Chapter 0183

Isabella

Who could it possibly be?

Midnight whispers as we trail Athena out of Brianna's room.

She got overly excited learning that intimacy could help Athena's condition.

Her desperation to uncover Zachary's past partners started affecting me too.

We should return and demand answers!

She pouts.

Athena's wellbeing comes first.

I respond, though curiosity gnawed at me.

They were isolated back then.

Only a female Rogue and Brianna were present.

It couldn't be the Rogue.

Did that mean he was with his best friend?

No.

That was before my time.

I shouldn't dwell on his history.

Isabella.

Alexander's voice cuts through my thoughts.

Keep Athena upstairs.

What's happening?

I mind-link back.

Explanations later.

She must not witness this.

Athena had reached the staircase when I stopped her.

"Could you assist me with something?"

"Isabella, I'm starving."

She groans softly.

"These two need satisfaction if I'm to endure this."

She gestures to her stomach.

"Perfect timing.

I have candy bars in my room.

This won't take long."

She sighs heavily but follows me to my room.

"What do you need help with?"

"..."

Crap.

I hadn't prepared an excuse.

Ask her to check your wound for infection.

You can't see the back of your leg.

Midnight suggests urgently.

I repeat Midnight's words to Athena.

She nods and enters my room.

My gaze darts to the window.

Half-expecting another handprint.

This time, nothing.

Being watched never concerned me until recently.

Now everywhere felt like eyes were tracking me.

Athena finishes examining my leg quickly.

"I'm no expert, but it looks unchanged."

She settles on my bed's edge.

"You're hiding something.

Zachary could've checked your leg.

That huge mirror would've shown your reflection too."

My cheeks flush.

I turn away quickly.

That mirror witnessed plenty recently.

"It's because of my darkness, right?"

She pauses.

"Isabella, just tell me.

You know I despise secrets."

"I don't know details.

Alexander asked me to keep you upstairs."

She jumps up immediately.

Cheeks puffing out.

"Remember what Brianna said.

You need distraction."

I pull candy bars from my drawer.

"Let them handle it.

Everyone wants what's best for you.

No one intends to keep secrets."

Something smacks the window.

We both scream.

Blood streaks down the glass like something slid through it.

"What was that?"

We speak together, rushing to the window.

I freeze seeing him.

Exactly as remembered.

Our eyes lock moments before men charge toward him.

He vanishes into the forest.

"Was... was that him?"

Athena whispers as Zachary bursts into the room.

"In human form."

My stomach twists.

Zachary's arms encircle me.

He pulls me firmly against his chest.

Reassuring me of his presence.

"They'll get him.

But why are you only in a tee and panties?"

"He was right in the open grounds.

Broad daylight.

He threw something at the window.

I'm his target."

Panic surges through me.

"He won't reach you."

Zachary states firmly.

"I'll kill him myself."

"What did he throw?"

Athena asks.

"I can't see clearly."

Zachary hesitates.

"Better discuss that with Alexander."

He closes the curtain.

"Tell me!"

Athena demands.

"Athena, he's right.

Wait for Alexander."

I witness my worst fear.

Her eyes darkening slowly.

Only a faint blue ring remains.

What if Zachary was correct?

What if time ran out?

"Zachary, don't."

I murmur.

Knowing Athena's next words would be an unrefusable command.

"Tell..."

"Alexander's coming."

Zachary interrupts.

"He'll explain everything.

Probably more than I can."

She stares at him.

Very slowly, the black recedes from her eyes.

Thank the Goddess.

"Athena?"

Alexander's soft voice fills the room.

He only used that tone with her.

Sometimes seeming afraid of breaking her.

Or knowing it helped reason with her.

He never spoke to others that way.

Her eyes flash to him.

Briefly, I expect darkness to return.

She's terrifying like this.

Midnight murmurs.

I agree.

Sometimes feeling like I barely know her.