She whispered, "But I will have to."
The training grounds were empty at dusk.
The sky bled amber into violet, casting long shadows over the bloodstained sand where Cassius had nearly died just a day before. He stood there now, arms folded, breathing deeply—testing his ribs. Bruised, but not broken. Not anymore.
Behind him, the gravel crunched.
He didn't need to turn to know who it was.
"Lucas," he said, without looking.
Lucas stopped a few feet away. "You recover quickly."
Cassius shrugged. "I've had worse."
A beat of silence.
"Not from someone on your side," Lucas said.
Cassius turned then, eyes meeting his. "Are we all really on the same side?"
Lucas's jaw tightened. "Don't play games."
"I'm not. Just being honest." He tilted his head. "Athena deserves honesty, don't you think?"
Lucas stepped closer. "Is that what you're giving her? Honesty? Or confusion?"
