[Realm: Álfheimr]
[Location: The Great Forest]
"Lemme go—lemme go—lemme go!" Ma'krai shrieked, his small body pinned helplessly between Grimm's index and middle finger. He kicked and twisted, wings buzzing frantically as panic overtook him.
Grimm didn't immediately respond.
He let the fairy struggle. Let the fear build.
Then he spoke, his voice low.
"Stop squirming, twerp," he said, lifting his hand just enough to bring Ma'krai closer to the dark slit of his helm. "You're not getting out. Not like that. Not at all."
Ma'krai froze mid-thrash as the proximity finally sank in.
"Oh—and this goes without saying," Grimm continued, tone unchanged, "but if I see even a spark of that little jinx of yours forming…" He paused. "…I'll crush you like the bug you are."
The silence that followed was sharp.
"W—waaah…" Ma'krai whimpered, tears welling up as his wings drooped. His resistance collapsed entirely, body trembling in the General's grip.
Above them—
