Inside a massive hall with walls made of grey marble and floors paved with mosaics of angels, over twenty angels knelt on one knee, heads bowed. In a semicircle before them stood large marble thrones upon which other angels sat. Unlike those kneeling, who bore fewer wings, the angels seated upon the twelve thrones each possessed three pairs of wings and halos shaped like crowns hovering above their heads.
They appeared middle-aged or older, radiating authority and reverence.
Only one seemed extremely young. A boy angel who looked no older than fourteen. Unlike the others, who sat properly and upright, he had thrown one leg over the arm of his throne casually. Some of the seated angels shot him warning glances, but he ignored them.
The angels kneeling below were the ones responsible for carrying out the trials. Elton was among them.
The leader of the twelve spoke first.
She was a mature woman, yet her beauty radiated like the sun. Rising to her feet, she addressed the hall.
