Round 20

The music box's relentless melody fills the main room of the penthouse suite, its cheerful tune grating against the oppressive silence that follows the bedroom door clicking shut. Halie stands frozen by the entrance, her ear pressed against the thick wood as she strains to hear what's happening inside. The clock on the wall ticks with agonizing slowness—5:20 now, 5:21—and her anxiety spikes with each passing second.

In the bedroom, Jeane's crimson eyes gleam with barely contained fury as she circles Silra like a predator stalking its prey. "You think you're clever enough to challenge me?" Her voice is low and dangerous, each word measured and calculated. "Show me something truly creative then. Something that proves your value beyond mere... physical entertainment."