I took a steadying breath, smoothed down the front of my yellow dress, and stepped around the corner with as much forced confidence as I could muster.
"Good morning," I said, my voice sounding a little breathier than I intended.
Demetrius stopped his pacing instantly. He turned to look at me, and for a split second, I saw it—that fierce, burning focus in his eyes that he had mentioned to Athena. It was raw and possessive, but it softened the moment our eyes met.
Athena looked a little guilty, clearing her throat and offering a small, tight smile. "Good morning, Rachel. You’re up early. How is your head feeling?"
I reached up, touching the bandage on my forehead, but my eyes stayed on Demetrius. "Better," I lied, though the real ache was the one in my chest, swirling with the weight of
