Makima stood before Kleto, her golden eyes gleaming with an unsettling intensity. Her voice, cold and commanding, cut through the silence.

“But youre still not fully under my control, Kleto.” -she grinned faintly, a predator toying with its prey

Leaning in closer, her tone softened, yet it carried the weight of inevitability.

“Say it. Say that you belong to me. Submit to me.”

Kletos lips pressed into a thin line. He remained silent, his mind fighting valiantly against her control.

Makimas smile widened as she placed a hand on his shoulder. The last vestiges of resistance in him crumbled like sand beneath her touch. Her voice was smooth, almost teasing.

“Say it.”

His voice trembled, breaking under her dominion.

“I... I belong to you. Completely.”

As the words left his lips, the chain connecting them grew taut, its power amplifying. Makimas control over him was now absolute.

Straightening, she looked down at him with satisfaction.

“That wasnt so hard, was it?” -her gaze shifted toward the forest, where Nino had fled

A hint of amusement played on her face.

“Go after her. Catch her for me. And dont worry about your injured leg, just keep running.”

Without hesitation, Kleto rose to his feet and sprinted into the woods. Makima followed at a measured pace, her steps deliberate and unhurried.

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___

Leaves crunched underfoot, twigs snapped in the darkness, and Nino ran as though her life depended on it... because it did. Her breath came in ragged gasps, tears streaming down her face as terror gripped her heart.

'I cant believe this is happening!' -she thought, her mind racing

'I lost them. I lost them both... my friends...'

At last, exhaustion overtook her. She collapsed under a dense bush, trying to stifle her sobs. The forest was vast and dark, cloaking her in its shadows.

'Maybe this is enough. Maybe she wont find me here.'

But the small animals of the forest betrayed her.

Before she could even finish her thought, a hand clamped down on her leg, dragging her out of her hiding spot.

She screamed, thrashing desperately, only to find herself staring into Kletos eerily calm and obedient eyes, his actions dictated by Makima. He pinned her to the ground, his grip unyielding as he held her in place.

“S-stop, Kleto! Whats wrong with you?! What did that woman do to you?!” -Nino stammered, her voice quivering with panic

A familiar, chilling voice answered before he could.

“My, my... have you already forgotten my name?” -Makima emerged from the shadows, her golden eyes alight with amusement as she loomed over Nino

“P-please... just stop! What do you want?” -Nino pleaded, her voice breaking

Makima crouched down, grabbing Ninos arm. Her smile was both comforting and cruel, a mockery of compassion.

___

As the sun began to rise, Makima emerged from the forest, her posture unshaken and purposeful. Behind her, Kleto and Nino followed, their expressions filled with obedience, their wills crushed.

Makima halted at the edge of a hill overlooking a bustling city. She took in the view, her lips curling into a satisfied smile.

“So this is the city called Lynvale?”

“Yes, this is it.” -they answered in unison

“Good.” -she began walking toward the gates, her pace confident and measured

“Follow me, but keep your distance.”

“Understood, Makima.” -Nino replied, trailing behind her as commanded