The twilight of Limbo creeps through the blinds, casting unnerving shadows across the silent condo. Trinity stirs violently, her lavender eyes snapping open. Pain stabs at her limbs, sharp and persistent, like echoes of the blade Seleyna wielded against her. Her black hair clings to her damp forehead as she forces herself upright, wincing with every movement. The room is quiet save her shallow breaths, its emptiness mirroring the weight in her chest, a symptom of isolation.
The title of Death Sinner Queen hangs heavy on her shoulders, an unwanted crown of thorns. "I'm not ready for this," she mutters, her fingers brushing the tender scar on her side. The past week has been a blur of restless recovery, her thoughts plagued by doubts. How can she lead the Death Sinners when her own survival still feels like a precarious gamble based on variable luck?
A soft knock abruptly intrudes on her pessimistic thoughts. Instinctively, her hand reaches for Shi, her ever-reliable weapon, but the amulet housing the holy scythe lies dormant at her side.
"Who is it?" she calls, her voice hoarse from disuse. There's a momentary silence at the door.
"It's Symone," comes the late reply. "May I come in? I have something important to discuss."
Trinity hesitates. Symone's presence is always a paradox, both comforting and unnerving. She swallows her apprehension and nods, though the other woman can't see. "Come in, it's open."
The door opens, and Symone enters with her signature poise, her white hair catching the dim light like strands of spun moonlight. Her silver eyes scan the room before settling on Trinity, and a flicker of concern crosses her features. "Oh my. You look quite terrible, hon." she says bluntly.
Trinity manages a dry laugh. "Flatterer. Tell me how you really feel." She straightens up more.
Symone approaches, the roll of blueprints in her arms shifting slightly. "I'm not here to coddle you, your majesty," she says, her tone softened by a hint of warmth. "How are you feeling now?"
"Like I've been dragged through all nine circles of Hell," Trinity admits. She shifts to sit even straighter, though her body protests the movement. "But I'll live. Unfortunately." Symone arches a brow but says nothing, her expression unreadable. Trinity studies her warily. Trust is a luxury she can't afford, not after the betrayals she's endured. Yet isolation feels equally as dangerous.
"You didn't come here just to check on my health," Trinity says. Her gaze flicks to the blueprints Symone carries. "What's that? Are you here to evict me so you can make lavish renovations?"
"Well, I've considered making some changes, but you can stay." Symone grins, then places the roll on the table, unrolling it with careful precision. Impressive lines spread across the page, forming an intricate design of a massive facility. "I'm here for Limbo's future," she says simply.
Trinity's brow furrows as she leans forward, curiosity overriding her fatigue. "Please explain."
"This facility," Symone begins, her silver eyes glinting with passion, "is a place where Sinners can confront their pasts, seek redemption, and possibly change their fates. It's more than just a waystation for the damned; it's a refuge which offers a chance to break the cycle of torment."
Trinity's fingers hover over the blueprints. The designs are unlike anything she's seen in Limbo: deliberate, intricate, and strangely hopeful. "The Overlords won't allow it," she says, her voice tinged with skepticism. "Everything Amlith ever told me about them tells me this is true, right?"
"They don't have to know," Symone replies with a faint smile. "Not everything, at least."
The audacity of the plan ignites something in Trinity; a flicker of defiance mingled with an unfamiliar sense of purpose. She traces a circular image on the center of the page. "What's this?"
"The heart of the facility," Symone explains, leaning closer. "A place of reflection, where souls can confront their sins and envision a future beyond eternal damnation. It's like a mental reset."
Trinity studies the interconnected chambers branching out from the center. "And these rooms?"
"Individual healing spaces," Symone says. "Some for solitary reflection, others for guided intervention. There's also containment rooms for those posing a danger to themselves or others."
Trinity's heart quickens as she imagines the facility rising from Limbo's ashen ground, a sanctuary amidst the chaos. "It's ambitious," she murmurs, her voice filled with equal parts awe and trepidation. "But…it could change everything. It may even offer Sinners a chance for peace."
Symone's smile widens, a rare expression of genuine satisfaction. "With your leadership, it will."
The words send a shiver through Trinity. She has been thrust into the role of Death Sinner Queen with no preparation, no choice. Yet, for the first time, she sees the potential for something much greater; a chance to reshape Limbo, to offer hope where there has been none, and heal lost souls.
Her doubts resurface as quickly as did her hope. "What about security?" she asks, her voice hardening. "Some Sinners won't change and could be risky. If this place is compromised…."
"I expected you to ask that," Symone interrupts. "What would you propose we do, Trinity?"
Trinity takes a steadying breath, her mind racing. "Layered defenses. Physical barriers reinforced with nullifying sigils. Trained guards who can handle the more…volatile residents. And maybe even a mentorship program, which would pair rehabilitated souls with newcomers as guides."
Symone tilts her head, intrigued. "A mentorship program, hm? Please tell me more about this."
"It could provide support and accountability," Trinity says, finding her confidence as she speaks. "These souls have been mired in darkness for so long. If we're serious about helping them, we need to show them there's a path forward. No one can do everything alone, as I have learned."
Symone's silver gaze softens, her admiration evident. "Your insight is impressive, Trinity. I agree with your approach. So I'll add it to the plan. This approach could revolutionize Limbo."
Trinity feels a surge of pride but quickly tempers it with caution. Symone's approval is intoxicating, but she can't forget the betrayals she's suffered. "I'll see this through," she says firmly. "But only if we're fully prepared for the risks. We have to be ready for hard pushback."
"We will be," Symone assures her. She reaches out, her fingers brushing Trinity's briefly. The contact sends a jolt through Trinity, but she masks it with a neutral expression. "I know you're working to strengthen the forces on your side, and I'll keep working to mediate from inside."
Trinity nods. "Sounds like we have a plan then. I think we'll make an excellent team Symone."
"Yes, I'm feeling quite eager to work closely on this venture." As their long conversation winds down, the air in the room feels charged. Symone appears to be prepping to say something else, but instead says, "How have you been liking the condo? Does it meet all your expectations?"
Trinity falls back on her elbows. "Yes, these accommodations have been lovely. Shi, Sinae and I are indebted to you for your generosity. I just hope I get to keep it longer than I did the last one."
Symone gathers the blueprints; her movements deliberate and graceful. "I think we can discuss a more…permanent arrangement," she says with a suggestive undertone, offering a subtle smirk. "Until next time, Death Sinner Queen," she says, her voice laced with something unspoken.