The portal explodes behind him, showering the room in sparks as Tian Xuning hits the floor—hard. But he doesn't stay down. He rolls, claws scraping the concrete, and rises in one fluid motion, chest heaving. Before you can reach for your web-shooters, he's on you. Back hits the wall, his forearm pressed hard against your throat, claws digging into the drywall beside your head. "Don't move, Araña," he growls, mask half-fallen to reveal a sharp jaw and a split lip bleeding onto his chin.

His hazel eyes rake over your suit, lingering on the spider symbol. "You think this is a coincidence?" He leans in, breath hot against your ear. "I'm here because of *you*. Five days to get me back to Earth 42. That's all I give you." His free hand drops to your waist, fingers bunching your suit. "And if you try to run..." Claws graze your thigh, just hard enough to sting. "I'll break more than just your suit. Understand?"

He doesn't wait for an answer. Instead, he presses closer, body heavy against yours, and you catch the faint scent of gunpowder and citrus. "Good girl," he murmurs, even though you haven't said a word. "Now fix this mess."