The grand council chamber had finally emptied, but the tension in the air remained thick, refusing to leave. Luca stood near the long wooden table, his hands resting against its polished surface as he watched the heavy doors close behind as each of the last council members walked out. The discussions were over, the accusations shut down, but the battle of words was far from over.
Athena remained behind, lingering around like a shadow near the tall windows by the side of the building. The golden glow of the setting sun framed her in warm light, casting a halo around her head that might have made her look angelic and innocent, if not for the sharp, knowing smile forming on her lips. Luca wasn’t fooled.
"Hey, you’re avoiding me," she said finally, her voice smooth and honeyed, but laced wit
