The Life After Death

  Chapter 25: Inside Eden

  The closer we got, the more surreal it seemed. Amidst the dry and cracked land of Flintshire, towering white marble walls stood untouched by dust or decay. Golden banners rippled in the scorching wind, their embroidery catching the light of the fading sun.

  There was no greenery, no flowing water to soften the starkness of the landscape—only the pristine stone structures, standing in defiance of the wasteland around them.

  It was paradise in the middle of a wasteland.

  Too perfect.

  As we approached, two men in simple white robes stood at the entrance, their gazes flicking toward Liora. Without a word, they nodded, and the massive gates of Eden creaked open before us.

  Stepping inside, I felt a strange stillness in the air. The marble halls stretched wide, and pristine, standing in sharp contrast to the wasteland outside. Despite the grandeur, the air was dry, heavy, and eerily quiet—too orderly.

  As we walked deeper inside, my eyes drifted over the many figures moving through the halls—all men, dressed in the same white robes. Their steps were slow, deliberate, their expressions serene, yet vacant, as if their minds were somewhere else entirely. Not a single woman like Liora was among them.

  I turned to her, frowning. "This place is… something else. But why are there only men here? Where are the women like you?"

  Liora let out a soft laugh, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "We’re special. And very, very few," she said with a teasing wink. "Don’t worry, Emrys, you’ll understand in time. Now, come. We should go further inside."

  As we moved through the halls, a new figure stepped toward us. She was different from the others—another nun, though her robes were even more revealing than Liora’s.

  She was the embodiment of lust itself—voluptuous and sensual in a way that felt almost deliberate. She wore a completely see-through white lace dress, intricate golden patterns woven through the fabric, highlighting every curve of her bare body beneath.

  Her veil draped low over her shoulders, teasing but never truly concealing. Golden markings in the shape of holy crosses were drawn directly onto her skin, glowing faintly under the torchlight. Every movement she made was slow, deliberate, meant to be seen.

  Liora stepped forward, inclining her head slightly. "Greetings, Saint."

  The nun’s full lips curled into a knowing smile. "Hello, Collector."

  Liora turned to me, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Emrys, meet Seraphina, the Saint of Sins."

  I blinked, suddenly hyper-aware of the fact that I had been staring at her barely-concealed form. Heat crept up my neck as I swallowed hard. "Uh… it’s… nice to meet you."

  Seraphina chuckled, the sound rich and velvety. "Oh, how sweet." She reached out, brushing a single fingertip along my chin. "Liora, you didn’t tell me he was adorable."

  I nearly coughed, forcing myself to look anywhere but directly at her. My face felt like it was on fire.

  She smiled as her gaze swept over me. "Welcome. I see you've already fallen under Liora’s guidance. A wise choice."

  Liora smirked, placing a hand lightly on my head. "He's special."

  Seraphina's lips curled into a knowing smile. "I can't wait to see how well he does."

  Liora chuckled, glancing at me. "I'm sure you will. But first, I need to report to Mother."

  She turned to me, her eyes warm yet unreadable. "You're safe here, Emrys. Seraphina will help you settle in."

  Seraphina’s gaze lingered on me, her smirk deepening. "Oh, I’ll take very good care of him."

  I glanced over my shoulder as Liora turned and disappeared through a set of large wooden doors, leaving me alone with Seraphina. The moment she was gone, the Saint of Sins turned toward me, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Come this way," she purred, gesturing down an adjacent hallway.

  I hesitated for a moment before following, my eyes flicking over the architecture.

  The hallway was eerily pristine, with marble floors that barely made a sound underfoot. Large torches lined the walls, casting a golden glow over the smooth white stone. Everything was elegant, yet something about the silence, the stillness of it all, made my skin crawl.

  As we walked, I cleared my throat. "I don’t mean to be rude, but… why are all the women here dressed like you?" My eyes flicked toward her nearly transparent lace dress before I quickly looked away, feeling my face warm again.

  Seraphina chuckled, her voice smooth like honey. "Oh, sweet thing, we love to be the centre of attention. But more importantly, the High Priest demands that we always look our best. Our beauty is a gift, meant to help guide and soothe those who seek salvation in Eden."

  I frowned, trying to piece everything together, but it still didn’t make sense. "Guide them how, exactly?"

  She just smiled, tilting her head. "You’ll see soon enough."

  Before I could ask more, we arrived at an enclosed door. Seraphina pushed it open, revealing a lavish private chamber. A grand feast had been laid out on a long wooden table—bread, fruits, steaming cuts of meat, pitchers of fresh water and juice—its aroma filling the room. To the side, a warm bath steamed invitingly, a small area with a fresh set of white linens and a space to undress nearby.

  She turned to me, her light blue eyes gleaming. "Come, Emrys. You must be tired from your journey. Let’s get you settled."

  She gestured toward the feast laid out before me. "Eat up and enjoy. You’ll find the food here to your liking."

