Chapter 1
1970
<>The young man fell to his knees, horrified, staring at his bloodstained hands.His brother looked at him with a gaze full of relief.
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The young man rose from the floor and stared at his brother in disbelief.
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<<Oh, but it did! We just didn’t realize it at the time. There’s much to be gained—but just as much to be given. And you... you’re not made for this.>>he replied, inspecting the bloodied ivory dagger in his hands. He licked his lips and turned toward him.
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He lunged forward and slit his brother’s throat. A jet of blood gushed out, drenching him completely.He stood there for a few moments, staring at his brother’s lifeless body, wondering why he felt no guilt at all.
Suddenly, the sound ofclappingcaught his attention.He turned toward the entrance of the cellar.It washer—the woman with the blazing red hair.
<<Bravo! Bravo! You truly deserve the name Theotokopoulos. You are the victor. For this small sacrifice, you will be rewarded.>>
she said with such pride, he could hardly believe her. The first time he had seen her, her face was completely different—shy, modest.And now, here she stood before a murderer—who had just killed both his brothers—and instead of fleeing in terror, she looked genuinely pleased.
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She approached him slowly. A glow began to form around her hand, revealing a silver ring set with a square black diamond.She stood just inches from him and held it out.
<<For the sacrifice you made, you have earned the favor of the gods. Feel no guilt—those two never truly existed. They were part of our trial. This ring is your talisman. Never take it off. Now, your next step is to marry. But remember: The woman you marry must be from the Island of the Beginning. No other place will do>>
Before he could blink, she had vanished.He looked down at the ring now worn on his left hand. He felt a strange emptiness—but couldn’t remember why.He took a deep breath and looked up at the ceiling of the cellar.
<No one could ever discover the girl hidden inside the large barrel.>>
