White Court, an inn.
Anna leaned by the window, watching the people coming and going on the street.
Although traces of the old world's destruction were still visible here, the caravans, workshops, travelers, and all kinds of mutants kept this city alive with a peculiar vitality. Compared with most other places in the wasteland, it was undoubtedly far more prosperous.
Just then, someone knocked softly on the door.
Hisako Ichiki grew alert and turned to look.
"Don't be nervous."
Callisto pushed the door open and entered, her gaze sweeping over the people in the room.
"The White Queen has agreed to see you."
Anna sighed in relief, then asked, "When?"
"In two hours."
As Callisto spoke, she looked around and frowned. "Where is Miles Zero?"
"Out relaxing on the streets."
Anna's expression remained unchanged. "Has something happened?"
"...Not yet."
Callisto shook her head. "You'd better get ready as soon as possible. Her patience is limited."
"Also... this meeting doesn't include 'Miles Zero.'"
They froze.
"Why?" Quentin frowned.
"You don't need to know," Callisto replied. "Emma Frost knows perfectly well that you're from the Xavier Institute, and she knows what you came here for."
Anna frowned. "So she doesn't want to see Miles?"
"No, it's simply not time yet." Callisto shook her head. "White Court isn't Xavier's School, nor is it Oasis. Things here are more complicated than you imagine."
"But you don't need to worry."
She turned to leave.
"If Emma Frost really considered you a threat, you wouldn't still be standing here."
With that, Callisto opened the door and left.
Once the door closed, they exchanged glances.
"Was she reminding us, or warning us?" Quentin leaned against the wall, looking grim.
"Both."
Anna answered, "Emma Frost isn't Charles. She won't trust us completely just because we're from Xavier's School."