Ritual

The third knock sounded in the darkness, breaking the silence and disturbing the tranquility of the room. A drop of sweat rolled down the forehead, leaving a sticky trail on the skin. I knew I couldn't delay this decision any longer. My existence was filled with emptiness, and my soul was thirsty for answers. The religion I had once been faithful to couldn't provide them. Having rejected the last particle of faith, I plunged into the dark depths, in search of what I was missing so much. Rumors, opinions, and mysterious legends led me to him - a new ruler who, they say, fulfills wishes. However, for all his gifts, he demanded one thing - the soul. Only the ritual remains to be performed.