The palace hall was quiet, but the tension hung thick in the air. Gendai lay on the floor, bruised, swollen, her broken arm pressed to her chest. White flames had already begun to mend the worst of her injuries, Riah's presence softening the immediate danger, but the emotional weight of what had just happened lingered.
Tyrone crouched near her, eyes scanning the battered succubus for any sign of lingering consciousness. "She's alive… but damn, she took a beating. That wasn't just a lesson—that was a statement."
Lihanna knelt down carefully, her gaze sharp and analytical. "It was more than that. Vanessa didn't just punish her physically… she stripped her of control. Gendai's pride, her ego, everything she built around her power… it was shattered in minutes. And I don't think she'll forget it anytime soon."
Felicia exhaled, staring at the ceiling as if the stone above her could offer some answers. "Kazimir and Neve arguing is one thing… but this? Seeing someone like Gendai brought down like that… it's a reminder that strength alone doesn't protect you from consequences. Not here. Not in Vrasnia."
Kamaki leaned against the wall, shaking his head slowly. "I get it. I really do. Gendai's tough, ambitious, and she's got her own ideas of power. But Vanessa… she doesn't play. She doesn't care about feelings or politics. She just enforces the law of the land. And right now, Gendai learned the hard way."
Raijin let out a low whistle, crossing his arms. "She's lucky Riah's here to patch her up. Otherwise, she'd be out cold—or worse. But even healed… she'll remember this. She'll respect the rules, or she'll pay the price again."
Tyrone's gaze softened, though worry remained. "It's more than just punishment. I can see it in her eyes—she's… scared. Not of pain, but of being powerless. And that's worse for someone like Gendai. She thrives on control, on being untouchable. Right now, she's neither."
Felicia nodded slowly. "That's exactly it. She's always been ambitious, trying to carve her own path. But here… rules exist that even her power can't ignore. And the lesson isn't just for her—it's a warning for all of us. Chaos has consequences, even for the strong."
Kamaki smirked slightly, though it was laced with unease. "I don't know if I'd call it a warning… more like a reality check. Gendai's sharp, smart, capable—but she's got ego. Pride. And pride can break faster than any bone."
Lihanna exhaled, glancing down at Gendai's trembling form. "We all knew Vrasnia wasn't an easy place… but this… this is another level. And Kazimir… Neve… their argument might have been loud and dramatic, but it pales compared to what just happened to her. If that's the scale of consequence here, then we all have to rethink our actions."
Raijin snorted, tossing his hands up. "Great. So now we've got a world-class storm brewing outside, and a nearly-dead succubus inside. This planet just doesn't want us to have a dull moment, does it?"
Felicia knelt beside Gendai, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. "She'll heal. But we'll need to give her time. Not just for her body, but for her mind. What Vanessa did… it's a harsh lesson, but it could make her stronger, if she lets it."
Tyrone's eyes flicked between the group and Gendai. "Stronger, yeah… but it's going to take more than flames or magic. She's going to need guidance, patience… maybe even humility. And we're the ones who need to help her find it before she breaks again."
Kamaki's grin returned, faint but genuine. "Well, that's our job then, huh? Watch her, guide her, and hope she doesn't try to kill any of us in the meantime."
Lihanna let out a dry laugh. "That might be the hardest part."
The group remained silent for a moment, each lost in thought as the purple night of Vrasnia stretched endlessly outside the palace windows. Gendai's labored breaths reminded them all—strength alone wasn't enough. Here, consequences had teeth, and even the boldest could be humbled.