The Aetherion's POV
Somewhere deep beneath the arena, far from the fluorescent lights and echoing screams of the Trials, an obsidian door slid open into silence.
In a chamber where no sunlight ever reached, twelve figures in black robes sat in a circle round marble table. Their faces were hidden behind expressionless golden masks, each etched with a unique sigil: a flame, an eye, a serpent, a star.
The Aetherions.
At the center of the table hovered a vast holographic display. It cycled through live camera feeds, and captured every angle. The audio was on, low but clear: Vincent clutching Zaara, contestants pacing anxiously, and Nomi's pale face as Kira worked over her unconscious body.
The Voice, that same robotic voice that spoke to contestants, resonated through hidden speakers:
"Subject Nomi Harper. Status: Unconscious. Vital signs unstable. Confirmed positive for pregnancy."
One by one, the Aetherions turned their heads toward the largest screen.
