After Timur and his men had drunk their fill, the priest walked toward the altar. He summoned several other cloaked men, and together they lifted the heavy altar up and carried it outside. Lily watched as they carefully lowered it and placed it at the top of the steps leading up to the Temple.

Timur summoned her to follow, and she obeyed without resistance. Outside the courtyard was filled with hundreds of people. They had gathered to watch the ceremony.

She felt her stomach tighten nervously. What was going to happen to her? Was she just supposed to sit there and watch while Timur married her? She felt sick to her stomach.

The priest spoke loudly, "My friends, the holy relics of Eshquara are here, ready to be used to bless the union of these two souls. Let us pray to the gods that they will accept our offering."

Lily couldn't help but notice that the priest's voice had changed. He spoke with a much deeper tone than before.

The priest knelt down on one knee and reverently placed the relics of Eshquara on the altar. A sudden sense of awe washed over her. Something about this whole situation didn't feel right. She sensed danger in the air.

The priest then picked up the book that contained the creed of Nephilim, and held it aloft.

"My brothers," he cried out, "let us open the book to page one hundred forty-three."

Lily watched as everyone leaned forward eagerly. The pages of the book turned slowly.

"For hundreds of years the Creed of Nephilim has guided our lives." The priest continued reading aloud, "We have been denied the right to live freely under the protection of a benevolent god. Our bloodline was cursed by the devil himself, for we were born with sin in our hearts. We were meant to suffer forever because of our sins, but it is through this book that we will be redeemed."

The priest paused for dramatic effect, "And now let us open the final door, and go forth to spread the word of the creed."

He slammed the book shut, and stood back up. "It is my greatest honor and privilege to be chosen to perform this sacred duty today."

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"Well done, priest!" Timur called out.

He bowed respectfully to Timur, and then turned to face the crowd.

"I present to you," he said, "the bride of your King!"

Lily felt Timur grab her hand and pull her toward him.

"Come, my love, it is time to complete the ceremony."

She looked around at the people who had gathered. All of them watched her with curious expressions. She could tell that something strange was happening. This wasn't just some everyday wedding ceremony.

Timur took her hand and pulled her toward the altar. She felt her heart pounding rapidly in her chest. She didn't want to move, but there was no way to resist. Tears started flowing down her cheeks once again.

Timur stopped in front of the altar.

"Take off your veil," he commanded.

Lily looked into his eyes, and saw the same demented glint. She knew that she was helpless. She was powerless.

Without another word, she reached up and yanked her veil from her head.

Her long red hair cascaded down her shoulders.

"What a beautiful bride," he said softly.

"Thank you, Master," she replied.

The priest began to recite the wedding vows. His voice rang out loud and clear above the crowd.

"Dost thou, King Timur of the Holy Lands of Enoch, take Lillian from Earth, to be thine lawfully wedded wife?"

"I do," Timur answered.

“And dost thou, Lillian from Earth, take Timur, King of the Holy Lands of Enoch, to be thine lawfully wedded husband?” the priest recited.

She had no control over her voice as the words escaped from her lips, “I do.”

“Then by the powers vested in me, I doth pronounce thee…”

“Timur!” a familiar voice bellowed from the bottom of the grand staircase. “I’m here as you requested. Release her at once!”

A chill ran down her spine as she turned to see a sight for sore eyes.

Allan! He’s here to save me!

“You think I’ve taken her prisoner, do you?” Timur chuckled. “On the contrary, she’s about to become my Queen.”

“That’s ludicrous.” Allan scoffed.

“Is it now? “Why don’t you ask her yourself?”

Allan faced her, but he stared at her speechless. She wanted nothing more than to run to his side, but she couldn’t. Timur’s hold on her was too powerful.

“Lily, my darling.” Timur grinned “Why don’t you tell Allan how you feel about me?”

“Yes, Master.” She spoke against her will. “Allan. I’m sorry to tell you this, but I love Timur dearly.”

What?! That’s not true!

An intense agony overwhelmed her. She wanted nothing more than to speak for herself, and tell Allan that she was a prisoner inside her own mind.

“Is this why you never accepted my proposal?” Allan asked with a sheer look of betrayal on his face. “You’re with him?”

“Yes, she is.” Timur pushed her aside and raised both hands in the air. “And I intend to fight to the death for her honor.”

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