The wind howled as Athena stood outside the crumbling ruins of the facility, her sword still dripping with the remains of the creatures they had slain. The scent of burning flesh lingered in the air, mixing with the acrid stench of decay. She barely had time to process what had just happened. The monsters, the battle, the glowing butterflies, and—most disturbing of all—her clone vanishing into thin air with a knowing smile.
Xavier stood beside her, his golden eyes sharp and calculating. He was already scanning the perimeter, his fingers tightening around the hilt of his sword. His body was tense, like a predator waiting for the next strike.
"She's gone," he muttered, breaking the silence.
Athena's jaw clenched. "I know."
The clone had moved with inhuman speed. Even faster than Athena herself. It wasn't just an identical copy—it was something beyond her, enhanced in ways she didn't fully understand. And that terrified her.
