.

"Rest easy, little priest," I whispered. "You'll be mine soon. Do you feel it already, little priest?" I

muttered, glancing through the black glass mirror that shimmered with his distant image.

His chest rose and fell in gentle rhythm back at the temple. He stirred.

"Oh yes…Wake up. Miss me." I whispered."Only me."

I woke up gasping like I had been drowning. The air around me felt colder than before, though no wind stirred the temple. The fire had died. The bowl of soup I didn't remember finishing was still warm. Someone had draped a cloak over me, not mine. It smelled faintly of something dark and spiced. I knew that scent now. Kael.

My stomach twisted. I sat up fast, the cloak falling off me.

"He was here." I whispered to no one.

Not a dream. Not a hallucination. His arms, his eyes, his mouth, the kiss. I pressed trembling fingers to my lips. They still tingled. A hush fell across the room, unnatural in its depth.

"You are marked."A voice said.

The voice rolled through the temple like wind across a graveyard. My heart stuttered.

"You said I was chosen." I whispered aloud. "You sent me here. Why would you let him get close?!"

"He has claimed nothing… yet. But he prepares to. Even now."He said.

"For what?"I asked.

"He builds a room. Gathers silks and soft things. Food. Warmth. Temptation. All for you."He said.

My breath caught.

"He's building me a cage." I muttered, standing quickly.

"One lined with luxury… and desire."A god finished explaining.

I backed away from the empty altar, hand to my throat.

I didn't remember falling asleep. I didn't remember what happened after the magic surged. But I remembered Kael's eyes. That smile. Like I was a thing he couldn't wait to unwrap. He hadn't marked me, not yet. No visible brand. But the god was right. Something clung to me. Like heat on skin. Like a breath on the back of my neck. I started pacing.

"I need protection. I need to shield myself. I can't leave. But I can't let him in again."I whispered.

My hands were shaking as I moved to the shelves. Most of the scrolls were unreadable. Molded, torn. But one had the faint markings of an old warding ritual. I didn't know if it would work. Didn't matter. I had to try. I knelt, gathered what I could. Dried herbs. Salt. A cracked amulet bowl. My own knife.

"I'm not strong like him." I whispered to myself. "But I've got this."

I crushed the herbs, added salt, and whispered the phrases in the ancient tongue. Then I pricked my thumb and let the blood fall into the bowl. The god's voice was quieter now. Almost...watchful.

"You fear him. But not just for what he is. You fear your own response."He said.

My jaw clenched. I needed a chance to forget him and find a way not to get caught by him.

"He makes me forget myself."I said.

"Then remember now."He said.

I pulled the energy together, fragile, flickering. It wrapped itself around the twine necklace I had found days ago. A piece of temple stone is in its center. When I looped it over my neck, it burned. Just a second. But it was a burn that felt clean.

"Now I need to make sure that it will work and I will be safe. I am sure that i can do something to get free from his influence. I can't get caught by him again."I whispered.

No one would take me. No one would claim me, not like this. I stood slowly and looked at the door. Outside, the world waited. Maybe Kael waited. My knees were still unsteady. But my resolve? Harder than the stone pressed to my chest.