Chapter 0182

"You're already aware of that."

"You can assist Athena, can't you?"

"Ah, so they've spoken with you." She turns away, rearranging the bed blankets meticulously while searching for words. "This isn't an instant solution." Brianna glances toward Isabella. "I'm certain Zachary has explained it's a continuous struggle."

Isabella nods, and instinctively, I sense she's been withholding information from me.

"You need to stop that." Brianna snaps sharply, making me jolt.

"What are you referring to?" I frown back at her.

"That expression. You must cease searching for negativity in every scenario."

"I didn't utter a word." I protest.

"Your face conveyed it all."

Isabella glances between us. "I won't even inquire about what just transpired."

"I recognize everything is exponentially more challenging for you." Brianna speaks gently, "Your upbringing has intensified it. The trauma you endured means you instinctively perceive the worst. And I don't hold that against you."

"You mean like when you nearly ended my life?"

She doesn't flinch at my question. Instead, she remains composed. "Precisely."

'Just eliminate her and be done with it.' Nyx growls.

'Quiet, I can't handle you right now!' I retort sharply to my Lycan.

"I wish to help you, Athena, if you'll permit me. Ultimately, you are my Alpha." Her forehead creases into a frown. "But if you desire to kill me, then proceed."

"Don't!" Isabella seizes my arm, though I hadn't moved.

"Release her Isabella, this must be her decision."

"Is this a test?" I murmur. "Because if I kill you, there's a strong possibility I'll transform?"

Neither responds.

'Kill her, we'll manage.' Nyx muses. Was it her? Was she the cause of my monstrous transformation?

I shut my eyes. "I desire your assistance. I want to witness my children mature. I want to be with Alexander. I want to survive."

"Good, that's a beginning."

As Isabella stated, I didn't need to trust her, I merely needed to accept her help, for now.

Brianna signals for me to sit, but I remain standing, and she raises an eyebrow. "Typically, I'd insist on rigorous exercise..."

"Rigorous exercise?" Isabella interrupts.

"Why do you think Zachary is built that way?" She laughs, "but Athena, given your pregnancy and required rest, this will be more complicated."

"And considering Gabriel is still out there somewhere." Isabella adds.

"That too. Hmmm" Brianna turns to Isabella, "Is she cleared for sexual activity?"

"I am present!" I snap, irritated.

"It doesn't deter them." Isabella shrugs. "Wait, did you advise Zachary similarly? Who was he involved with?"

Brianna ignores her and addresses me. "A crucial part is maintaining mental engagement and physical activity."

Nyx rolls her eyes but remains silent.

"That's your counsel?" I sputter, "Sex and staying occupied?"

"That's merely the commencement. It's a prolonged process, Athena. It's not an overnight remedy, and you must prepare for that."

"How long did it take Zachary?" Isabella inquires.

"Has he disclosed that?"

"No."

"There's your response."

"I don't... I don't comprehend." I mutter.

"It will perpetually be a conflict. Some prevail, some succumb." Brianna's brown eyes lock onto mine.

"You've aided others, besides Zachary?" Isabella asks.

She nods.

"Others, so there are more?" I ask.

"Zachary is the sole individual who has entirely resisted the Rogue existence and continues to combat it."

"You attempted to help others but failed." Isabella clarifies.

My odds of overcoming this were not favorable.