Despite the symbolic language and artistic embellishments, the Divine Word still revealed more than enough for those who knew how to read between the lines.
To Adam, the "Second Son" likely didn't refer to a single individual, but rather an entire group—the very first generation of the Others. And the "shepherding father" mentioned in the texts? That figure could be understood as the Shepherd, a title commonly believed to represent an incarnation of the divine.
In fact, an entire church had formed around this belief—the Church of the Shepherd. Their faith centered around a god who took the form of that guiding figure.
"The Church of the Divine Tear, which preaches the salvation of the Others, uses a lake as its symbol," Adam said slowly, carefully revealing the method he used to mask his abnormality.
He wasn't lying. If he had been, even his half-pure bloodline wouldn't have saved him. The moment the High Monk had laid his hand on Adam's head, his true nature would have been exposed.
"Someone eventually created a ritual based on this idea—what they called the Ritual of the Divine Tear. While it doesn't grant true salvation like the actual Divine Tear, it allows you to present a version of yourself that appears completely human."
Adam's voice took on a seductive tone. "And its masking power is far superior to any potion you've ever taken. As long as you don't willingly expose yourself, no one will ever know what you are."
He leaned in slightly, then pulled back just in time. "So… do you know what to do now?"
Adam knew when to stop. Push too hard, and suspicion would follow. Temptation was most effective when delivered in measured doses.
As expected, Adel didn't disappoint. He dropped to his knees before Adam, voice trembling with emotion. "Whatever you command, Mr. Riggs—Adel will carry it out, even at the cost of his life!"
Adam, of course, didn't believe he'd truly die for him—but the gesture was enough.
"My identity makes certain actions difficult within this city," Adam said coolly. "But I'll be needing a lot of manpower for what's to come. So I want you to contact every Other you know."
"I want them to know of my existence and be ready to accept employment from me at any time."
He narrowed his eyes. "And of course, their payment will be access to the Divine Tear Ritual."
"There are three stages to the ritual. Each one strengthens the disguise. After the third, even if you're standing face-to-face with a High Monk, he won't be able to tell what you are."
"Tomorrow night, gather every Other you can find. Depending on how many you bring, I'll consider performing the first stage of the ritual for you."
Adam gave a faint smile as he turned to leave. "Good luck, Adel Lien."
Adel remained on his knees, bowing low. "Until tomorrow night, Mr. Riggs!" he called out reverently.
Once he was out of sight, Adam quickly removed the priest's robe and mask, then shifted into his werewolf form and darted out of the slums. He ran straight for the river once more, plunging into the cold water to wash away his scent.
The freezing current flowed around his body. Moonlight glistened on the surface. But none of it was enough to cool the fire burning inside him.
His blood was surging—both from the triumph of securing the blood thrall and the ever-present fear of being exposed. Joy, tension, pride, and unease all fought for space in his mind, leaving him restless.
"There were holes in my story," Adam murmured to himself. "But Adel's already in too deep to crawl out now."
In Adam's past life, he'd seen it time and time again—scams so ridiculous they should never have worked. Yet they did, because human greed blinded people. Even when they sensed something was off, they'd choose to look away. They'd lie to themselves, weave comforting narratives, and cling to the illusion—even after the con was exposed.
Adel was no different. The bait had been set, and though most of what Adam said was true, the lies—woven carefully into that truth—were enough to bind him.
The image of a powerful, mysterious benefactor had already taken root in Adel's heart—and soon, he would spread that impression to the other Others.
When that happened, Adam—the sole keeper of the Divine Tear Ritual—would become their king.
Adam returned to the attic, ended his transformation, and planned to reflect on everything that had happened before calling it a night. But he found it impossible to calm down.
Something had shifted in his body today. His bloodline seemed to be entering a crucial phase of development. Even after reverting to human form, he could feel the lingering agitation churning inside him.
Memories from the past began to resurface—so many that he couldn't focus, couldn't settle his thoughts.