Pure Seduction

Prologue

I stood in front of His untainted territory, the rain pouring down on me, soaking through my clothes as I stared at the heavy door. My body felt like stone, as my feet refusing to move. I had promised myself I would never return here.

Yet here I am... after all these years, driven by nothing but hopelessness.

She’s in the hospital, barely holding on to life. I have all the money in the world, and I could give it all to save her. But the doctor said it would take a miracle for her to wake up.

That truth hit me like a storm. No matter how much I want to, I can’t save her. No one can.

Her face haunted me—fragile, lifeless in that sterile room. Finally, I found the strength to step forward. I pushed open the door, my heart pounding with every step.

Inside, the familiar scent of old wood and incense surrounded me. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself, but the weight of the past dragged me down. Memories of the boy I once was—the one who came here every day, praying for his mother’s return—flooded my mind.

Each of my footsteps echoed in the empty hall, growing heavier. I stopped in front of the altar, my gaze lifting above. My heart ached, and I could no longer hold back the flood of emotions.

"She’s a good daughter," I whispered, my voice trembling. "A good sister. A good woman."

A tear slid down my face. I couldn't stop it.

"She’s always been faithful to you. It was me... I led her down the path of vengeance and darkness."

My voice broke, the pain choking me. I fought for control, but I was unraveling fast.

"If you’ve forsaken me for my sins, I’ll accept it. I’ll take whatever punishment it is." I shook my head, tears mingling with the rain still dripping from my hair. "I’ll burn in hell if that’s what it takes. But please... save her."

The sobs I’d been holding back finally escaped, and I dropped to my knees, broken.

"I’m begging you," I whispered, my voice raw.

Yet there was nothing. No sign, no response, only the hollow silence of the church.

I gulped, feeling the old ache return, the one I had as a boy, when it seemed He wouldn’t hear my prayers. Especially now, in His presence, I am nothing but a sinner.

I wiped the tears from my face, urging myself to bargain. "If you think that woman is my punishment," my voice was firm, but tinged with desperation.

"If losing her is meant to teach me a lesson." I laughed bitterly, like a man teetering on the edge of madness.

"That’s absurd. She means nothing to me. Stripping me of my wealth, my power, and my life—that’s punishment!"

A crack of thunder rolled through the glass walls.

I closed my eyes, knowing He could see my heart laid bare.

When I opened them again, fury flickered there. "I don’t love her!"

It was pure seduction. Nothing more. A part of my vengeance—let it be just that!

But deep down, I felt the lie unraveling as fast as my desperation.

I looked back up at the altar, trying to gather the last shreds of my pride.

I know....He holds the power, not me.

"I’m humbling myself before you," I whispered, broken. "Save her. Let her live. I promise... I won’t force myself on her anymore. I’ll free her from me."

-Lorenzo Del Mundo, "The Devil of the Lush Valley".