Athena

The forest was quieter now, but the weight of what had just happened lingered in the air like a storm that refused to break. Gian had retreated, yes, but not without leaving his mark—the threat lingering in his words and the tension in his retreating aura. My children clung to me as we made our way back to the temporary shelter Beauty had prepared. Light nestled against my chest, her little fingers brushing against my heart, and Liam’s wide, cautious eyes tracked every shadow that ...