Chapter 15: City of Blood

“Akeldamo,” his follower kneeled before him. “I offer thee this offering of living flesh and blood as sacrifice.” He stood and led a confused young man towards him. “Please accept my offer and bless me with your knowledge.”

Massimo waved the man away. “Come here,” he beckoned his follower. He walked towards him, eyes on the ground. Then he kneeled in front of him, closed his eyes and opened his mouth wide. “I accept your gift. In return, receive this bounty.” Massimo pricked his forefinger with his sharp nail and let a drop of his blood fall into his follower’s agape mouth.

The follower slowly closed his mouth, savoring his blood. “Be gone and return to your duties,” he ordered him.