Kraven pushed off the marble column with lazy grace, his hand sliding from the woman's waist as he stepped forward. His eyes, however, never left Athena.
"Well, well…" His voice carried, smooth but cutting. "I must be seeing things." He tilted his head slightly, feigning confusion as his gaze flicked between Xavier and Athena. "Tell me, brother… why is she getting out of the same car as you?"
The question was casual enough to anyone listening but Athena felt the weight in it… the unspoken accusation, the probing for truth.
Xavier's jaw ticked but his expression stayed carved from stone. "Because she belongs to my care," he said evenly, his hand brushing against Athena's arm, the gesture subtle but protective. "Or is it your business to question my choices now?"
Kraven's smirk widened, wolfish and knowing. "Care," he echoed slowly, tasting the word as though it amused him.
