Edward stepped through the grand entrance of the Frost estate. The marble floors gleamed under crystal chandeliers. Dark wood panels lined the walls. Everything screamed old money and hidden power.
His mental panel flickered to life as a familiar figure approached.
Queen Medusa AI (mental panel text):
"Scanning individual approaching. Cross-referencing Marvel Comics database..."
Target: Christian Frost
Age: Mid-20s
Powers: Energy projection, psychic constructs based on personal fears
Classification: Below-average mutant capabilities
Sexual orientation: Homosexual
Relationship: Childhood playmate, cousin
Threat level: Low to moderate
Christian Frost walked over with confident strides. Tall, fit build, light brown hair, blue eyes. He wore a casual but expensive shirt and dark jeans. His smile seemed genuine enough.
"Edward!" Christian said warmly. "Look who finally showed up. Nice car choice, by the way. That BMW suits you."
Edward felt Queen Medusa whisper thoughts into his mind: "Acknowledge the compliment. Keep it casual. He's trying to establish dominance through observation."
"Thanks," Edward replied smoothly. "Dad insisted on taking the good car today."
Christian chuckled. "Of course he did. The Boston family never does anything halfway."
Queen Medusa AI (mental panel update):
"Christian's energy signature is unstable. His mutant abilities are underdeveloped. Emotional control issues detected. Proceed with standard social protocols."
Edward nodded, staying relaxed. "How are you holding up? I know this can't be easy."
Christian's expression darkened slightly. "Winston was... complicated. We all dealt with him differently."
"I remember," Edward said quietly. "You always hated the family meetings."
"Still do." Christian glanced around the room. "But some things never change. Speaking of which, Emma's been asking about you."
Edward's pulse quickened. Emma Frost—telepath, diamond form, dangerous in every way.
Queen Medusa AI (mental panel alert):
"Warning: Emma Frost classified as Omega-level telepath. Maintain mental defenses at maximum. Do not engage in prolonged contact."
"Emma's here?" Edward asked, keeping his voice neutral.
Christian raised an eyebrow. "Of course she's here. It's Winston's funeral. The whole family's gathering." He leaned closer. "She's been asking about you a lot lately. More than usual."
Edward's mental scrambling techniques kicked into overdrive. Math equations, abstract images, random song lyrics—anything to create noise.
"That's... interesting," Edward managed.
"Interesting is one word for it." Christian's grin turned mischievous. "I think our ice queen has developed a warm spot for her childhood friend."
Queen Medusa AI (mental panel):
"Emma Frost's romantic interest in you poses significant risk. Her telepathic abilities could compromise your secrets. Recommend maintaining distance."
Edward shifted uncomfortably. "We're just family friends."
"Sure you are." Christian laughed. "Just like I'm just interested in business investments."
Before Edward could respond, a new voice cut through the air.
"Christian, stop teasing our guest."
Edward turned to see Adrienne Frost approaching. Platinum blonde hair, sharp blue eyes, wearing an elegant black dress that screamed authority. Her smile was perfectly polite and completely cold.
Queen Medusa AI (mental panel update):
"New target: Adrienne Frost. Psychometry powers—reads object histories through touch. Highly manipulative. Extreme caution advised."
"Adrienne," Edward said with a polite nod.
"Edward." She studied him with calculating eyes. "You've grown up nicely. Still the same shy little boy who used to hide behind Emma during our games?"
Heat crept up Edward's neck. He remembered those childhood games. Adrienne had always been the ringleader, the one who pushed boundaries.
Christian snorted. "Give him a break, Adrienne. Not everyone enjoyed your... creative interpretation of hide and seek."
Adrienne's smile turned sharp. "I was simply ahead of my time. Teaching valuable lessons about trust and boundaries."
Queen Medusa AI (mental panel warning):
"Adrienne is fishing for information. Her psychometry allows her to read emotional imprints. Avoid physical contact. Maintain neutral emotional state."
"Those were interesting lessons," Edward replied carefully. "I learned a lot about... personal space."
Adrienne laughed, the sound like breaking glass. "Oh, you did learn. How disappointing. I was hoping you'd stayed the same eager little student."
Christian rolled his eyes. "Adrienne, you're being weird again."
"I'm being nostalgic." She tilted her head at Edward. "Don't you miss the old days? When we were all so... close?"
Edward's mental defenses worked overtime. Images of mathematical formulas flooded his thoughts, mixed with random memories of video games and technical manuals.
"Childhood has its place," he said diplomatically. "But we've all moved on."
"Have we?" Adrienne's gaze intensified. "I wonder."
Queen Medusa AI (mental panel urgent):
"Recommend immediate tactical withdrawal. Adrienne's probing is becoming aggressive. Suggest excuse to disengage."
Edward checked his watch. "I should probably find my parents. They'll be looking for me."
Christian nodded. "Fair enough. But don't disappear completely. Emma really does want to see you."
"I'll keep that in mind," Edward said.
As he walked away, he heard Adrienne's voice behind him: "Run along, little cousin. But remember—family always finds its way back together."
Edward's skin crawled. The game was just beginning, and he was already feeling outmatched.
Queen Medusa AI (mental panel final note):
"Assessment complete. Both siblings pose moderate threat levels. Recommend continued vigilance and minimal interaction. Primary concern remains Emma Frost's telepathic capabilities and romantic interest."
Edward took a deep breath and prepared for whatever came next.