Cyclonis returned to Cyclonia, the once-formidable stratospheric ship now a distant memory. The fortress stood tall, its spires piercing the sky like dark sentinels. Shadows clung to the cold stone corridors, amplifying the emptiness within. Cyclonis's mind was turbulent, recent events replaying with relentless precision.

Aerrow's unexpected act of saving her gnawed at her thoughts, but before she left, through her crystal lens she'd watched Aerrow's triumphant return. The terra cheered for him, a hero basking in victory. But when the image shifted to Piper standing beside him, Cyclonis's eyes had gone cold. The way Piper looked at him, eyes shimmering with a desire Cyclonis recognized all too well—it was the same look she saw in the mirror when she allowed herself to think of Aerrow.

The realization stung. So, Piper loves him, Cyclonis thought bitterly, her lips curling into a sneer. How quaint. But you have enough idiots following you, You don't need Aerrow

She shoved the irritation deep down, burying it beneath a surge of cold determination.

As she entered the central hall, the Dark Ace was already there, kneeling dramatically before her. His voice dripped with false contrition. "My Lady, I'm so sorry I couldn't reach you in time."

Cyclonis surprised him with a smile—a rare, unsettling expression. "No need to explain," she said smoothly. "You are my trusted general, after all. I know where your loyalties lie... for now. Come with me to the lab. This failure has been enlightening in some ways."

Though confused, the Dark Ace obediently followed.

The lab was dimly lit, filled with arcane devices and glowing crystals pulsing with malevolent energy. Shadows flickered across the walls, creating eerie shapes that danced in the oppressive gloom.

Cyclonis's steps were purposeful, her mind flashing back to what she had seen after escaping the ship.

The thought irritated her still. Why does it matter?

But it did.

She pushed the emotion aside as they reached the lab's heart—a massive metallic chair surrounded by restraints and humming crystal panels. Cyclonis gestured toward it.

"Sit."

The Dark Ace blinked in confusion. "What—?"

Before he could react, guards seized him, forcing him into the chair. Iron chains clamped around his wrists, ankles, and chest.

"What is this?" he growled, struggling against the restraints "Why am I being restrained?"

His protests were cut short by a gag forced into his mouth.

Cyclonis approached slowly, her eyes gleaming with cruel satisfaction. She held up a small, ominous crystal that radiated dark energy. "Do you know what my mother told me when you betrayed the Storm Hawks to join us?" she mused softly. "She said a traitor's loyalty is always to himself."

The Dark Ace's struggles grew more frantic as she leaned closer, her voice a chilling whisper. "I forgot that lesson once. But not again."

With deliberate precision, Cyclonis placed the crystal on his forehead. The room filled with a malevolent hum as the crystal pulsed to life, its energy burrowing into the Dark Ace's mind.

His muffled screams echoed through the lab, a symphony of agony that resonated through the fortress. The crystal's dark power tore through his consciousness, stripping away his sense of self while preserving his skills and memories.

Cyclonis watched without flinching, her lips curling into a twisted smile.

The screams eventually faded, replaced by eerie silence. The Dark Ace's eyes, once sharp with cunning, were now vacant and hollow. His body slumped against the restraints, devoid of will or defiance.

Cyclonis removed the crystal, her voice a soft murmur. "Perfect. You are now my loyal puppet, without ego, without ambition... and without betrayal."

She released the chains, and the Dark Ace stood mechanically, awaiting her command.

Cyclonis turned away, her mind already shifting to her next move. The echoes of his screams still lingered in the air, a grim reminder of the price of failure under her rule.

As she walked through the dark corridors, her thoughts drifted back to Aerrow and Piper. she laughed "I told myself that it as just a distraction up till now, i should seriously stop lying to myself"

I wont be hiding anymore , you may love him but he will be by my side at the end that i promise.After all I love him aswell.