[Music recommendation: Tsubasa Chronicles - I talk to the rain]
.
.
Aliana and Jade felt their hearts plummet straight to their stomachs, as though the air had been violently knocked from their lungs. They stood frozen in front of a chamber whose purpose was sickeningly obvious at first glance.
Before them stretched a vast circular hall built of dark, intricately carved stone, illuminated by dozens of glowing fire bowls. At its centre stood a raised, tiered platform supporting a massive, ornate basin. Looming around the perimeter were towering statues of hooded figures.
At the centre of the chamber hung one particularly large red banner bearing an intricate symbol. A downward-pointing, sword-like shape formed its centre, surrounded by a circular ring of curved lines, while cross-like extensions spread above and around it, giving the design an almost crown-like appearance.
