A quiet, sombre atmosphere permeated around the entire Grand Hall. The gold, silver, and platinum curtains appeared dull, and the flowers were wilted. The image of the silver flower, which lay in the centre of the glass floor, now had several fine cracks running across it. More seats were empty than were filled. The echoes of strange roars could be heard as they reverberated through the ceiling and across the floor. From behind the tall doors came a thudding sound, the doors tremored as they resisted a strong force, as something was trying to break in.
