Augustus's eyes narrowed. "The celestial or their representative will descend in two days. Until they depart, we must lie low. No mistakes. No attention drawn. Continue producing shadow slaves, but do so in silence."
"Understood," Number Twenty said, nodding like a child promised candy for good behavior. "I'll be a very good boy."
Without another word, Emperor Augustus turned and began his silent ascent, disappearing into the twisting corridors
Back in his chamber, he reversed the enchantment on the bed lamp. The secret stairwell sealed shut, and the room returned to normal—serene, untouched.
Meanwhile, Number Twenty sat cross-legged on a chair, his dagger twirling between his fingers.
"Augustus," he murmured to no one in particular, his tone curious and sinister. "What a fascinating man. So cold... so calculating. All for power, all for empire. What a masterpiece of human detachment."
He giggled to himself, the sound echoing in the cold, enchanted chamber of horrors.
