The hallway we passed through first was lined with servants and soldiers along both sides, all bowing as we went.
Then we reached another door, where two horned servants pulled it open for us. What hit my eyes the moment it swung wide was gold. A vast wash of it, light first, the kind that overwhelms before you can brace for it. Then with a few blinks it cooled, and the room opened out before me.
Gold ruled in this hall. It clung to every surface, every carved dragon and curling beam, caught the light filtering through the high latticed ceiling and scattered it in molten fragments across the vast chamber. The air itself seemed heavier for it, as though wealth had weight and the room carried it like a burden of pride.
Rows upon rows of seats descended in perfect symmetry, carved from dark wood polished to a mirror sheen. They curved inward, embracing the central floor like an audience drawn toward an inevitable spectacle.
