Chapter 0121

Alexander

I stepped into a heavy silence.

Athena looked pale and shaken.

She was clutching her stomach tightly.

Tears welled in her eyes.

“What…what does that mean?” she whispered to Madame Zora.

“Exactly as I said.” Madame Zora’s gaze shifted to me. “I cannot provide the answers you seek.”

“Name your price.” I knew her methods well.

She shook her head slowly. “If I accepted payment for this, the answers would be worthless.”

She turned back to Athena. “I regret my role in your upbringing.”

“Twice!” I snapped sharply.

“And I wish I could give you the information you need.” She sighed deeply.

“You said you wanted one last look at me, the Lycan Alpha. Does that mean I’m dying?” Athena demanded.

“Everyone is.” She offered a sad smile.

I shook my head in disbelief. I had known Madame Zora for decades. “Athena, she’s referring to herself.”

“You were always the cleverest Alpha, Alpha Alexander.” Madame Zora winked at me before focusing on my mate. “Yes, he’s correct. Alpha Athena. My time has finally come.”

“Oh.”

“What I can tell you is that your boys will thrive. You simply have a journey ahead.”

“That’s all?” I asked, watching my mate closely.

“That is all I possess.” She rose to her feet. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I wish to enjoy my remaining days.”

She turned to leave, then paused. “One more thing. Your mother experienced the same sickness. For Lycans, it’s common. Likely due to the human essence within. Try ginger biscuits. Your appetite will return soon.”

As she departed, I heard Ethan shouting after her, demanding to know her destination.

“She made it sound like I was dying?” Athena whispered with a frown.

“Madame Zora speaks in riddles. You should have waited for me. I could have interpreted for you.”

“I still don’t understand.” She whispered. “I still don’t know what they are.”

“Perhaps we should take each day as it comes. When you feel them, your perspective will change.”

She nodded, then suddenly looked up. “There’s something I need to tell you.”

“He already did. For once, Julian is actually doing the right thing.”

“It will shatter her.” Athena murmured.

I knew they had spoken, just as I hoped. Sophia had confided in her when Athena fixed her hair.

Athena hadn’t shared details with me.

She said it wasn’t her place to tell.

Sophia had asked for confidentiality.

I respected her choice.

“Just be there for her. Be the person you needed growing up.” I told her.

A sharp knock interrupted us.

Ethan entered without waiting. “What did you say to my witch?”

“First: It’s none of your concern. Second: You don’t own her. Third: You’re in my house. Watch your tone!” I growled.

“I brought her here to help with whatever this is.” He gestured toward my mate. “You wanted answers, and now she’s walked away without looking back. What did you say? Or did she tell you we’re all doomed?”

“She’s dying.” Athena muttered. “She can’t help you anymore.”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“If you keep speaking to my mate like that, I’ll break your neck!” I snarled. “Madame Zora is dying. She has days left. She doesn’t care about you ‘owning’ her.”