Chapter 840 Shadows Beneath Marble

• "I tracked down the man in that photograph," Annabeth said, cutting through the hush like a blade through cloth.
• "That mystery can wait," Loki replied, gaze locking onto hers, a quiet brightness behind it. "What matters," he said, voice dipping to something almost tender, "is that you're here. And for that, Annabeth, I'm sincerely honored."
• Annabeth watched Loki from the corner of her eye. Even beneath the practiced calm of a royal, she sensed a restless energy in his posture—a silent, almost boyish anticipation that told her he truly wanted her here.