Chapter 51 - After the Meeting
The chamber felt smaller once Rowan and Kael left.
Quieter.
Athena didn't move from her seat right away.
Her mind replayed the conversation in pieces - Kael's stare, the word liability, the way Silas had spoken about her without hesitation.
Silas watched her from the head of the table.
"You're thinking," he said.
She let out a small breath. "Is it that obvious?"
"Yes."
Athena finally stood and walked slowly toward him.
"Why doesn't he trust me?"
Silas didn't pretend to misunderstand.
"Because it is his role not to."
She frowned slightly.
"That's not an answer."
Silas rose from his chair and met her halfway around the table.
"Kael is responsible for threats I might overlook," he explained. "He questions everything. Everyone. Even me."
Athena's voice softened.
"It still hurt."
Silas's expression shifted slightly at that.
"He did not mean to wound you," he said. "He meant to protect this place."
Athena nodded faintly.
"I know."
She hesitated, then admitted, "I don't want to be a liability to you."
The words came out quieter than she meant them to.
Silas stepped closer.
Close enough that she could feel his warmth again.
"You are not," he said firmly.
Her eyes searched his.
"But I don't even know what I am yet."
Silas's hand lifted slowly and gently cupped the side of her face.
The touch was warm.
Steady.
Athena's breath caught as she leaned into it without meaning to.
"You are becoming," he said softly.
Her heart began to race again.
The air between them shifted, thickened.
Her hands rested lightly against his chest, feeling the solid strength beneath his shirt.
Their faces were close.
Too close.
She could feel the warmth of his breath against her lips.
"I don't want to cause problems for you," she whispered.
Silas's thumb brushed lightly along her cheek.
"You are becoming my greatest strength."
Athena's chest tightened at the words.
Her eyes flicked briefly to his lips.
Then back to his eyes.
They stayed like that for several long seconds.
Close.
Breathing each other in.
The pull between them stronger than ever.
But he didn't kiss her.
And she didn't ask him to.