She slipped gently out of Azrael's hold and stood, facing Eryx. "You get five minutes. And that's it."
Azrael stiffened instantly. "Athena?"
She turned to him, voice softer but firm. "Azrael, please. Let me hear him out."
His jaw clenched as his hands flexed at his sides before he dragged a breath in through his nose.
"Five minutes," he repeated slowly, eyes never leaving Eryx. "That's four minutes and fifty-nine seconds more than I'm comfortable with."
Leo whispered loudly, "Protective boyfriend mode activated."
Azrael ignored him.
He stood and stepped closer to Athena, lowering his voice just for her. "Do make me wait for too long."
Athena gave him a small, reassuring smile. "I won't."
Azrael straightened, gaze snapping back to Eryx. "You say one thing that upsets her, and you're going to hate me. Understand?"
Eryx nodded once. "I do."
Rhydric glanced between them and deadpanned, "Wow. Five minutes. Generous."