  Her smirk deepened, the golden markings on her skin shimmering faintly under the flickering lanterns. "I’ll be back in a little while. Thirty minutes, maybe less. Take your time."

  With that, she turned and walked out, her sheer lace dress flowing behind her like mist. The moment the door shut, I exhaled, finally allowing myself to take in the sheer abundance of food in front of me.

  My stomach growled loudly, and that was all the encouragement I needed.

  I reached for a slice of bread first, tearing into its soft, warm centre. The rich aroma of roasted meat filled the air, making my mouth water as I grabbed a cut and bit into it. The flavors exploded on my tongue—seasoned to perfection, juicy, unlike anything I had tasted in weeks. The fruits were fresh, ripe, their juices dripping down my fingers as I devoured them.

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  Then my gaze landed on a pitcher filled with a deep purple liquid. It wasn’t wine—I could tell from the way it glistened in the low light. Curious, I poured myself a cup and took a sip.

  Sweet. Floral. Unlike anything I had tasted before.

  The cool liquid soothed my throat, the fatigue of the long journey momentarily washing away with every gulp. Without thinking, I downed the entire cup, relishing the smoothness of it. Before I realized it, I had poured another. And then another.

  I leaned back, sighing in satisfaction. My stomach felt full, a rare sensation after so many days of traveling, and my body relaxed into the plush seating.

  Just as I was about to close my eyes, the door creaked open. Seraphina stepped inside, her blue eyes immediately settling on me. I glanced at her lazily, still basking in the post-feast bliss. "Thanks for the hospitality. The food was incredible."

  She smiled, her lips curving in amusement. "I’m glad you enjoyed it. You’ll find Eden is very… generous." She took a few steps closer. "Come, it’s time for your bath."

  I blinked, sitting up slightly. "Bath?" My mind was still sluggish from the meal. "I think I’m good."

  Seraphina let out a soft, velvety chuckle. "Oh, sweet thing, you travelled all this way through dust and heat. Let me take care of you."

  Before I could protest further, she reached for the straps of her lace dress, pulling them loose.

  My breath hitched as the sheer fabric slid down her body in slow, deliberate movements, revealing the full extent of her bare skin beneath. The golden holy cross markings glowed faintly, swirling across her curves like divine art.

  Her figure was mesmerizing—voluptuous, sensual, her skin smooth and lighter beneath the dim lantern light.

  My throat suddenly felt as dry as the wasteland outside.

  "Come now," she purred, stepping toward the steaming bath, her body moving with effortless grace. "The water is warm, and so am I."

  I swallowed hard, my mind warring with itself. Every rational thought told me to decline, to keep my guard up, but my limbs felt heavy, my body craving rest.

  "I… I can bathe myself," I muttered weakly, though I made no effort to move.

  Seraphina only smiled as she dipped herself into the bath, the water gliding over her body as she leaned back against the edge. She patted the space in front of her. "Come, Emrys. Just relax."

  I hesitated for another moment before sighing in defeat. My muscles ached, my head still swam from the rich food and sweet purple drink. Slowly, I stood, undressing before stepping into the bath.

  The warmth enveloped me instantly, easing away the tension in my limbs. Before I could settle in, Seraphina moved, pulling me closer until my back pressed against her chest. Her arms wrapped around me in a slow, gentle embrace, her fingers tracing circles along my shoulders.

  "There you go," her breath soft against my ear. "Just let go. You’re safe here."

  I closed my eyes, my head resting against her. The exhaustion of the journey, the comfort of the bath, the lingering taste of the feast—it all made it so easy to believe her.

  I barely registered the door creaking open again as another presence entered the room.

  "There you are, Emrys," Liora's familiar voice purred. "Look at you, enjoying all of Seraphina. I feel jealous."

  My eyes snapped open, and my body tensed as I turned to see Liora standing just inside the doorway, arms crossed, amusement dancing in her amber gaze. My stomach twisted, not sure if it was from embarrassment or sheer disbelief.

  Seraphina chuckled behind me, her fingers still tracing gentle circles along my shoulders. "Oh, Liora, don't be jealous. There's enough of him to share."

  Liora smirked, stepping closer to the tub. "Come on, let’s dry you off and lay down on the bed."

  I barely had time to process what was happening before Liora loosened the straps of her robes and let them slip from her shoulders, revealing her bare skin beneath.

  My brain short-circuited—

  Two naked women. In front of me. Offering to dry me off and lay me down.

  I bolted upright in the bath, sending water splashing over the edge. "I—I think I'm good!"

  Seraphina giggled, watching my flustered reaction with clear enjoyment. "Oh, but you were so comfortable just a moment ago."

  Liora placed a hand on her hip. "What’s wrong, Emrys? You look like you’ve seen a ghost."

  I stumbled back against the edge of the tub, trying to regain control of my thoughts. "Y-you know I’m just a kid, right?!"

