ATHENA

I wrap my arms around myself, trying to take a proper breath and decide what

comes next. Isabelle came to check on me, and I was about to rush out when she

relieved me with an update.

Sloane is stable now.

Still unconscious, but stable.

And I'll do whatever it takes to make sure she walks again, even if I have to give her my own damn legs.

The door creaks open.

I glance up.

Alex steps in and pauses mid-step when he sees me awake. I guess he wasn't expecting that.

"Why do you look shocked? Where were you hoping I'd die?" I mock, not bothering to hide my annoyance.

"You're awake?" he says softly, ignoring the insult I just hit him with.

Alexander King? Having a soft voice?

It's strange. All my life, Alex's voice has been clipped and cold.


Not this.

I nod once, my throat dry, feeling like I've swallowed sandpaper.

He walks toward the side of the bed, carefully lowering himself into the chair like he's afraid he'll break me just by existing.

a paper bag

you some tea," he says, lifting it

I like

did Alex ever notice something like

don't move. I'd rather

his voice

Hate?

Hate?

feel for him goes beyond hate, I fucking despise

I snap.


the grief, the exhaustion, it

the room like a blade. "What is this? We work together to

"Athena-"

you! I hate

flinches like I slapped

son. The same son you accused me

blur my vision, but I won't let them fall.

never see me cry

Not in this life.

get the fuck

me, full of something I can't read, remorse, maybe. Regret. But this is Alex we're talking about. He

remorse.

fuck out, Alex," I snarl, my voice cracking


"Athena, I-"

GET OUT!" I yell, my breath laboured, and

has done, he thinks walking in here with a stupid cup

rush in and

best you leave.

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