His voice resonated with pride, a pride Tori knew would soon be crushed. She lifted up a prayer for God to open his eyes and prepare him for what was coming.
“Premier Immu Aali has just arrived in the City of the King,” the announcer was saying as the camera panned to a black limousine making its way down the narrow streets, escorted by security cars with flashing lights. Crowds of cheering people lined both sides, held back by men in uniforms.
“His first appearance since his resurrection.” Thomas, clearly in awe, took a seat on the couch and laughed. “I can’t believe I just said that. It sounds so crazy.”
Sliding onto the arm of the couch beside him, Tori watched in amazement as prophecy became reality, never tiring of seeing undeniable proof of the Divine inspiration of the Bible.
Aali’s limousine, escorted by the IDF and Israeli Police, both in vehicles and on foot, finally came to a halt on Suq El Qatanin Street before the Temple Mount. Sunlight glistened off the white columns and gold decorations of the newly built temple, a product of a peace accord instituted by Aali himself. Another prophecy fulfilled.
The fiend exited the vehicle to the roar of thousands of people cheering and clapping. The camera spanned the enormous mob, zeroing in on some who were weeping with joy, others fainting, and still others with looks of awe and worship as if they were in the presence of God. Disgust bubbled in Tori’s stomach.
Aali waved at the crowd as his spiritual leader, His Excellency Gabriel Wolfe emerged from the vehicle in his long flowing white robes and stood by his side. Together they were escorted into the court of Gentiles and then through another gate leading to the court of women. Tori only knew the names from her study of Scripture, but it was truly amazing to see it come to life on the screen. Jewish priests in ceremonial garb, complete with the breastplate containing the twelve jewels representing the tribes of Israel, lined the court and bowed their heads at his approach.
Tori felt like screaming.
Escorted by several security guards, Aali ascended a set of stairs and entered the Inner Court containing the brazen altar and the large bronze laver filled with water. Again, rows of priests stood to each side, bowing their heads before him. The chief priest approached and fell to his knees at Aali’s feet.
“What the heck is going on?” Thomas asked, scooting to the edge of his seat.
“They are worshiping him. They think he is their long-awaited Messiah.”
Thomas grew silent, and she knew his mind was spinning with her prophecy.
She had a general idea what would happen next, but she hadn’t expected it to play out in such a gruesome way. She suspected Aali would most likely crash into the Holy of Holies and tear down the veil. She knew that a throne would be brought into the Holy Place where he would sit. What she hadn’t expected was the human sacrifice placed upon the altar. The announcer, too, seemed shocked by the vision of the young woman who mounted the steps and willingly lay on the massive altar. But then he touched his earpiece and breathed a sigh of relief. “Oh, I’m told the woman is not human, but a robot. You know how realistic they look these days.” Still, he could not hide the look of disgust on his face as he watched them light the fire and the woman burn.
Tori knew it was no robot, for Satan always demanded human blood. Unbeknown to many people, he had been sacrificing humans for years, mostly babies and children. But now that he had finally gained full power, he’d moved on to bigger prey. Nausea rose in her throat. No doubt they had drugged her or given her something that would kill her before the flames touched her flesh, because she neither screamed nor moved.
Tori tore her gaze away.
Thomas, however, continued to stare at the scene, both shock and despair wrinkling his face.
As the woman burned, Aali sat upon the throne. “I am god. I am your messiah and the savior of the World,” he announced. “You will worship me.”
Gabriel Wolfe, the false prophet, stood by his side and gestured for the priests, media, diplomats, and heads of states to bow.
Which they willingly did.
Deep sorrow settled in Tori’s soul. She knew many of the Jews and most of the world would follow him, but seeing it actually happen broke her heart. She shifted her gaze to Thomas, hoping he saw through this evil man’s charade.
He glanced her way, a stunned look in his eyes. “You told me this would happen.”
“You cannot excuse what he did. Human sacrifices? You know where that comes from? Satan worship.”
That stunned look turned to anger. “Insane! It’s just a silly ceremony. Maybe he is god. I mean, we know the Neflams seeded Planet Earth. Maybe he is their leader,theircreator.” He jumped to his feet and charged toward his bar, pouring a drink. “He rose from the dead, for god’s sakes.”
Tori watched him rage, confusion, anger, and fear all jumbled together in his eyes.
“Orhe is the Antichrist prophesied in the Bible,” she said. “How else would I know he would do this?”
“I don’t know, Tori. I don’t know.” He powered down his drink and started to pour another when his phone rang. Returning to yank it off the coffee table, he stared at the name, frowned, hesitated, then finally put it on speaker and set it down so he could finish pouring his drink. “Yes, Rodney.”
“Sir. You must get out of there immediately.” Hysteria rang in his assistant’s voice.
Huffing, Thomas raked back his hair. “What are you talking about?”
“Sir.” The voice returned more hushed, yet more serious. “They know. They know! They are coming for you now.”
“They know what?”
