Marvel: Silver Hand

The cargo hold was dark, cold, and filled with the low rumble of the plane's engines as Alexander and Celebrimbor waited for their arrival in London. Three hours had passed since they had secretly boarded, and Alexander was growing restless. He sat against a crate, fingers idly running over the surface of his new Ring of Power, feeling the pulsing energy within. It was still strange to him—the sheer weight of what he now possessed.

A ring capable of shattering minds, reshaping memories, enhancing his strength, protecting his own mind, and even granting him the power of shapeshifting. It was beyond anything he could have imagined when this all started.

"We are here," Celebrimbor announced.

Alexander snapped his head up. He could hear the pilots over the radio, confirming their landing at Heathrow Airport.

The moment the plane touched down, Alexander wasted no time. He activated his wraith speed, becoming a blur as he shot out of the cargo hold before anyone could even register his presence. The cool London air hit his face as he emerged onto the tarmac, swiftly blending into the shadows and making his way toward the streets.

The city was alive with lights and movement, cars honking and pedestrians bustling along the sidewalks. Alexander adjusted his suit—still pristine from his shapeshifting ability—and walked casually into the crowd. He needed information, and he needed it fast.

Spotting a middle-aged man standing outside a pub, drink in hand, Alexander approached him.

"Excuse me, do you know where the Smith Foundation headquarters is?" he asked.

The man scoffed, clearly drunk. "Piss off, ya bloody wanker."

Alexander frowned. "What the hell's your problem?"

Not wanting to waste time with a drunk, he turned and walked away.

He found a small café and entered, the warm aroma of coffee filling the air. Walking up to the counter, he ordered a black coffee and a cookie.

"Cash or card?" the barista asked.

Alexander didn't have money, so he placed his hand over hers, activating the Ring's influence.

"I've already paid."

The woman blinked, her expression shifting into a dazed acceptance. "Right… you've already paid." She went to prepare his order without another question.

As Alexander waited, he glanced around. His eyes landed on a man sitting nearby, using a laptop. On the screen was a news article featuring an image of none other than Ryan—only he was going by a different name.

"Harry Smith, CEO of Smith Foundations, to Hold Meeting With Emma Frost Tomorrow in London."

Alexander clenched his fists. Ryan was posing as his own son, leading a powerful medical corporation.

Then, his eyes narrowed.

His heart skipped a beat. She was here. In London.

A mixture of emotions swirled inside him—anger, longing, betrayal, desire. She had erased his memories of her before, manipulating him like a pawn. But now… she couldn't. The Ring protected him.

He stood abruptly and walked toward the laptop's owner. The man barely had time to react before Alexander placed a hand on his head, activating the Ring's power.

"Where is Emma Frost staying?"

The man's eyes glazed over. "Royal Hotel. Number one hotel in London."

That was all he needed.

With a flick of his fingers, he wiped himself from the man's memory and walked out of the café.

The Royal Hotel was one of the tallest and most luxurious buildings in London, its golden lights shimmering against the night sky.

Alexander stood outside, staring up at the towering structure.

"Emma is at the top," Celebrimbor informed him.

Without hesitation, Alexander sprinted toward the building and activated his wraith abilities. In a blur of movement, he scaled the exterior, his body moving faster than the human eye could track. Within seconds, he reached the top floor, landing silently on the balcony outside the penthouse suite.

He stepped into the lavish living room, decorated with expensive furniture, crystal chandeliers, and a grand fireplace. A massive window overlooked the entire city.

Alexander sat down on the plush couch, waiting.

Minutes passed. Then, the elevator dinged.

The doors slid open.

And there she was.

She stepped out with effortless grace, her platinum blonde hair cascading over her shoulders, her figure even more stunning than he remembered. She radiated confidence, her piercing blue eyes scanning the room—until they landed on him.

For a moment, there was silence.

Then, she smirked.

"Well… this is a surprise."

Alexander slowly stood, meeting her gaze. His heart was pounding, but he forced himself to remain calm.

"Long time no see, Emma."

Her smirk widened as she sauntered toward him, her heels clicking against the marble floor. "Alexander Athos. You're supposed to be dead."

He chuckled. "Yeah, well… you know how life is. Full of surprises."

She stopped a few feet away, arms crossed. "And what exactly are you doing here, breaking into my penthouse?"

He took a slow step forward. "I wanted to see you."

Her eyes narrowed slightly. "Why?"

Alexander hesitated. He could feel Celebrimbor watching, listening.

But seeing her now, standing in front of him, brought back emotions he thought he had buried.

Did she still care about him?

Or was he just another piece on her chessboard?

He needed to find out.

And so, he smiled.

"Let's talk, Emma. There's a lot we need to catch up on."