Chapter 72 - The Night Before
Sleep did not come easily to the fortress.
Athena felt it the moment the sun went down.
Not fear.
Awareness.
She walked the halls quietly, her bare feet silent against the stone as she passed wolves stationed at every entrance. Fires burned low in iron sconces. Guards stood alert but calm, their eyes constantly scanning.
No one stopped her.
No one questioned her.
They simply nodded as she passed.
Like they understood she needed to see it.
To feel it.
This wasn't panic.
This was readiness.
Athena stepped out onto one of the inner balconies and looked across the courtyard. Wolves moved in pairs now. Shadows crossed torchlight in steady patterns. The gates were reinforced with thick beams she hadn't seen before.
Her chest felt tight.
Tomorrow.
Something would happen tomorrow.
She didn't know how she knew.
She just did.
She turned and made her way back toward Silas's room without thinking.
The door was slightly open.
He was sitting on the edge of the bed, forearms resting on his knees, staring at the floor like he had been lost in thought.
He looked up when she entered.
Neither of them spoke.
She crossed the room and sat beside him.
Their shoulders touched.
His hand found hers immediately.
Fingers lacing together.
They stayed like that in silence.
No kisses.
No words.
Just warmth.
Just presence.
Athena leaned her head lightly against his shoulder.
And as she closed her eyes, one thought settled deep into her chest.
This feels like the night before everything changes.