Within the towering walls of the Vatican's most sacred chamber, twelve figures sat in solemn silence, their expressions heavy with the weight of revelation. The dim candlelight cast flickering shadows across the ancient stone, illuminating the intricate carvings of saints and martyrs that lined the room's walls.
At the head of the grand table sat Cardinal Gregorio Ferrante, the Supreme Inquisitor of the Holy Order, his aged features carved with years of battle and sacrifice. His crimson robes bore the insignia of the Sacred Seal, a mark of his authority over all exorcists within the Order. His hands, scarred from countless battles against the demonic, rested on the worn surface of the table as he spoke.
"The Christborn has awakened," Ferrante declared, his voice steady yet grave.
A murmur passed through the council. Some exorcists glanced at one another, others shifted in their seats. They had known this day would come, but none had expected it to be so soon.
