Her breath hitched.
Us. Just us?
Lucien busied himself a few feet away, giving them privacy but still standing guard in the shadows. Athena's heart raced as Xavier stepped closer, gesturing toward the table.
"I thought maybe," his voice softened, "this would be perfect for us, where no one can find us."
Athena's throat tightened unexpectedly. After everything… the trials, the council, Kraven's games, Xavier's own intensity… this was the last thing she thought he'd give her.
A piece of quiet moment.
"I…" She looked away quickly, afraid he'd see too much in her eyes. "I don't even know what to say."
"Then don't," Xavier murmured. He offered his hand again, this time with no force, no demand. Just an invitation. "Just sit with me."
His eyes gleamed under the low light, the corner of his lips curving upward like he had already won a battle she didn't even know she was fighting.
