After biting the forbidden fruit, Sumaq's eyes, once a serene green, turned a deep crimson. A dark shadow slithered around him, as if something ancient and terrifying had awoken within.
—"You're reaching your potential, Sumaq," —Lucifer whispered, a malicious smile curling his lips. The faint sunlight, filtering through the twisted branches of the park, barely pierced the gloom that seemed to envelop him.
Sumaq felt a shiver run down his spine. The darkness surrounding him was not merely metaphorical; he could sense it, almost as if it had a life of its own.
—"What do you want me to do, master?" —he asked, his voice trembling, caught between fear and fascination.
Lucifer let out a cold, deep laugh, an echo that seemed to fade into the icy wind.
—"Don't rush, young apprentice. First, there is something you must do…" —Lucifer said, his tone filled with malice.
Far from the growing shadows, in the cozy home of Sumaq and Eliana, a comforting warmth reigned. The scent of fresh flowers she had placed in a vase drifted through the air, mingling with the soft glow of the sunset filtering through the window.
Eliana, reclining in her favorite armchair, tenderly caressed her swollen belly, where their child was growing. Her expression was serene, full of love.
—"I love you even before meeting you, darling. Your father and I will love you so much," —she whispered, her voice as sweet as a caress.
A gentle knock at the door broke the peaceful silence. Liz, her cousin, peeked in with a curious smile, feeling the warmth of the home contrast with the cool night breeze outside.
—"How is my nephew, cousin?" —she asked, genuinely interested, stepping inside.
—"Tomorrow, or maybe March fourteenth, will be the big day," —Eliana replied excitedly, her eyes glinting like golden reflections under the lamp's light.
Liz sat at the edge of the sofa, resting her elbows on her knees.
—"And have you chosen a name yet?" —Liz asked.
Eliana sighed thoughtfully.
—"Not yet, but I want a Quechua name. Something that honors our roots," —she said, caressing her stomach.
Meanwhile, in the silent shadows of the church, César knelt on a wooden pew, immersed in the solemn peace of the place. The flickering light of the candles cast dancing shadows on the stone walls, and the echo of his breathing filled the sacred emptiness.
Suddenly, a chill ran down his spine. The air seemed to thicken, as if the temple itself were holding its breath before something ominous.
—"César…" —whispered a voice.
A golden radiance illuminated the shadows, revealing a figure bathed in light. The purity of its presence contrasted with the growing unease in César's heart.
—"Yes, master," —he replied, standing cautiously.
—"Sumaq has fallen into darkness. Lucifer has corrupted him… and now he is committing atrocities. He is killing every Christian he encounters," —the Light said, its voice breaking.
César felt as if the air had been sucked from his lungs.
—"No… It can't be…" —he whispered, his mind refusing to accept the truth.
—"You must stop him, César. Try to redeem him before it's too late," —the Light urged.
The radiance began to fade, along with the hope that this was only a nightmare.
The chill of the night hit César's face as he ran through the empty streets, his heart hammering in his chest. The lamplight cast elongated shadows on the walls, silent specters watching him pass.
When he reached Sumaq and Eliana's home, he pounded on the door urgently.
Liz opened it, surprised by the distress on his face.
—"César? What's happening?" —she asked, worried.
The young man could barely catch his breath as he explained what the Light had revealed. With each word, Eliana's expression darkened.
—"Sumaq…" —she murmured, placing a hand on her belly with concern.
—"Eli, stay inside. You can't just run out in your condition," —Liz exclaimed, her tone firm but filled with worry.
Eliana closed her eyes for a moment, feeling the life inside her, then looked at César with determination.
—"If Sumaq is in trouble, we have to help him," —she said, her voice heavy with sadness.
The shadows of the night closed in around them as César plunged into the darkness, hoping to find his friend… before it was too late.