As soon as the words left Lyra's lips, a crushing force clamped down around her. The space closed in, rigid and unforgiving, locking her into place.
Ansel's mouth twisted into a cold smirk. "Your biggest flaw," he sneered, "is your arrogance. Slipped away a couple of times, but don't think for a second that luck's gonna save you every time."
With a dismissive flick of his wrist, he commanded, "Take her away. I've got big plans for that Blazing Blood fruit and the wealth it'll rake in."
As Lyra was hauled off, Ansel's attention shifted to the next guest arriving in the room—Miss Shane.
Known for her keen business savvy and intimidating presence, she stepped in with a steady gaze, quickly noticing the high-tech cage designed to suppress all powers.
Inside, a young woman sat bound, power smothered by custom cuffs.
Shane raised a curious eyebrow. "And this…?" she asked with cool detachment.