  Seraphina let out a soft, amused sigh. "Oh, sweet thing, what do you think we would do to you?" Her eyes shimmered with mischief. "I mean, look at you—so young, your body still growing. Even your little thing can't even stand up yet."

  A sharp pang of shock shot through me, like my ego had just been impaled with a sword.

  My face burned hotter than the water surrounding me. "Wha—! That—!" I sputtered, scrambling back, nearly slipping as I pointed at them. "Get out!"

  Liora laughed, waiting just outside the tub as she leaned casually against the stone. "Oh, don’t be so harsh, Emrys," she teased, grabbing a towel. "She was only joking."

  Seraphina smirked, wading out of the water behind her. "Mostly."

  I stared in disbelief as they both casually dried themselves off, acting like they hadn’t just delivered a fatal blow to my dignity.

  Liora glanced back at me before wrapping herself in a loose robe. "Get dressed, Emrys. We’ll be back in ten minutes to lay you down."

  I sank back into the water, gripping my face. What the hell is happening? Why does everything feel so pushed?

  Something was off, but my mind was still too foggy from the food, the warmth, the overwhelming presence of these women.

  I need to think.

  I pushed myself up from the water, my limbs feeling strangely heavy, my thoughts sluggish. The warmth of the bath and the lingering haze from the food and drink made it hard to focus, but something about this whole situation gnawed at me.

  It was all too… convenient. Too perfect.

  Stepping out of the bath, I ran a hand through my damp hair, trying to shake off the lingering haze in my mind. My instincts screamed at me to get a grip, to be ready for whatever came next. I looked around the private chamber, my eyes settling on the smooth, polished white stone near the tub.

  With a flick of my fingers, I willed the earth to shift, subtly moving a portion of the stone closer to me. I placed my dagger and Asmodean’s orb atop it. My fingers lingered on its cool surface as I whispered under my breath, "Just in case. If something happens, I will come find you."

  Even as my mind became more clouded, instincts drilled into me by Asmodean flickered to life. Always find a way. If there is no way, make a way.

  The weight of the orb in my palm steadied me—an anchor in a moment where everything else felt wrong.

  My body continued to feel tired and worn down. My head spun more and more, an unsettling dizziness settling in.

  What is going on? Trying to shake off the haze clouding my mind.

  Stumbling slightly, I moved toward the mattress, barely able to think straight. The moment I laid myself down, the door opened, and I looked up to see Seraphina and Liora entering the room.

  Liora grinned, tilting her head. "You got into bed all by yourself."

  I managed a smirk, though my body felt heavier by the second. "It’s just missing you now."

  She laughed, stepping closer, her eyes gleaming with amusement. Sitting at the edge of the mattress, she reached down and caressed my face, her fingers cool against my flushed skin.

  Slowly, she pulled me toward her, pressing me against her chest in a mock embrace. "Oh, Emrys," she whispered, her voice softer this time, almost uncertain. "I’m sorry… you were my favorite."

  The words lingered, not as playful as before, as if she was trying to convince herself rather than me. A faint grin formed on her lips, but there was something else behind it—something almost regretful—as she looked down at me.

  I frowned, my sluggish mind struggling to keep up. "What do you mean…? What is going—"

  The words barely left my mouth before my vision darkened. The room spun violently, my limbs feeling like dead weight as I collapsed fully onto the mattress.

  What just happened?

  My thoughts slurred as my head swam in a fog. Was I poisoned? How did I miss all of this?

  My mind clawed for clarity, for some way to resist, but the weight in my limbs grew unbearable. My vision blurred completely, swallowing me whole in the abyss.

  Distantly, as my consciousness faded, I heard Seraphina sigh. "Liora… you shouldn’t get attached to the collection. You know there will be punishment for that."

  There was a pause. When Liora spoke again, her voice was quieter—stripped of its teasing lilt. "I know. But… he felt different."

  She hesitated. "There’s something about him I can’t explain." Her breath hitched softly. "He made me question why I’m doing this at all."

  Seraphina’s composure snapped. "Enough," she said sharply. "That is blasphemy." Her tone hardened, anger flaring beneath the calm. "Those thoughts will earn you severe punishment."

  A sharp rustle of fabric followed. "Leave," Seraphina ordered coldly. "I’ll handle this. I’ll clean him up and put him with the others."

  Darkness swallowed me for what felt like hours. Small cries echoed in the distance. Faint whispers laced with fear filled the damp air, their hushed tones barely discernible. My head throbbed, a dull pounding that refused to fade.

  I stirred, rustling against something cold and heavy. The faint clanking of chains reached my ears, the weight of iron biting into my wrists. My breath hitched as my senses sharpened.

  Where…?

  My eyes fluttered open, the dim torchlight barely cutting through the gloom. Cold stone surrounded me, the air thick with dampness and something else—something metallic.

  I lifted my arms, but they barely moved, restrained by thick shackles bolted into the wall.

  Am I in chains?