High Inquisitor Luke gestured with his thin, pale hand toward the two paladins standing beside him. The armoured men stepped forward, carrying a heavy velvet case decorated with golden sunburst seals.
They carefully unbolted the four brass deadbolts, opening the case to reveal the Divine Mirror. Its polished white crystal surface hummed with a harsh, concentrated holy element that caused the air to vibrate.
The tens of thousands of spectators in the surrounding stone benches leaned over the railings in complete silence. The ambient temperature of the Imperial Plaza dropped several degrees as the holy artefact activated.
On the high royal balcony, Prince Renard rested his hand against the hilt of his golden sword. Beside him, Princess Aria tapped her golden fan against her palm with a slow, rhythmic click.
