A low hum hung in the air. It sent subtle waves of pressure, throughout the vast hallway.

Yet the approaching footsteps, cut clearly through the noise. 

The steps gave way to a figure, hidden by dark red robes. Only it's height was noticeably, as arm length covers hid whatever limbs and digits lay beneath.

The three stripes of bright red, on either side of it's robe, showed the being to be a high ranking acolyte.

"The ritual is ready,"said the acolyte, as the air around him condensed with each word.

Though I trembled slightly, my heart raced upon hearing the acolyte's words.

I felt the movements of those beside me. I hear their hearts racing, just as mine. Steadying my thoughts, I slowed my breathing. Exhaling, as l stepped forward.

"I am ready," I replied. 

A chorus of replies soon followed. Each one different, yet laced by excitement.

Renewed conviction coursed through me, at the thought of my mission. 

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

For World Seekers are the forefront, of the Coven's eternal war, against the other factions. And those that claim a world for the Great One, will be rewarded with power and influence throughout the Coven's domains.

"Good. Let us go then, while the essence is still fresh,"said the robed acolyte. Walking away, as we gathered ourselves.

I soon followed it's path down the hallway. The sound of the humming grew louder, as I approached a triangular doorway.

Passing through the entrance, brought me to into a circular chamber, with a ring of robed acolytes humming beneath their cowled hoods, near the chambers walls.

A low red glow lit up the chamber. Just enough that I could see twenty beings, clamped against the walls upside down.

Their life essence flowed from them. draining into an outer ring, behind the acolytes feet. From the ring rose a mild haze, filling the entire chamber with the smell of rust and blood.

The rest of the chamber lit up with red glowing runes. At it's centre hovered a pitch black sphere, it's outer surface was tinged a bright red, just enough to outline it's size.

Making my way down the walkway, I approached the sphere. Pausing just a couple of feet away from it, I began taking my clothes off. The others behind me, followed in similar fashion.

Fully devoid of clothing and any form of items upon my person. 

I stood before the chamber, bare fleshed with only the Coven's body runes, left to cover me.

After a brief pause, I slowly reached out towards the dark sphere. I felt a force pull me up towards it. 

Upon contact I saw myself being slowly swallowed, into the darkness.

My only thoughts, were of survival.