The screams stopped before too long.
But the fire remained.
A great pyre of pristine white flame swallowed the towering throne, illuminating the great chamber and populating it with dancing shadows. The familiar heat washed over Smile of Heaven as she watched the fire sway in stunned horror.
Eventually, she forced herself to speak:
"W—why… why is he still alive?"
Had that poor man been burning in the depths of this pyramid since ancient times?
Her daughter shrugged indifferently.
A few moments later, she said in a tone that sounded both meaningful and empty:
"He has angered the gods."
Smile of Heaven shivered.
Nephis turned away from the flame, facing her, and asked evenly:
"Why have you come?"
Her question echoed in the vast chamber.
