Masters of death

Lung's former base had transformed into a shimmering palace of magic and chaos, an amalgamation of opulence and danger. The walls, now lined with smooth, iridescent stone, glowed faintly under an ever-present, shifting light, creating an atmosphere that was both beautiful and eerie. Twisting, vine-like structures—enchanted to pulse with a soft green glow—wove through the walls, giving the place a living, surreal quality.

Rose stood at the center of the grand hall, her emerald eyes scanning the vast, unnatural beauty of the court she had helped build. The guilt coiled in her chest like a snake. What had started as a way to bring some semblance of control to their new reality had spiraled into a monument to Glaistig Uaine's dominance—a place that declared her rule over all who stepped inside.

Rose's hands were trembling as she pulled her cloak tighter around her shoulders. She glanced at the throne at the far end of the hall, its design echoing ancient fairy tales of grandeur, complete with carved specters that seemed to move when you weren't looking. Glaistig Uaine sat atop it, lounging with the kind of regal grace that came effortlessly to her.

The remnants of the ABB stood at attention below the dais. Oni Lee knelt on one knee, silent and obedient, while Bakuda stood stiffly, her arms crossed and her face twisted into a grimace. Despite her reluctance, Bakuda dared not disobey—she had learned the cost of defiance under Glaistig Uaine's rule.

"Little sorceress," Glaistig Uaine's voice rang out, soft yet commanding, cutting through Rose's thoughts like a knife.

Rose winced at the nickname but turned toward her with forced composure. "Yes?"

"Come here," Glaistig Uaine said, beckoning her forward with an elegant wave of her hand. "You've been so quiet today. Does the beauty of our court not inspire you?"

Rose hesitated but walked forward, each step feeling heavier than the last. "It's... beautiful, yes. But I didn't think we were building this to rule over people."

Glaistig Uaine's expression shifted to one of amused indulgence. "We are not 'ruling,' little sorceress. We are guiding them. They need us, whether they realize it or not. And you are the heart of this court, whether you accept it or not."

Rose's fists clenched at her sides. "That's not what I—"

Her words were cut off by a sharp knock at the door. Oni Lee rose and opened it, revealing one of the court's informants. The man was pale, his breath coming in gasps. "The Empire... they're moving on ABB territory near the Docks. They're trying to take it over."

Glaistig Uaine rose gracefully from her throne, her smile widening. "Ah, how delightful. A chance to remind them of their place." She turned to Oni Lee and Bakuda. "Go. Show them the strength of our court."

---

The docks were a battlefield of chaos. Bakuda's bombs erupted in flashes of light and fire, sending shockwaves through the air. Oni Lee darted between Empire 88 members, his teleportation making him untouchable as he dispatched them with lethal precision.

Rose stood hidden atop a nearby building, her heart pounding as she watched the carnage unfold. Blood splattered the ground, and the screams of the injured and dying filled the air. Civilians cowered behind crates and walls, trying to avoid the crossfire.

She couldn't just stand there. She had to do something.

Taking a deep breath, Rose whispered an incantation. Her hands glowed faintly as she wove her magic, creating a shimmering barrier that spread out across the battlefield. The shield wrapped around the civilians, deflecting stray bullets and shrapnel.

But it wasn't enough to stop the killing.

"Little sorceress," Glaistig Uaine's voice echoed in her mind, sharp and cold. Rose flinched, glancing around, but she couldn't see her anywhere.

"I'm protecting them," Rose hissed under her breath.

"You are interfering," Glaistig Uaine replied, her tone tinged with disappointment. "This is necessary. Do not let mortal sentimentality cloud your purpose."

Rose bit her lip, forcing herself to focus on maintaining the barrier. She couldn't let herself think about the lives being taken—not now.

---

When the battle finally subsided, Rose slipped away from the scene, her legs shaking beneath her. She wandered down an empty street, trying to calm her racing heart.

"Rose."

The voice made her freeze. She turned to see Taylor now Skitter emerging from the shadows, her black costume blending into the darkness. A faint buzz surrounded her as a swarm of insects hovered nearby.

"You're alive," Taylor said, her tone guarded but curious.

Rose nodded, swallowing hard. "Barely."

Taylor stepped closer, her body guarded. "I saw what you did back there. Protecting the civilians. That's not what the Fairy Queen would've wanted."

Rose's stomach twisted. "I had to do something. I can't just stand by and let her... let this happen."

Taylor studied her for a moment, then sighed. "I get it. But you're playing a dangerous game, Rose. Glaistig Uaine doesn't seem like the type to tolerate defiance."

"I know," Rose admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Taylor hesitated before speaking again. "Look... I'm not exactly in a good place right now. My team—" She paused, shaking her head. "Let's just say things aren't what I thought they'd be. But you? You're tied to something way bigger than you realize. If you don't find a way to stop her, someone else will. And they might not be as gentle about it."

Rose felt a chill run down her spine. "Are you saying you'd—"

"I'm saying you need to figure out where you stand," Taylor interrupted. "Before it's too late."

---

As Rose made her way back to the Fairy Court, her mind raced with Taylor's words. She couldn't shake the feeling that she was being pulled deeper into something she couldn't control.

When she entered the court, Glaistig Uaine was waiting for her, lounging on her throne with a serene smile.

"Did you enjoy your little walk, little sorceress?" she asked, her voice dripping with amusement.

Rose didn't answer. Instead, she clenched her fists and walked past her, her thoughts swirling with doubt and determination.

Something had to change.