Below the Heavenchild estate in Hell's Paradise, far beneath the polite floors and beautiful lies of its upper halls, there existed a chamber: It was colossal and ancient in its proportions like a hidden underworld of black stone and celestial craft vast enough to make the human body feel like an administrative error.
The ceiling arched so high above that the shadows gathered beneath it resembled a false night sky, layered with dim constellations of suspended runes, revolving seals and watchful sigils.
Some drifted slowly through the darkness like distant stars, while others remained perfectly still, their cold light following every movement below with the uncomfortable patience of open eyes.
The walls had been carved from a dark mineral that drank sound and returned only a hushed echo, as though the chamber itself understood the sacred value of conspiracy.
