I will be sharing each story in the latest Friday the 13th series, and today I am featuring Diafthorá by Jon Minton…
Fun Fact:
Διαφθορά, or Diafthorá, the Greek word for “corrupted,” draws its inspiration from several sources. Frank E. Peretti’s ‘This Present Darkness’ informed the story’s depiction of spiritual warfare between angels and demons, while the central angel’s moral decay mirrors earthly corruption, inspired by the tyrannical and licentious nobleman of the opera ‘Don Giovanni.’ Much of the mythology comes from the Book of Enoch, an apocalyptic text that recounts the fall of angels who loved humans. Set during the Western Schism—a period when papal Italy and France struggled for religious dominance—the story reflects the inherent flaws of theocracy. I hope you enjoy the bloody tapestry woven from this historical and literary inspiration.
Find the story here: books2read.com/diafthora
About Diafthorá:
An angel falls not from rebellion, but from love. As jealousy turns sacred judgement into slaughter, a bishop must choose between heresy and hell.
Excerpt:
“Today we celebrate a holy union during turbulent and dividing times. May the Lord, who turned water into wine at Cana of Galilee, bless this union with everlasting love. As you share this cup, may your hearts become one—firm in faith, rich in mercy, and sealed in holy covenant.” He handed the cup to Palmina, who brought it to her chest but waited to drink—as rehearsed.
“Let this wine be the fruit of your house,” Sergio continued, “the sign of peace between your names, and a bond of gladness in sorrow and plenty alike. As Christ sanctified the feast with His presence, so now may He dwell among you, and let no bitterness rise in the cup you share. Benedicat vos omnipotens Deus.”
Palmina lifted the cup and drank before handing it to Gian, who finished the wine.
“May your love be steadfast as the vine clinging to the arbor, and may your house—”
Gian coughed. “Excuse me,” he whispered.
Sergio smiled. “May your house bear fruit in the eyes of men and angels alike. In the sight of these witnesses—”
The groom belched; a stench of sulfur rose between the three of them. Gian blushed.
One person in the audience failed to hold a chuckle, but covered it with a forced clearing of the throat.
Sergio hurried, trying to save additional embarrassment. “And under the blessing of the Holy Mother, do you, Palmina Turati, take Gian Visconti as your husband? To honor and obey as the Church honors and obeys the Holy Father?”
“I do.”
“And do you, Lord Gian Visconti, take this woman to be your wife? To have and to hold for eternity?”
“I do,” he said, voice strained, sweat pouring down his face, eyes bloodshot.
Sergio hoped it wasn’t contagious and cursed the man for going forward with the event if he was sick. A little embarrassment might be just the lesson he needs. “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. Lord Visconti, you may kiss the bride.”
Palmina closed her eyes and stood still, waiting.
Gian leaned in, looking uneasy on his feet, and coughed, spitting blood and bile onto Palmina’s dress. Her eyes burst open in shock as he clutched at her.
His hose darkened as if he were pissing himself, but Sergio recognized the blood pooling at Gian’s feet.
About the Author:
Jon Minton is an American speculative fiction writer based in Oklahoma City. He is a software developer but has always been passionate about a great story. Find out more from jonminttonbooks.com
Author Alicia Dean 