Create an illustration inspired by Edward Gorey's style. Depict two characters dressed in vintage trench coats and hats, tangled within an abstract, spherical structure made of intersecting metal rods and large, bead-like orbs. The characters should have exaggerated, stylized expressions, one looking upwards with a sense of paranoia, and the other grinning menacingly, creating an unsettling atmosphere. Use intricate cross-hatching and fine linework to emphasize the folds of their clothing, the texture of their fur hats, and the structure’s metallic surface. The background should be minimal, consisting of vast, empty darkness to draw focus to the characters and the peculiar structure. Include symbolic elements like a small bird perched on one of the orbs and a broken pocket watch hanging from a rod, subtly suggesting the themes of entrapment and distorted time. Maintain a monochromatic or muted color palette, emphasizing shadows and contrasts to enhance the eerie, mysterious mood typical of Gorey's work.