CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX: ATHENA

"How do you guys know each other?" Austin asked. Riley's face went a little pale. Noticing this, Austin added, "You don't have to tell us if you don't want to."

"It's not that," Riley replied. "It's just that I haven't talked about it in a while. It feels like a distant memory." She walked into the room, closing the door behind her, her soft gaze never leaving Athena's face.

"Hey, Riley," Xavier greeted, wrapping his arms around his sister in a comforting hug.

"I missed you, little man. How was school? Hope no one bothered you today?" Riley asked, her tone full of concern.

"Nope, no one bothered me today. But how do you know Athena?" Xavier asked. Riley sighed and looked at me.

"Could you help me? I'm really nervous. It would be easier if you told them," Riley said, forcing a smile.

"Okay, but only if you want to. You don't owe us anything," I said, and her gaze softened.

"You're still the same girl from back then, always looking out for others," Riley chuckled softly, and I gave her