Nightmare Game
Copyright© 2025 by CaffeinatedTales
Chapter 94
Ethan wove together the images from the cloth with the intelligence he’d gathered, piecing out the history of this land. “Even so, the white Spider won the villagers’ devotion, honored yearly with a sacred Ceremony.”
“But that’s likely what caused the trouble, tipping the balance between the white and black Spiders with human faith.”
He stole a glance at Tela, searching her face for a reaction.
She seemed momentarily lost, then, catching his gaze, nodded for him to continue.
“I don’t know how it works in this world, but in ours, humans believe faith strengthens gods,” Ethan said. “Maybe the white Spider grew stronger this way, sparking the black Spider’s jealousy and fear.”
“She worried that one day, the white Spider would surpass her, perhaps even destroy her.”
“So she struck first.”
“With the white Spider weakened, having poured her Divine Strength into three treasures to shield Weaver’s Hollow, the black Spider saw her chance.”
“She hatched a vicious plan.”
“Not only would she drive the white Spider from the village, but she’d steal her identity and her worship.”
“Posing as the Priest’s daughter, she spread lies that the white Spider imprisoned villagers, fanning rebellion among the young, eroding faith in Arachnis.”
“The white Spider, in her slumber, rarely showed miracles, which only widened the gap with the youth.”
“In the chaos, the black Spider slipped in. The real Priest’s daughter, Tela, saw the danger and reached out to the white Spider.”
“But weakened, the white Spider was no match. Her treasures guarded against outside threats, not a sister of the same source.”
“Exposing the black Spider would only worsen things, so the white Spider borrowed Tela’s body to confront her.”
“She lost. The black Spider led a revolt, burned the white Spider’s Shrine, and, posing as her, descended to turn allied youths into spider monsters.”
“The white Spider was exiled to Everspring Meadow.”
“From then on, the black Spider twisted the Ceremony, redirecting human faith to herself, seizing control of the land.”
“That’s why the village’s tales of Arachnis clash. Am I right?”
Oliver gaped, stunned. “Damn, you’ve peeled back every layer of her scheme.”
Tela studied Ethan, a faint smile curling her lips. “You’re more intriguing than I expected.”
Ethan waited, silent, for her response.
“You got one thing wrong,” she said. “Human faith doesn’t empower us.”
“My sister targeted me for another reason. As you said, she embodies chaos and evil.”
To read the complete story you need to be logged in:
Log In or
Register for a Free account
(Why register?)
* Allows you 3 stories to read in 24 hours.