Not as Expected, But...

Stealthily, I make my way back to my lair, slipping through the secret entrance with the grace of a shadow. I pause, scanning the darkened space for any sign of Sienna, but it's clear. She's not here.

I move to the secure vault where I keep the more dangerous toys, the ones pilfered from defeated villains. There it is, among the other sinister devices, the ray that Dr. Mind had intended to use on me. I pick up the accompanying note, the words a stark reminder of my current predicament. The device is designed to rewire neural pathways, creating unwavering loyalty to the first person the affected individual locks eyes with. The irony isn't lost on me; I could've been Dr. Mind's puppet, but fate had other plans. Instead, Mark was the beneficiary of my unintended gaze.

A trap. That's what I need for Sienna. But how? How do I arrange for her to look into Mark's eyes after she's been hit with the ray? The logistics are a nightmare, and I'm not one for patience.

As I grasp the ray, preparing to leave and concoct some sort of plan, an unexpected hiss cuts through the silence, and a tranquilizer arrow lodges itself into the wall beside my head. I jump back, electricity crackling around my fists as I prepare for a fight.

I dodge another arrow, my body crackling with energy, a snarl twisting my lips. Sienna's out for blood, or more accurately, out to put me to sleep. But my mind's a fortress now, fortified by the will imposed by the ray. I can't let her undo what's been done; can't let her free me from Mark's hold. I need it. I want it. Does it matter that my desires are artificial? Not anymore.

"Sienna, stand down!" I shout, ducking behind a steel worktable as another tranquilizer arrow whizzes past. "This isn't you!"

She replies with another shot, her voice echoing through the lair. "I'm saving you from yourself, Kat!"

It's a dance of sparks and shadows, my electricity against her stealth. But I've got an ace up my sleeve. I catch a glimpse of her fiery hair through a gap in the equipment, and I don't hesitate. I aim the ray, my finger twitching on the trigger, and let loose a burst of light, right as I see her stare back at me.

Silence falls. A soft curse breaks it. "Shit…"

"Ready to stand down now?" I call out, peering cautiously from my cover.

Her voice comes, tinged with confusion. "Do you… want me to?"

"Yes, Sienna. I want you to surrender," I reply, my tone firm yet laced with an undercurrent of sympathy.

A pause, then the sound of metal clattering to the ground. Sienna steps into the light, her weapon abandoned, her posture resigned. "Is this how it's been with Mark? You just… wanting to do whatever he wants?"

I nod, a smirk playing on my lips. "It's not that bad, really. It's been… fun."

She doesn't look convinced. "You only think that because the ray fucked with your head."

I meet her gaze, my own eyes steady. "Does it matter? If what I want is because of the ray, does it change the fact that I want it?" I pause, letting the weight of my words sink in.

She frowns, a conflict playing out behind those once fierce, now subdued eyes. A sigh escapes her, and she nods. "I guess it doesn't…"