The chamber was dim, circular, and far older than the city surrounding it. Pale light streamed down from a single skylight, cutting through layers of incense smoke. Judith Harrington stood alone at the center, her boots echoing softly against polished black stone.
Around her, behind carved wooden screens and hanging silver veils, sat the Court—dozens of women draped in crimson and gold. Their faces were hidden by masks shaped like animals, birds, or abstract symbols. Their voices came as whispers, murmurs, and occasional sharp laughs.
Judith kept her hands folded in front of her. The only thing that moved was the silver chain at her waist, clinking whenever she shifted her weight.
"Unbelievable…" one veiled woman whispered.
"How could the Eye of the Goddess let such a thing happen?" another hissed.
"A terrorist attack under her very nose," a third muttered.
A ripple of disapproval moved around the circle like a wave. Judith did not raise her eyes.
