The private elevator hummed as it ascended through the central tower of Numen Corporation, its glass walls revealing flashes of the atrium below, dark marble, gilded edges, and the faint pulse of ether conduits that ran like glowing veins through the structure. The effect was both breathtaking and deeply irritating to someone who'd woken up nauseous.
Elias stood between Victor and Ashwin, both of whom seemed to radiate a kind of calm professionalism that made his irritation feel almost petty.
He crossed his arms, muttering, "You'd think a building full of people with divine power would know how to install softer lighting."
Ashwin, standing a measured step behind, answered smoothly. "It was calibrated to Mr. Numen's specifications, sir."
"Of course it was," Elias said, under his breath.
Victor didn't look up from the thin digital slate in his hand. "Would you prefer I turn down the sun next?"
Elias glanced at him, deadpan. "I'd settle for a dimmer switch."
