The Obsidian Hall lived up to its name—every surface carved from black volcanic glass that seemed to absorb light rather than reflect it, creating an atmosphere of oppressive darkness broken only by crimson spirit flames floating in iron braziers.
Twelve massive thrones arranged in a circle, six on each side, facing each other across a central dais where the Heavenly Demon's seat stood.
Empty.
As it had been for two weeks.
The Twelve Elders of the Heavenly Demon Palace sat in their respective positions, each throne carved with symbols representing their faction, their power, their legacy within the organization that had ruled the demonic cultivation world for three centuries.
Elder Mu Chen, First Elder and nominal leader in the Heavenly Demon's absence, broke the heavy silence.
