Xavier stood in front of her, his eyes dark with an emotion she couldn't name. His words lingered between them, thick as smoke in the cold air.
"You betrayed me, Athena."
Athena's breath hitched. The accusation struck her harder than any blade. Her hands clenched at her sides, and she forced herself to meet his gaze.
"I don't remember," she admitted, voice barely above a whisper.
Xavier scoffed, a bitter smile curling on his lips. "Of course, you don't." He stepped closer, his presence overwhelming, suffocating. "You forgot me. You forgot us. You forgot everything we fought for."
Athena flinched but held her ground. "Then tell me," she challenged. "If you hate me so much, if I truly betrayed you, then tell me how."
Xavier's expression hardened. His jaw tightened as if restraining the flood of emotions threatening to spill out.
