Vardas's stone-like eyes held the red fire of hell, yet for a single moment that flame seemed to falter, as though he were being crushed beneath the weight of old memories. Claire tried to say something, but Vardas raised his massive hand in the air and stopped her. His anger was like a mountain about to erupt.
"Silence!" Vardas roared. "Stop interrupting me. The story is not finished yet, and the true depth of the sin is only about to reveal itself before you. Listen carefully, because every word is a new crime."
Claire lowered her head, her eyes filled with fear. The silence around them was so dreadful that the bubbling khul-khul of lava beneath the glass stairs could be heard clearly. Vardas continued his tale:
