Athena.

The sun had barely kissed the horizon when Beauty and I set out for the Dark Moon territory. The road was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of the wind through the trees and the distant cries of wildlife. Every step we took brought a mix of anticipation and dread—the knowledge that Gian’s presence was never far, and that even if we were prepared, surprises could still hit like a storm.

“Are you nervous?” Beauty asked, glancing at me as we walked side by ...