Athena's pov
We walked side by side, but I didn't say anything else.
Neither did he.
The silence between us wasn't comfortable… but it wasn't exactly hostile either. Just full. Like there were too many things neither of us wanted to say.
When we reached the throne room, the doors opened before us without a word.
The King's presence was already heavy in the air.
Lucas and I stepped inside together.
And whatever came next—
I was ready for it.
Or at least… I hoped I was.
The air inside the throne room felt heavier than usual — like the walls themselves were listening. Lucas and I stepped inside, side by side, our footsteps echoing against the polished obsidian floor. The King was already there, seated.
His eyes cut straight to me. "You're early."
The King stood, his cloak trailing behind him like smoke, and descended the steps without haste. He stopped before us.
"I have your next task," he said, no ceremony. Just command.
Lucas crossed his arms. I held still.
