Chapter 273 - 100 year conspiracy?
The carriage swept through the inner sanctum of Crimson-Hold, the violet flames of the Nightmares casting long, flickering shadows against the obsidian walls.
As they pulled up to the grand staircase of the Ducal Palace, the sheer scale of the architecture was suffocating.
Every pillar was carved to resemble weeping spirits, and the red mana lamps bathed the courtyard in a hue that looked like fresh arterial spray.
"We have arrived," Seraphina said, her voice regaining its icy composure.
She stepped out of the carriage, ignoring the sting of her side wound with a stoicism that reminded Damien once again of Elise’s stubborn pride.
Dozens of servants dressed in high-collared, charcoal-grey uniforms bowed in unison. They weren’t orcs or low-tier demons; they were high-humanoid abyssals, their skin pale and their movements unnervingly synchronized.
"Escort the Baron’s retinue to the Sapphire Wing," Seraphina commanded the head steward. She turned back to Damien, her eyes lingering on the white porcelain ’0’ of his mask.
"My father is currently in the War Room. He is... occupied with the Iron-Blood offensive, but I will announce your arrival. Do not wander, Baron Dante. The Palace has a way of swallowing guests who lose their path."
Damien offered a shallow, mocking tilt of his head. "I am quite good at finding my way out of dark places, My Lady."
.............
[The Guest Wing]
The guest quarters were a masterpiece of gothic decadence. The furniture was made of petrified abyss-wood, and the bedspreads were woven from the silk of Void Spiders.