Black Pearl took Steven's hand and led him through the Diamond sized doors. The doors were intricately carved with the symbols of Black Diamond's domain; death. The main feature upon each door was a large stylised skull. Black Pearl kept a swift pace, leading Steven through the darkness of the room. He could feel pieces of cloth brushing against his face as he passed under them. Black Pearl had led him through a maze like structure with many turns before freezing to a dead stop. Letting go of his hand and stepping away, Black Pearl announced.
"Presenting the sole ruler of the realm beyond! The ever merciful guardian! The glistening Black Diamond!"
A pair of torches on either side burst into flame illuminating the gargantuan being. Black Diamond was leaning forward on her throne; her head resting in her hand, elbow on her knee. Her legs were crossed raising the hem of her dress, revealing her high-heeled boots. Her gemstone, same as Black Pearl, was not to be seen; likely covered by her loosely fitting robe.
She opened her eyes to look down at Steven. Her diamond-shaped pupils were outlined by the thinnest thread of barely visible white, leaving the eyes in her face two black holes framed by her one-shade-lighter skin.
"So, Steven. You are the hybrid son of Pink Diamond, correct?" Her pleasant voice asked.
"Yeah, my name's Steven Universe."
"Hmm. You are, interesting." Black Diamond commented to herself whilst studying the young hybrid before her.
"Um, yeah, I get that a lot." Steven nervously replied. Rubbing the back of his head and glancing away in discomfort. Black Diamond's presence was unnerving.
"I do not find your status as a hybrid interesting young one, not in the way other gems do." Black Diamond explained. "Tell me, what do you perceive as my dominion?"
"Your dominion? Er… it's death." Steven hesitantly answered.
"And what does 'death' mean to you, young one? How do you perceive death?" Black Diamond probed.
"Erm, well, you take the souls of gems into your realm after your Pearl disintegrates their shards? Steven answered with caution.
"The term I prefer to use is 'dusting' My Steven." Black Pearl clarified. "Disintegration sounds… harsh."
"It makes the job of putting them back together on my end easier." Black Diamond continued. "Now your existence presents a slight, issue."
Steven's eyes widened with fear as to where Black Diamond was going to take this. Garnet, Amethyst and Pearl hadn't been given access to Black Diamond's domain and the other Diamonds were forbidden as well.
Black Diamond chuckled.
"Now now young one. There's no need to fear from me. I am just pondering how your existence changes things. You see if Pink Diamond had really been shattered, my Pearl would have found her shards and sent them into my domain. But as proven by White Diamond, Pink no longer exists. So my question is; Where did her soul go?"