Athena laughed then, a sound that echoed with reckless abandon.
Her laughter enveloped the council hall, creating a heavy silence born from sheer shock.
She laughed until tears streamed down her cheeks, unbothered by the glares of some of the townspeople or the veiled threats lurking in the eyes of others.
She laughed, holding her belly, shaking her head at intervals, and reveling in the absurdity of the moment.
Suddenly, she paused, fixing her widened eyes and laughing lips on Ewan.
"You want full rights? Wow, Ewan, you are really asking for it."
She laughed again, shaking her head as if lost in disbelief. "But then, that's expected from a man who is set to die soon; greed and covetousness."
Her laughter faded, and a chilling scowl replaced her playful demeanor, causing several people to gasp—starting to believe that she truly was the villain Ewan had painted her as.
