"Like I said," Fatimah repeated, her voice hard. "There is nothing to discuss. You are not welcome here. Leave."
Adam let out a long, slow breath. "Look, I didn't come here to pick a fight with you. I just wanted to talk to the big guy. Ask a few things. Maybe turn this whole place inside out after. Then go bother his kid." He shrugged. "But you're standing in the way. So I won't say no."
He half-turned.
David straightened up, his body tense.
Annabeth rolled her neck once, a faint crack echoing.
Adam grinned at them. "Tear it down."
He pointed at Fatimah. "Keep her alive. I want her to see what happens."
Fatimah didn't move.
Alex stepped forward. "You don't need to send them. You could do this yourself."
"Where's the fun in that?" Adam replied. "This is for her. You can't shield her from everything."
"I can save her," Alex said, his voice low. "I always will. Clone her. Reset the moment. Rewrite the damage. I'll find a way."
