Chapter 14: A Glimpse of the Truth

The sterile scent of antiseptic filled Athena’s nose as her eyes fluttered open under the soft glow of the infirmary lights. The rhythmic beeping of a heart monitor hummed beside her, steady and quiet.

Her body ached, heavy like stone. Every breath burned.

She shifted slightly and looked down, her right arm was tightly bandaged, and her leg elevated slightly, was wrapped in layers of white clear gauze. A tear slid from the corner of her eyes and fell silently on the hospital sheet.

The memory slowly returned, jagged and cruel. The attack, the screaming, the blood. Her own voice calling out—

“Lucian!”

But he never came.

Instead, as the fog had closed in around her, she remembered a silhouette.

A man, tall and huge pulled her from the edge of death, but his face was a mystery.

Before she could dwell longer, the door creaked open. A soft voiced nurse stepped in, clipboard in hand concern in eyes.

“You’re awake.” She said gently, walking over. “How are you feeling dear?”

Athena hesitated