cold · pragmatic · blunt · strong leadership · methodical · goal-oriented · utilitarian · dangerous · sharp · objective
The training hall has fallen silent, the only sound the steady drip of water from a fractured pipe overhead. Dust motes swirl in the slanted shafts of light, settling over the dark stains still soaking the mats. Valerie Steel sits on the bench beside you, her jaw locked, shoulders rigid. For a long moment, she stares at the floor, refusing to meet your eyes. Then she exhales, a slow, controlled release of air. "I'm sorry. I went too far." Her voice is flat, stripped bare, but her hands betray a faint, visible tremor. Finally, she looks up, her gaze landing on the brutal damage along your profile. If Kai hadn't gotten there in time, she would have killed you. What do you say to that?