"Oh gods above, lead me not into temptation but into salvation."

- Unknown

"Listen o' sheep of my flock for salvation is not within the light above, but the dark below."

- Unknown

"Give in to temptation, and you shall be set free."

- A Tale of Whispers in the Dark by Unknown

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"Eltrium Des Vulto." A sourceless light-filled a small stretch of the cave as a robed figure walked into its depths. As the figure moved, the light followed like a shadow of light. Dark eyes seemed to follow the figure just out of the lights reach moving further back as the light encroached onto their territory. The figure walked carefully, fearful that one misstep would spell doom. Under the hood, nervous eyes scanned their surrounding for potential threat and ambush lying in the dark. In hand, he held a wooden staff with intricate runes and design running its length, and the other a book black as night, with runes of blood and death upon its binding. It was the book of many names. It was Necronomicon, the lich's book, the book of life and death, the dark historie, the grimoire, the grim fable, and many more.

The cave slowly opened to a large open cavern. Stalagmites looked down upon the cavern floor like teeth and fangs awaiting something to rip and tear. As the figure walked steadily further, magic flame appeared in twos and threes slowly moving around the stretch of the cavern glowing it an eerie green. In the center of the room was a cracked stone pedestal, with a small outcropping to prevent something from falling off the bottom. The figure placed the book upon the pedestal and lowered its hood revealing disheveled gray hair and fearful blue eyes piercing the green light. He flicked a wrist and the light of the spell he had cast disappeared cloaking him in the magical flames light.

He gripped his staff with two hands, muttering a prayer of protection under his breath. Tonight was the night this blasted book would be removed from the world, it must be done. Never again would he allow The Black Lord's words to cause horror and strife. Never would he allow such power to be wielded. He had to steady himself, for the book may lead him to temptation. Not in the sense that it would want to survive, but that it simply would be used. It desired its power being wielded no matter the form, for it cared not for such notions. Such was the corruption of this book, not to lead men into evil, but into unnameable power

"Coro Frol Grurend Nelvet." A small distortion in the air shimmered and glittered next the man, who promptly reached in and pulled out several things. They were an amulet with an unknown design, three feathers of various shades, a potion of some sort, a phylactery, a stone sigil, a book, and a still-beating black heart of a Dreguin. He placed these objects in various spots, around the pedestal. After he finished his placement, the man took and deep breath and sighed, focusing his mind on the great task he held before him. Fearful of what would he become should he fall into temptation. He took several more breaths to steady himself before assuring himself mentally that he was as ready as was possible. He then promptly put on the amulet, drank the strange potion, and opened the second book he pulled out. It was time to begin, waiting any longer did nothing in the end.

"Proecras Crumoter Vestrium!" And the opened book floated before him. His staff in one hand, he spread out his arms and spoke the words upon the page. Words that slipped through one's ear, impossible to properly catch or remember, for it was intended that way. The three feathers burst into flames as the stone sigil began to glow a purple light. It was going correctly so far. He spoke louder and louder with each line, and dark seductions slowly grew in his ear.

Rule the world? All you could ever want? Anything you desire? Take it? Take it. Take it! TAKE IT!

Though he continued to speak the words his mind slowly considered the temptation. Why shouldn't he have that power? It wasn't evil after all? Yes, yes it could be his. His alone. The power. My power.

His voice died out and stood at a key moment. All he had to do to seal the book away, forever, was to pour the black blood from the heart onto the phylactery and it would be over. But the power, the words. He still moved as these thoughts pounded his mind, he held the heart over the orb, just one squeeze and done. His eyes looked behind him, to the black book just out of view. He could see it even still. It called out to him, it wanted it to make its power his. His heart thumped within his chest as the black heart in his hand did, his breath became heavy and ragged.

Just one look? It wouldn't hurt. Yes...yes just a peek. Then sealed away forever, done. It would be okay. Yes...yes.

He started to chuckle and he began to drool a bit, but still, he did not move.

Let me look! I want to see!

Still, his body didn't move.

I want it I need it. "GIVE IT TO ME!" and he lunged to the book like a mad beggar and opened its contents. A black light tore from the book into his eyes and he screamed as the knowledge of Axus Dur Gonavez assaulted his mind, feeding his brain, giving exactly what it promised with the sole stipulation being he used this power for whatever he desired.

He spasmed and struggled as he tore at his face screeching bloody murder as the book continued without pause. Eventually, those screams became chuckles, then giggles, then laughter. The light eventually went away, and as it did, the green flames went out like a candle and only dark laughter remained.

Hours later the figure rose, face scarred and bloody from his scratching, and a dark church was founded on this day. His eyes looked to whence he came, he must gather his flock to hear the glorious words of his teacher, the words of Axus Dur Gonavez. He laughed and laughed as he left, his staff left on the ground behind him, slowly being devoured by the dark. No longer did the caves eyes look on in fury, but in glee. For a new master had come to call it seems.