The long corridor of the palace welcomed Sylvia and Seere with a grand, echoing silence as they returned.
Their footsteps rang softly against the black crystal walls, which shimmered faintly with violet light from demonic lanterns. In the distance, the quiet hum of conversation could be heard Alicia and Stacia's voices, speaking to someone.
As soon as they stepped into the great hall, the scene became clear. Alicia stood with her arms folded across her chest, trying to appear calm but the faint tremor in her shoulders betrayed the immense pressure she was under. Beside her, Stacia still held her spellbook tightly, her face serious but slightly tense.
Before them sat Belial upon his obsidian throne, his body wreathed in layered gold-and-shadow aura, while Lumielle and Ithara stood to his right and left. The two goddesses looked serene, but their gazes remained sharp, filled with quiet judgment toward the two much younger girls standing before them.
