Round 20

Jeane's crimson eyes narrowed as she assessed the situation, her massive wings shifting restlessly behind her. The soldiers' presence was an unwelcome intrusion into their sanctuary, a threat to the delicate balance they'd established here in this abandoned church. She could feel the familiar itch under her skin, the need to assert control, to bend these interlopers to her will as she had with so many others before.

But something held her back—a flicker of doubt, perhaps, or simply the pragmatic understanding that magic might not be the solution here. Not yet, anyway. She needed more information first. "Very well," she said finally, her voice a low purr that seemed to vibrate through the very stones around them. "We'll talk. But understand this—we are not criminals hiding out in this place." She gestured grandly at their makeshift beds and scattered belongings. "This is our home now, our sanctuary from a world that doesn't understand us."

The lead soldier's eyes flickered briefly to the toys strewn about before returning to Jeane's face, her expression unreadable. "Then explain why you're hiding out here in the first place," she demanded. "And why we found your... companion... engaged in such activities earlier." Her gaze shifted pointedly to Silra, who stood silent and still near the back of the church.

Jeane felt a surge of protectiveness at the implication in those words—Silra was hers, one of her most loyal followers despite her penchant for... independence. She wouldn't let these outsiders threaten her or any of her sisters. "Our activities are none of your concern," she said coolly. "We harm no one and cause no trouble. Is that not enough?"