The only sound that stirred the quiet meadow was the whisper of a cool breeze passing through the tall grass, carrying with it the faint scent of earth and early dawn. The sky above hung in pale stillness, streaked with fading hues of amber and rose, as if nature itself held its breath in anticipation.
Aphrodite stood close beside Nathan, her hand lightly brushing his arm — a subtle gesture of familiarity. Across from them, Athena stood alone. Her blue eyes, usually sharp and unwavering, froze the instant they met his. For a moment, time itself seemed to hesitate.
She rarely allowed herself to show surprise, yet now, the goddess of wisdom found her composure cracking. Her mind, disciplined and trained beyond mortal measure, scrambled to make sense of what she saw.
Nathan.
Here.
Beside Aphrodite.
Her heart gave an involuntary shudder.
