"Idiot Alpha…"
Xavier smirked, clearly hearing her but letting it slide as he walked beside her, hands shoved into his pockets, casual as though he hadn't just stolen her breath.
For a moment, the night almost felt… normal. The chatter of townsfolk, the glow of lanterns strung across the square, the laughter spilling from shop windows… it was a sliver of peace she hadn't expected to find here.
But then… her steps faltered.
The hairs at the back of her neck rose. She turned her head slightly, scanning the edges of the square. Beyond the lantern light, past the thinning crowd, a shadow lingered.
Too still.
Too focused.
She couldn't make out a face, only the faint glint of eyes locked on her.
Her grip tightened on the cone until it nearly cracked.
"Athena?" Xavier's voice was smooth but alert, his head tilting toward her. He had noticed her change in stance instantly.
Athena swallowed hard, forcing a small laugh as she shook her head. "N-Nothing… thought I just saw…"
