Loki, Stunned

Jean Grey hovered in Cosmic Space as the gold-red Phoenix Fire blazing around her slowly sank back into her body. But the emotions churning in her eyes showed no sign of fading.

After the shock came resentment and anger that cut to the bone.

She was the host the Phoenix had chosen in this universe, the sole vessel for its power of rebirth.

After countless years bound together, she had naturally assumed all Phoenix Force belonged to her.

But what had just happened shattered that belief.

Proud and above all the laws of the universe, the Phoenix Fragment had abandoned its rightful host and gone willingly to a human.

Rage had surged through her soul like wildfire. The Dark Phoenix's domineering, obsessive personality had nearly erupted on the spot.

Then she sensed the fragment merging with Russell. Somehow, the Phoenix Fragment had achieved a strange, perfect balance within him.

She had never felt such joy, harmony, and belonging from the Phoenix's source. The fury and resentment in her heart ebbed away, like flames doused with warm water.

Jean drew in all her restless energy and landed lightly. Her black combat suit made her look tall and coldly beautiful.

With her violent frenzy gone, she radiated the Dark Phoenix's commanding air, as though she stood above everyone else.

She teleported in front of Russell and fixed her gaze on the gold-red Phoenix patterns flowing across his left arm. Her cool voice held a trace of genuine admiration as it broke the silence of space:

"Fine... I knew I chose the right man."

She looked up into Russell's eyes and spoke frankly, without reluctance or jealousy:

"The Phoenix Force has always been proud. It never yields to mediocrity. Since it chose to leave me and merge with you,

"that proves that, in