The common room was warm. Mid-morning light slanted through the floor-to-ceiling windows, catching dust motes suspended in the air. Tony and Thor were bickering near the kitchen island—something about formation tactics—their voices a familiar, distant rumble.

The sound cut through the room like a blade. Tony and Thor went quiet.

Adrian's grin didn't falter. But Loki's gaze had settled on him—flat, unblinking, patient.