Dawn’s whole body became more tense at the soft nearby hoofsteps on the carpets and her gaze immediately refocused on the threat at hand. It was Gamma Ray, hardly looking worse for the wear, her eyes and horn still ablaze with malevolent magic matching the shade of the flickering flames. The glow of the fire cast ominous shadows over her fur, brightening a wide, sadistic grin and deep, wild blue eyes that were filled with what could only be described as glee. A rich, deep chuckle rolled through the room and Dawn’s muzzle and brows crinkled weakly at the sound. “My my, I was expecting more of a fight. Seems you share neither father’s gift for magic nor your mother’s,” Gamma Ray mocked smoothly, coming to a half at Dawn’s side. She bent her neck down so the tip of her muzzle was a bare half foot from Dawn’s own. “But we can’t all be gifted I suppose.” The taunting continued. “Still, you’re not even worth getting rid of, you’re hardly a threat at all.” Gamma Ray continued with a pleased snort, her lionlike tail now whipping behind her excitedly. “Why don’t you lie here and think about all the things you could have done, while I go find myself the real reason I’m here, hm?” She condescended in a feigned tone of scolding.
She rose to her full height, scoffing once more at the sight of Dawn’s beaten and burned body on the floor, illuminated as well by the ghastly flames, before turning and heading down the main hall. She wonder if the commotion had been enough to stir Twilight Sparkle and Sunburst. She knew that they both were here in the castle somewhere, the question was where. No matter, there was very little to impede her now and the only challenge that remained were the ones she’d come expecting. She inhaled a deep, satisfied breath as she walked, her tail flicking and brushing across the blazing sun on one flank. A challenge it would be, yes, but she had come quite prepared, energized to near bursting with solar energy. She should thank Dawn in fact, all of that power was almost uncomfortable to contain.