Lucius POV
Seven days had passed since Athena fell unconscious, her future soul bound to her past body. The process was delicate and draining, and even though she remained still, the news of her awakening had spread like wildfire. From the depths of Dei Krishna to the Northern Human Empire, rumors circulated that Athena was returning.
The council room buzzed with tension. Every duke, noble, and general of Decresh was present, their faces grim. Even the king, seated at the head of the table, watched silently. The weight of the kingdom's unrest hung heavy in the air.
"We need Athena now," Duke Albrecht began, his voice sharp. "Reports confirm the spirit of pride infiltrated our walls, using the arrogance of our own people to remain undetected. This palace, filled with prestige and power, was the perfect host."
I nodded slightly. He wasn't wrong. Pride had provided a foothold for the spirit to thrive, but the insinuation stung.
