One by one, the pen moved to each immobilized officer, repeating the process. Their defiance was meaningless under the weight of the artifacts' imposition and the absoluteness of the Soul Contract.
The room vibrated faintly with flux energy as the final name was scrawled onto the contract. The jade-green scroll rolled itself up, glowing brighter for a moment before fading into Linsley's waiting hand.
Aurielle's grin widened as she clapped mockingly. "Brilliant. Efficient. Ruthless. Just how I like it. I'm almost proud of you."
Linsley dismissed the hovering artifacts with a wave of his hand, the oppressive energy dissipating into the air.
The officers slumped as the immobilizing rules lifted, though their expressions remained a mix of resentment and helplessness.
Holding the sealed contract, Linsley's gaze swept over them, cold and unyielding. "You're mine now. Your loyalty is no longer to the Astral Dominion. It belongs to me."