The chamber trembled again. The image of the Atramentum began to ripple as if something within had noticed the scrutiny.
Taufik's shadows curled inward like a cloak, and Lembuswana lowered his body in a protective stance.
The mask's voice returned, softer now. Mournful.
"You seek to know the truth? Then you must understand: Demons were not born from hatred… They were once angels," The mask continued. "Beings of will and light. But when the Heavens decreed that only obedience was holy... Some questioned. Some doubted"
Lembuswana growled low.
"And for that, they were cast down"
"No" The mask's voice was firm now, steady. "They fell… Because they chose to fall. They walked willingly into exile. Not out of spite, but because they would not let their truth be silenced"
Taufik stood still, absorbing every word.
"So the word 'Demon' was never the origin... It was a label. A slur used to mark those who refused to follow"
The mask pulsed again.
