Athena's pulse roared in her ears as the whispers in the chamber grew louder, hungry. Her gaze darted toward Ruby first… the Elder sat poised, expression carved in marble. No hint of recognition, no flicker of the woman who had promised to help.
Then Athena turned to Xavier.
He stood near the Council dais, his face shadowed by the dim light spilling through the stained glass. Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world narrowed to that single look.
A slow, almost imperceptible nod from him.
A silent I told you so.
Athena's breath caught in her throat. It hit her then… this was never about saving her. This was about control. About the Council finding a scapegoat.
Her chains felt heavier.
Across the room, Xavier's jaw clenched as he watched her… his expression unreadable, but his thoughts stormed behind his eyes.
He knew her heart. He knew Athena wasn't capable of deceit, not even to save herself. She had too much pride, too much purity for that.
