Athena's pov
I stared at him, struggling to find words that didn't sound like madness. "You expect me to believe the Moon Goddess who can barely hold this realm together spoke to you and told you to choose me?"
"Yes," he said simply. No hesitation. No irony.
I laughed, but it was sharp and bitter. "That's insane."
"Is it?" he countered, calm as ever. "Then explain yourself. Explain why you resisted the command I used on you, something no trueborn wolf has ever done. Explain why your presence quieted Cassius when nothing else could. Explain why your blood sings in proximity to the fragments of her power."
My mouth went dry.
I hated how much sense it made.
"I'm not some chosen savior," I snapped. "I'm not a key. I'm just—" I swallowed hard. "I'm just trying to be a great warrior."
He didn't flinch. "And that's exactly why she chose you. Because you question. Because you don't kneel easily. Because you see through false power and still move forward."
