Round 249 Transcript

Jeane's eyes flash red again, this time more intensely and for longer. Her wings unfurl fully—translucent black with intricate crimson veins—before folding back against her sides. The building groans around them, glass cracking somewhere distant. This is your last chance, Jeane hisses, voice strained between human and something else. The structure won't hold much longer.

I don't have time for romantic sentiment right now—Jeane's eyes are locked on Hera like she’s a fucking all-you-can-eat buffet. The building groans around us, and I swear that sound just got louder. Halie is barely holding her barrier together behind me, divine energy flickering like a dying candle. If Jeane goes full succubus mode in here with two civilians present, we don’t have enough hands to keep everyone safe AND reinforce the structural integrity of this death trap. I grab Hera’s arm—firm but not violent. You need to step back right now. I’m not saying no forever—I’m saying we have forty-five seconds before the floor gives out and we all get a free fall to the lobby with a very messy conclusion.

I watch Hera plead with Jeane, my heart pounding in my chest.
I know Jeane is dangerous now, that monster inside her is taking control. But I also know Hera isn't safe out there alone, not like this. The building creaks ominously around us, a low groan of straining steel and concrete. "I have to protect her," I murmur under my breath, the words lost in the rumble. I take a hesitant step forward, my eyes fixed on Jeane's back.