ATHENA POV
The dining hall had never felt so small. Even with its vaulted ceilings and long stone tables, the air pressed in on me, thick with tension, fear, and the sharp edge of anticipation. Warrior wolves filled the space, some still smelling of sweat and earth from training, others already on edge as if Vex might strike at any moment.
Christian stood close to me, his presence steady and grounding. His hand brushed mine once, a silent reminder that I wasn’t alone. Instinctively, my other hand rested against my stomach, a habit I hadn’t even realised I’d formed until now.
Headmistress Castor cleared her throat and called for attention, her voice echoing through the hall and snapping everyone to attention. “Our scouts have returned.” she said calmly but I knew her well enough to see t
