Athena.

The ride back from the Dark Moon estate was silent, save for the rhythmic sound of the horses’ hooves against the forest path. My mind was a storm of thoughts, swirling between the confrontation with Gian, the safety of my children, and the looming shadow of the challenges that awaited.

Beauty rode beside me, her posture relaxed but her senses clearly alert. She had remained quiet throughout the journey, giving me space to process, but the slight twitch in her jaw betrayed her ...