Chapter 81 - Her Plan
Athena didn't wait for someone else to speak.
She studied the map for a long moment, eyes tracing the ridge line where the mages had carved their circles into the earth.
Then she asked quietly,
"What happens if I don't stay inside?"
The room stilled.
Silas's head lifted slowly.
Kael's eyes narrowed slightly.
Rowan watched her with careful attention.
Athena met Silas's gaze.
"They're trying to control the timing," she said. "They need those circles completed. They need us to sit here and wait while they prepare."
Silas's jaw tightened.
"Yes."
Athena nodded.
"Then we don't wait."
Silence.
She stepped closer to the table.
"If I'm visible inside the fortress, if they know exactly where I am, they'll rush it. They'll try to break in before they're ready."
Kael's brows lifted slightly.
Rowan's expression shifted.
Understanding.
"It forces their hand," Rowan said quietly.
Athena nodded.
"It gives you the advantage."
Silas's voice was calm.
"No."
Athena turned to him.
"I'm not suggesting I walk into the forest."
His eyes hardened.
"You are suggesting you become the target."
"I already am," she replied softly.
Silas's wolf surged inside him, furious at the thought.
Every instinct screamed to shut this down.
To command her to stay in her room.
To remove her from the map entirely.
He could feel the Alpha command rising in his chest, ready to be spoken.
You will stay inside.
You will not put yourself in danger.
The words sat at the back of his throat.
But when he opened his mouth...
Nothing came out.
Athena was looking at him.
Steady.
Unafraid.
Certain.
And something happened that he had never experienced before.
His wolf... quieted.
Not because he forced it.
Because she did.
Silas blinked once, startled by the sensation.
She hadn't raised her voice.
Hadn't challenged him.
Hadn't done anything at all.
Yet somehow...
She overpowered him without knowing it.
Not with strength.
With presence.
With the quiet authority that came from knowing she was right.
Silas swallowed hard.
He agreed with her.
Strategically, it made sense.
But every part of him recoiled at the idea of even the smallest chance of losing her.
Kael spoke carefully.
"She's right."
Silas shot him a warning look.
Kael didn't back down.
"She's not bait," Kael added. "She's the reason they're here."
Athena nodded once.
Silas's voice dropped low.
"I will not use you as bait."
Athena stepped closer to him.
"I'm not bait," she said gently.
Her eyes held his.
"I'm the reason they're here."