Mlv
Athènia's POV
I sighed and sat up properly. Uncle Kevine was watching me.
Kevine: Garth has already told me about the story that turned those three beings into enemies.
Athènia: Yes… but that's not what we really needed to know.
Garth raised an eyebrow at me.
Garth: What do you mean?
Athènia: The truth we needed to uncover was what really happened 17 years ago.
Mara: The reason behind the rebirth of such strong hatred.
Athènia: Exactly. The reason behind my mother Nancia's death, and the death of the Vampire Lord's brother, Karmil.
Asher: What happened?
I took a deep breath before speaking.
Athènia: Seventeen years ago, the King—my father—my mother, Karmil, and his partner Ilsa were in this forest. We weren't the first ones to want an alliance; they also wanted peace and to stop the endless war between the three races. They believed the hatred was unjustified, since the war had lasted for centuries without reason. They had already agreed to an alliance before taking power, but something unexpected happened. Ilsa was a spy for the Supreme. She had poisoned them with hallucinogens, making the three of them hallucinate and fueling their hatred. My father killed Ilsa, Karmil's partner, for her betrayal. But when Karmil woke up and saw her dead, he believed my father had murdered his mate. Before he could act, the Supreme killed him—and made it look as if my mother was the murderer. Then, the Supreme made my father look guilty of killing my mother, claiming she had tried to assassinate him. Both their families only saw assassins who had killed their loved ones.
They all looked shocked.
Kevine: This whole story is… complicated.
Athènia: My entire life is complicated.
Mara put a hand on my shoulder. I quickly wiped away the tears that were threatening to fall.
Mara: What happened after?
I ran my hands through my hair.
Athènia: I'm tired of all these truths. After my mother's death, my father intended to let me and my brother die. I knew the King didn't love us, but wanting me and my brother dead—that was too much. I grew up without a mother, yet I still kept hope that my father would love us… but no. He has hated us since we were babies.
Garth looked at me with sadness in his eyes. Why was I crying? I didn't want to be this weak. I had to be strong. I wiped my tears again.
Athènia: I don't even know why I'm crying when I've known this all along.
I stood up.
Athènia: Come on, we need to get ready before Tevi punishes us for being late.
Asher chuckled.
Asher: I'd like to remind you that you're Mr. Ken's protégé.
Athènia: That doesn't mean I should take advantage of it. The others don't know who I am.
I said as I went into the bathroom. I took a quick shower and put on comfortable clothes for the forest.
Kevine: Athènia.
Athènia: Yes, uncle?
Kevine: If you ever need anything, I'll be there.
I looked at him, slightly shocked.
Kevine: I know you're surprised—you expected me to blame you because my father banished my mother to marry your grandmother. But don't worry, I hold no grudge against you. You are my niece, and I can't wait to meet my nephew as well.
He kissed me on the head.
Kevine: If you ever need me, just call.
He even handed me his business card, which left me stunned. Garth looked just as surprised to see his father behave like this toward me.
Athènia: Thank you, uncle.
Kevine: I have to go, there's an emergency at work. Garth, behave yourself and protect your cousin.
He left.
Garth: Did you enchant him or something?
Athènia: Honestly, I'm surprised myself.
Mara: Anyway… let's go.
We left our cabin and saw that the others were already waiting.
Tevi: We've been waiting for you.
Athènia: Sorry for being late.
Tevi: It's fine. Come here.
We joined them.
Tevi: Did everything go well with Mr. Peterson?
Athènia: Pretty well.
Tevi: Good. Today, we'll be exploring the forest. Take everything you need.
We gathered our supplies and set out. I was exhausted—we spent the whole day walking in the forest. To relax, I went to the lake we had discovered yesterday. I undressed, keeping only my bra and panties, and slipped into the water. Closing my eyes, I floated and swam. It felt so good.
Kora: The mate…
Calm down, Kora, I just want to rest.
I opened my eyes—and met his gaze. In an instant, he was in the lake with me.
Athènia: What do you want?
Kemran: You.
Before I could answer, he wrapped his arm around my waist and pressed his lips to mine.
Sparks shot through my body. Kora was thrilled, recognizing her mate, but I cursed my stupid wolf. No—I couldn't let him get close to me. Regaining my senses, I pushed him away and swam back.
Athènia: Don't come near me.
Kemran: But your body says otherwise.
Maybe it did, but I would never let him near me after what he had done.
Athènia: And I say, look elsewhere.
I swam farther away, but he caught up to me, pulling me back into his arms and kissing me forcefully. Despite my resistance, I let myself be swept away after fighting so long.