After his long and sincere conversation with Athena, Nathan wandered through the serene gardens of Demeter. A soft breeze danced among the emerald leaves, carrying with it the fragrance of blooming lilies and ripened wheat. The air itself felt sacred, blessed by the goddess of harvest whose touch made even the soil hum with life.
He felt lighter — not entirely unburdened, but calmer — as though the sharp edges of his thoughts had been dulled by Athena's measured wisdom. Speaking with her had been like speaking to an eternal flame of reason. There were few beings in existence Nathan could treat with true sincerity, but Athena was among them. She was not someone he could ever deceive, nor would he ever dare use the manipulative methods he reserved for others — Hera, for instance.
Athena was different.
