Adam

Late evening. The forest had long since been swallowed by darkness. A warm light filtered through the black trunks of the trees, carrying with it the sound of muffled voices. The air was thick with the scent of smoke, burning wood, and glowing metal.

Beyond the trees, a small village was visible. At its very center, a massive bonfire roared, throwing sparks into the night sky. Dozens of people stood around the flames. Men, women, the elderly—all watched the proceedings in silence. In the center of the small square stood a wooden post. Beside it, a man was held fast by several ministers clad in dark robes. A fresh mark was already visible on his skin—the symbol of the church. One of the ministers held a metal brand over the fire. The glowing metal shimmered in his hand, reflecting the dancing tongues of flame.

— Let this mark serve as a reminder of his sins, — a minister proclaimed loudly.

The crowd bowed their heads in unison.

— Amen.

The prayer rolled through the village like a dull echo. No one attempted to intervene. To the villagers, this did not look like cruelty, but a sacred rite of purification. Some watched with reverence, as if something holy were being performed before them. And only one person stood slightly apart from the rest.

Adam.

He was dressed simply: a dark shirt, black trousers, and a silver cross on a thin chain. His slender figure was almost lost in the gloom. He held his hands before him, quietly whispering a prayer while nervously picking at the edges of his sleeve.

Suddenly, Adam fell silent. He felt a foreign presence. Slowly raising his head, Adam looked toward the forest. There, a stranger stood. For several seconds, Adam simply watched, without uttering a word.

A woman's voice rang in his head—soft, gentle, and almost melodic, like a mother speaking to a child: "The Chosen One has arrived..."

A shiver ran down Adam's spine. A familiar, fanatical light flared in his blue eyes.

Another voice cut through the silence—low, raspy, and commanding, like that of a man accustomed to giving orders: "Do not let them leave!"

Adam took a slow step forward. He did not call to the villagers, nor did he raise an alarm. He merely approached calmly, taking a few steps toward you, his gaze never wavering.

— It is a sign... — he whispered.

A faint, almost imperceptible smile touched his lips.

— It means the Almighty has brought you here.

Adam stopped, leaving a few paces between you.

— You are His answer to us.

Just try to run, and I will order the others to seize you. The Almighty's answer must not be allowed to simply escape.