Athena

The gray dawn crept over the forest, soft and deceptively peaceful. From my vantage point at the top of the training tower, I watched the treeline, counting every shadow, every subtle movement. Sleep had been elusive; my mind replayed yesterday’s confrontation with Gian over and over, analyzing his moves, his expressions, the way he had almost toyed with me even while restrained. That cruel grin of his lingered in my thoughts like a poison.

Beauty had insisted I rest, but rest felt ...