The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 761

**TITLE: Fake Girl 761**

The heavy atmosphere hung over the city like a thick fog, pressing down on everyone and stirring a deep sense of sorrow within their hearts. It was as if the very air was saturated with grief, making tears well up in the eyes of those who remained.

Athena knelt down, her gentle hands brushing against the grimy little faces of the children gathered around her. With a warm smile that belied the sadness of the moment, she said softly, “I will come back to you.”

“Then it’s settled! You must come back, pinky swear!” The child, with wide, hopeful eyes, extended his tiny hand towards her. Athena paused, momentarily taken aback by the earnestness of the gesture. After a moment’s hesitation, she slowly hooked her finger around his in a solemn promise, feeling the warmth of his small hand against her own.

Taking a deep breath, she cast one last glance at the people of the city, their faces a mixture of despair and hope, before turning to look at her relatives. The weight of the moment pressed heavily upon her chest.

“Open the city gate,” she commanded the guards, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her.

As the gates began to creak open, Alexandra shut her eyes tightly, unable to bear the sight of Athena stepping out into the unknown. The thought of losing her friend was unbearable, and she felt the sting of tears escape her lashes.

Kurtis, standing nearby, was unable to contain his emotions. The tears streamed down his cheeks, mirroring the sorrow that enveloped everyone around them.

A chorus of grief erupted as the city gate swung wide open. The citizens of the city knelt in unison, their voices rising in a heartfelt farewell. “Farewell, Princess Consort!” they cried, their voices echoing through the streets.

Outside the city, Ray’s honor guard stood at attention, their presence a stark contrast to the emotional scene unfolding. In front of the black bridal sedan, Ray donned a festive robe, intricately embroidered with golden patterns that gleamed in the light.

As he spotted the approaching figure draped in red, a wave of ecstasy washed over him, his eyes sparkling with joy.

Janice lingered behind him, her nails digging into her palm in a futile attempt to suppress her rage. Her face, however, was a mask of feigned delight. “Congratulations, Your Majesty, on finally getting what you desired,” she purred, her voice dripping with insincerity.

Ray wasted no time, rushing toward Athena with a fervor that made his heart race. “Atheny, we can finally be together,” he exclaimed, his grip tightening around her hand, yearning to pull her into an embrace.

But unbeknownst to him, a sharp dagger lay hidden at the tip of Athena’s fingertip, glinting ominously in the light.

In an instant, as his hand enveloped hers, she swiftly drew the dagger and thrust it toward his heart with a fierce determination.

Xander had trained her well, instilling in her the need to be quick, precise, and merciless when facing those who dwelled in darkness.

“You!” Ray’s shock morphed into anger, but before he could voice his outrage, Janice’s guards had already lunged forward, swords raised menacingly toward Athena.

“Don’t hurt her!” Ray shouted, desperation creeping into his voice, but Janice, consumed by her hatred for Athena, refused to heed his command.

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