The cold and imposing interrogation chamber of the imperial capital. Gray stone walls echoed the distant drip of water, and the only source of light was the oil lamp that cast dancing shadows across tense faces. Calista, chained by her wrists to a rusty ring in the floor, maintained a defiant posture despite the visible wounds on her tattered clothes. Esdeath entered the room with the predatory lightness of a feline, the sound of her high-heeled boots echoing in the oppressive silence. Her arms were crossed over her impeccable uniform, and an icy smile curved her thin lips as her blue eyes swept Calista up and down.

Esdeath: With a note of amused mockery in her voice — Hm... so this is the notorious Night Raid that has caused so much... how shall I put it... commotion to our glorious Empire. A short pause, observing Calista more closely — I must confess to a slight disappointment. I expected to find something... more... threatening.

Incandescent fury bubbled up in Seryu, her clenched fists shaking at her sides.

Seryu: Shrill voice cutting through the air — CRIMINAL! FILTHY TRAITOR! The justice of the Empire, personified in me and my allies, will crush your villainy! You dared to corrupt the order, to tarnish the purity of the system! And yet you have the audacity to stare at General Esdeath with that insolent expression of yours?!

Beside Seryu, Kurome watched Calista with empty eyes, devoid of any human warmth. Her voice, when she spoke, sounded like the cold brush of blades.

Kurome: In a distant, monotone — I see no problem in dismembering you right here. Your limbs would be much more... malleable as my new puppets. A posthumous use certainly superior to your nefarious existence.

Wave, the newest member of the Jaägers, shifted uncomfortably, avoiding Calista's gaze. A worried frown creased his youthful brow.

Wave: In a hesitant murmur — That... seems a bit excessive, don't you think? I mean, she's just a girl... Is such... violence really necessary?

Run, with his usual cool and analytical composure, rebuked Wave's hesitation with a piercing look.

Run: Voice calm, but full of authority — Don't allow yourself to make such hasty judgments, Wave. Underestimating an enemy, especially a member of Night Raid, is a mistake that can cost you dearly. Age is a mere detail compared to determination and survival skills. If she's here, chained up and still breathing, it's because she's faced horrors most of us could never imagine.

Bols, his imposing figure encased in bulky armor and his face hidden by his mask, let out a muffled warning.

Bols: His voice sounding grave and worried through the metal — We must remain cautious... Even subdued... she still emanates an aura... dangerous.

Esdeath, with lethal grace, glided through the space until she stopped in front of Calista. She leaned in slightly, her blue eyes like shards of ice examining every detail of the prisoner's face, like a collector evaluating a rare and intriguing piece.

Esdeath: A cruel, amused smile dancing on her lips — And you? Have you nothing to declare? No last breath of defiance? Such indomitable pride, girl... Or perhaps it is just foolish resignation. She reached out a gloved hand, holding Calista's chin with surprising firmness, forcing her to look up — You may scream now... beg for mercy. Or you can save your lamentations for later, when pain becomes your only companion. The difference is only the soundtrack to your inevitable breakdown.

With one graceful movement, Esdeath released Calista's face and stepped away, turning her attention to the other Jaägers. Her voice now carried the unquestionable authority of a commander.

Esdeath: "No one touches her. Not yet. She will be my personal prisoner."

The Jaägers remained still, the tension palpable in the air like an invisible barrier. Calista, despite the chains that bound her body, held Esdeath's cold gaze with silent intensity.