Chapter 80: The Communion of Shadows: The Kinship Unveiled

Chapter 80: The Communion of Shadows: The Kinship Unveiled

As the heavy double doors groaned open and swung wide, Sophia stepped forward, her presence commanding the vast chamber before her like a queen ascending her throne. A few deliberate paces carried her to the center of the elevated dais, her eyes sweeping over the congregation below with a serene yet unyielding grace. Her children—numbering in the thousands—were huddled in clusters, voices bubbling with low excitement that abruptly fell silent the instant her gaze anchored upon them.

"Greetings, my children," Sophia's voice rang out, crystalline and enthralling, weaving through the air like an ancient incantation that demanded reverence.

"Greetings, Mother," came the resounding reply, a chorus rising in perfect unison, their voices fused together as though channeling a force of nature itself.