**Chapter 9: Fractured Bonds**

Luna's words hung in the air, a challenge to Magik's actions. For a moment, the only sound was Psylocke's muffled sobs and the gentle lapping of the water against the tub's edges. Magik's gaze never wavered, her eyes boring into Luna's as if daring her to intervene further. But Luna didn't back down. She took a step closer to Magik, her voice firm. "You're supposed to be helping her, not hurting her. What's going on, Magik?" Magik's expression remained impassive, but Psylocke detected a subtle shift in her posture. Her shoulders squared, and her eyes seemed to flash with a hint of defiance. "I'm doing what's best for her," Magik said, her voice low and even. "She needs to be broken before she can be remade." Luna's face twisted in disgust. "That's not true. She's strong, Magik. She just needs someone to believe in her." Magik's laughter was cold and mirthless. "You don't understand, Luna. Psylocke is a puzzle, and I'm the only one who knows how to fix her." Psylocke felt a surge of anger at Magik's words. She tried to push herself up, but her body was too weak, and her wounds ached too much. She lay back, her eyes locked onto Luna's, pleading for her help. Luna's gaze met Psylocke's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. Then, Luna turned back to Magik, her eyes blazing with determination. "I'm not going to let you hurt her anymore," she said, her voice firm. "You're going to let me take care of her." Magik's expression didn't change, but Psylocke saw a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. For a moment, she thought Magik might actually listen to Luna, but then her face hardened, and she shook her head. "No," she said, her voice cold. "I won't let you take her away from me. She's mine." Luna's face set in a determined expression. "I'm not going to back down, Magik. You're going to have to choose: let me help Psylocke, or face the consequences." The air was thick with tension as Magik and Luna faced off. Psylocke held her breath, wondering what would happen next. Would Magik finally listen to reason, or would she continue down her path of destruction? Only time would tell.