The Phantom Fours stepped closer, moving with the smooth, confident precision that made it impossible for anyone to ignore them. Their presence alone seemed to shift the energy of the chamber. It made their group look more powerfully and untouchable.
Eryx, as bold as ever, leaned toward her, so close that she could feel the heat radiating from him. His voice was a low, teasing whisper, brushing against her ear:
"You know… I love it when my princess makes her own choices. Choosing me… it's more than satisfying. It makes me want to keep you in my arms all day… all day long."
Athena's breath hitched, her face heating instantly. She tried to keep her expression neutral, to look composed in front of the others, but her cheeks betrayed her. A faint flush rose across her face, spreading like wildfire down her neck, and she had to turn her gaze to the floor for a brief moment, silently pleading with herself to regain control.
