A silent ripple flowed across the obsidian-lit halls of the astral palace. A sinuous figure glided over polished marble, her black-scaled form gleaming like starlight etched in motion.
Heads bowed—not in fear, but reverence. When Ayu moved, the void itself listened.
She approached the grand hall with unhurried grace. Before her, the astral guards dropped into ritual prostration, their weapons slicing through the air in a synchronized arc.
'Attention! The Snake Queen, Lady Ayu, has arrived!'
Unfazed, Ayu continued toward the throne, where her elder sister sat high above the court. Majestic, unmoved, and waiting.
Ayu lowered herself into a deep bow. 'Greetings…'
'Greetings, dear sister,' Bella replied, her voice gentle, yet threaded with power. 'You wouldn't have come without purpose, would you?'
'I haven't,' Ayu said softly. 'I wish to speak with you.'
Bella's smile remained unchanged. 'I already have an idea why you're here. Still, say it aloud.'
