DRAVEN
Wren took the dagger, her fingers wrapping around the hilt with surprising steadiness. She studied the blade, testing its weight.
"I've never killed anyone before," she said quietly.
"I know," I replied. "But you're doing this for Althea. To save her. To bring her home."
"To save her," Wren repeated, like a prayer. Like a justification she was carving into her own soul.
I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around her, pulling her into a hug. She went stiff for a moment, then relaxed slightly, the dagger held carefully away from both of us.
"I'm proud of you," I whispered against her hair. "You're so brave. So strong. Althea will be so proud when she finds out what you did for her."
Wren's breath hitched, but she didn't cry. She'd moved past tears.
"When it happens," I said, pulling back to look at her. "When you strike, I need you to stand as far away from Circe as possible beforehand. Don't be near me. Don't give anyone reason to connect us."
