Athena's body trembled.
The scent of pine needles and blood clung to the air, thick as she sat against a tree's base, trying to steady her breathing. Her heat had left her weak, frayed at the edges, but it was the betrayal—the undeniable, gut-piercing betrayal—that had left the deepest mark.
She was supposed to be safe. Surrounded by those who bowed to her, worshipped her. And yet someone had used her vulnerability to try and control her bond. Her body. Her power.
Who?
Her vision blurred again.
A cool wind swept through the glade. Her pulse slowed. The fire in her veins cooled to something distant, suspended.
Then the world slipped.
The forest faded. The scent of the earth was gone.
She was standing now. Somewhere else.
The sky above was pitch black. No stars. Only a glowing full moon so large it filled the sky, cracked through the middle like a shattered bone.
A dream?
No.
A vision.
Athena took a step forward.
