Chapter 0296

Lucas Adler

"Is it even possible?" Athena demands, her patience clearly wearing thin as she waits for my response.

"No, Athena. That's absolutely not an option." Zachary tells her firmly. "You've survived four bindings already. You should be dead. Trying again would likely kill you for real this time."

"I'm not talking about binding myself. I'm asking if binding her has ever been done before?" Her head jerks slightly and she squeezes her eyes shut. The darkness keeps flowing in and out as she battles her inner spirit, but now I finally understand how it's working.

It seeps into her fractures, moving through them like water following a river's path. But it reaches dead ends with nowhere to go, forcing the darkness to retreat and try another route.

The cracks don't connect, making her Lycan push harder. Was this her goal? To break Athena in any way possible. I've never seen darkness operate so strategically. A soul's darkness doesn't usually have intelligence behind it. It doesn't get years to develop and plan.

I couldn't help but wonder what her Lycan's ultimate plan was. Turn her Rogue and then what? She'd be incapable of leadership, unless she convinced others to turn Rogue. The world would be doomed.

"She hasn't been with you long, has she?" I needed more information.

"Before my pregnancy." Her frown deepens. "Less than two years. Why does that matter?"

"And you're twenty-three now?"

"Yes, why? What does my age have to do with anything?"

Her Lycan has had years to simmer, trying to break through. It must be furious that it took so long to communicate with Athena. The truth is, they're always present. They just can't break through until the host matures. In Athena's case, it took even longer. "Just filling in the gaps." I murmur quietly.

"Well?" She asks me, her big blue eyes pleading. "Please tell me it's possible!"

I shake my head. It's not something I've ever encountered in all my Hunter knowledge. But then her Bloodline is exceptionally rare too. I'll have to ask that surfer boy about the book supposedly written by her ancestor. Maybe there are more clues about her nature.

"So it will happen. Eventually, I'll become the very thing I despise." Her face falls, tears glistening in her eyes.

I expected Zachary to reassure her that we'd find a solution. But even he remains silent, considering if her prediction might be true.

The blackness of her soul continues retreating until it's barely visible at the edges again. I knew her Lycan could hear every word I said, which is why I hadn't discussed what Nyx was doing to her. I didn't want to give her Lycan any ideas, and I really didn't want to have to put Athena down to stop her.

I wouldn't get my answers if she died. I wouldn't be able to prepare Charlotte for the future Lycan Alphas she'll need to confront.

"So what can she do?" Zachary asks me.

"I thought you didn't believe me." I raise an eyebrow at him.

"Not about everything, but I can't deny your knowledge about Lycans." He mutters grudgingly. I could tell it cost him to admit that. Even if he looked like he wanted to punch me the entire time.

"I need to review my family's records." I mutter, thinking there might be something I overlooked.

"I need to see my boys." Athena says firmly.

Zachary gives her a warm smile. "That's an excellent idea. I'll take you to them."

"Stay with her." I add as they prepare to leave. If she was going to turn Rogue, everyone needed to be prepared.

Everyone thinks standard Rogues are dangerous, but dealing with one that has a bloodline like hers would be something entirely different.

As they head toward wherever her sons are being kept, I return to the training hall. Alexander is still speaking with the Lycans while Sebastian and Theodore chat with some pups.