Lyra approached with her usual grace, but something was different. Instead of covert wariness, she moved with the openness of someone who no longer needed deception.
The reaction was immediate. Weapons came up, abilities charged, Ares soldiers took defensive positions.
King Aurelius stepped forward, flames dancing around his fingers. "What you did was in no way flamboyant! Betrayal without style! You've insulted the very concept of proper villainy!"
Lucy's hands began crackling with electricity. "Give us one reason not to end this right now."
Sophie's blades ignited. "Where are Kelvin and Bruce?"
Lucas waited, ready to move the moment violence erupted.
Diana said nothing, but created a dead zone around Lyra that would trap her if she tried to escape.
"I understand your anger," Lyra said, raising her hands. "Everything you're feeling is justified."
"Justified?" Diana's voice could have cut steel. "You kidnapped our teammate."
