The Sealed Chamber

Some time later:

Lumina descended a decrepit, dusty spiral staircase that appeared untouched and abandoned for at least a decade. Thick cobwebs draped every available corner, casting an eerie veil over the surroundings.

'Why has no one cleared this place? All the elves in the castle. Can they be scared of something down here?'

With no windows or light sources, the staircase became a treacherous path that could, at best, lead to an infirmary for anyone unfortunate enough to descend.

"The old man seems amiable. However..." A deep-seated instinct within her whispered that he harbored wariness and suspicion toward her. "There's no way someone like him wouldn't investigate the House of Morningstar upon learning about it."

Lumina was determined to uncover the truth, driven by her desire to discover her father's identity—a being associated with evil, the great horned one known as the Devil.

Morningstar carried a reputation of malevolence, entwined with one of the seven deadly sins. "At best, he might consider it a mere coincidence of names. At worst, he'll keep me under close surveillance."

Blocking her path stood a plain stone wall constructed of ancient, weathered bricks. Two statues of gargoyles, their eyes replaced by glimmering red gemstones and adorned with menacing tusks, stood guard. There was no doorknob or visible keyhole.

"How can I enter? Perhaps a secret passcode..." Before she could complete her thought, the left gargoyle suddenly shifted, its stone mouth moving with an ear-tearing grinding noise.

"Only those with the blood of the seven sins can enter," the gargoyle persisted, its gem eyes unable to dispel the darkness that enveloped the shadows.

Startled, Lumina took a step back, nearly losing her footing on the slippery, aged staircase. "Damn, these stairs seem designed to break someone's neck."

"Your blood, children, feed it to me," the gargoyle demanded, its eyes glowing with a crimson fire that failed to penetrate the profound darkness.

Unfazed by the request, Lumina calmly raised her slender, pale finger to her mouth. "Next time, I should bring a needle or something." She bit down, the sharp pain of her teeth piercing her skin causing her to flinch.

Trembling, she lowered her finger into the gaping mouth of the demon statue. As her blood made contact with the stone, its eyes blazed with a bright crimson fire, and the walls rumbled.

A radiant light dispersed the shadows as the wall slid open, unveiling a spacious, well-lit common room hidden deep within the castle.

"This... this is incredible!" Lumina exclaimed in astonishment. Despite years of being abandoned, the entire space remained immaculately clean and organized. The glossy, perfectly polished black marble floor reflected the red light emitted by torches adorning the walls.

The tall vaulted ceiling, adorned with red runes engraved into the pillars, gave the room an aura reminiscent of an ancient temple dedicated to a malevolent deity.

"Is all of this truly meant for me, Father?" Her thoughts echoed into silence, leaving her yearning for more attention from her elusive father.

Yet, her gaze couldn't help but be drawn to a large, circular formation of crimson runes etched crookedly into the center of the room. Dimly glowing, it exuded palpable magical energy.

The runes were all crooked and warped, each of their angles creating and hypnotizing pattern that fixed her gaze on it.

"What purpose does this serve?"

At her question, a heavy atmosphere fell upon the room, and the red torches on the walls flickered out, submerging everything in darkness, except for the red circle.

"Infernal circle of equivalent exchange..." Her heart raced with joy as her father's voice broke the silence, ending over a month of silence.

"...constructed with copious amounts of blood. Utilize it to grow stronger and unlock its powers. Feed it and watch it thrive."

The dark presence vanished once again, and the red torches ignited once more, leaving behind only Lumina and the dimly pulsing circle. Its radiance and the magical energy it emitted beckoned her forward.

'It comes from my father, so it must be something good.' Without a hint of doubt or fear, she strode briskly toward the circle. Each step quickened her pace, as the energy enveloped her body, nurturing her and fueling her growth.

'More...' She desired more, like a drug addict.

The moment she stepped inside, her mind was overwhelmed by a sudden surge of power coursing through her. Each breath she took intensified her physical and magical abilities. The pleasure threatened to consume her sanity.

She felt like a stranded whale finally being submerged in the boundless power of the sea.

Her irises widened, glowing with a deep red radiance that pulsated in sync with the twisted and malevolent runes inscribed upon the ancient floor. Her shadow morphed and warped, growing a massive pair of wings and horns.