Athena blinked, caught between anger and disbelief. "Saved? By you?"
Ruby smiled faintly. "Yes but you'll need to help me too. There's only one way to convince the Council you were manipulated."
Athena's stomach tightened. "How?"
Before Ruby could answer, the sound of the door opening behind her sliced through the tension. Boots clicked against marble.
"Blame it all on Kraven."
Athena turned sharply.
Xavier stood in the doorway, the light behind him casting his expression in shadow… cold, resolved, but not cruel.
Ruby didn't look surprised. In fact, she smiled, like this was part of the plan all along.
Athena stared between them, her heart pounding. "You… want me to betray him?"
Xavier's gaze didn't waver. "If you want to live, Athena… yes."
Athena's breath got caught. She must have misheard him.
