Athena broke free from the dance floor like the ground itself had betrayed her, weaving through bodies until she reached the bar. Her pulse was still erratic, her lips tingling with the ghost of something that almost happened.
She needed air.
She needed distance.
She needed…a drink.
Slamming her palms lightly on the counter, she leaned toward the bartender. "Give me something strong. Now."
The glass arrived, amber liquid sloshing under the dim neon lights. She threw it back in one go, the burn sliding down her throat like a punishment she'd willingly chosen.
"Running away, doc?"
Her breath caught.
She didn't need to turn to know who it was… his presence pressed into her back before his voice even reached her.
Kraven.
She set the glass down harder than she meant to and forced her tone steady. "I'm not running. Just…leveling myself."
