The grand chamber of the Vatican glowed with divine brilliance, a hall steeped in history and faith.
At the center of the room, the remaining seven Apostles sat around a circular table made of pristine marble, their expressions grim. Each bore the weight of their station—guardians of the faith, warriors of light. Behind them, stained glass windows depicted scenes of victory against heresy, yet the empty seats of their departed comrades cast a shadow over the meeting.
The Pope, draped in white and gold robes, sat at the head of the table. His presence was commanding, his aura radiant. "The loss of five Apostles is a grievous wound to our cause," he began, his voice steady yet somber. "But we must not falter. Their sacrifice was not in vain."
