48. Athena
I smiled subtly because I surprised even myself.
Wow!
Confidence.
The crowd drew in a collective breath, a ripple of murmurs sweeping through the hall. Bracing myself, I dared to look up and caught Lorenzo’s gaze. For a fleeting moment, something like approval flashed across his face. Or had I imagined it? He was so hard to read.
But whatever, I was doing this and I wanted him to see that he was right when he told me that I was strong.
Charlotte straightened, her posture recovering, but I refused to step back. Exhaustion clawed at me, every muscle in me screaming for relief, but I kept my stance firm.
This time, I pressed forward, advancing with a fierceness that surprised even me because… what was that? So, I could swing a sword like that?
"Isn't she amazing, Dad?" Cla
