The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 763

**TITLE: Fake Girl 763**

He gazed deeply into Athena’s crimson eyes, his voice barely above a whisper. “On my journey back to Pidence City, I came across a clandestine report. It revealed that Ray had mobilized his forces northward, launching attacks from both flanks alongside the Northcold army. To evade their relentless pursuit, I was forced to feign my own demise and make a detour to Athkar in search of reinforcements.”

Xander paused, the weight of his words hanging in the air like a thick fog, before continuing, “That round trip consumed nearly half a month, which is why I returned later than I had hoped.”

Athena’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she responded, her voice trembling with emotion. “Why didn’t you send me even a single message? Did you know how it felt when I heard about your fall from the cliff? I was ready to follow you into the abyss.”

As she spoke, a surge of frustration propelled her hand forward, aiming to strike Nander. But before her palm could make contact, he deftly grasped her wrist, halting her in mid-motion.

With a gentle twist of her wrist, Xander brought her hand to rest against his heart, his other arm encircling her waist with an intensity that spoke volumes. He held her close, feeling the warmth of her body pressed against him, and noticed the slight tremors that coursed through her.

His own eyes misted with emotion, and he lowered his chin to rest atop her head, his voice thick with raw vulnerability. “As a Prince, I bear the heavy mantle of responsibility for our country and its people. How could I not wish to send a message back to Pidence City? But the truth is, Ray has seized control of every stronghold there. Our hidden allies have either perished or fled, and the slightest misstep could reveal your whereabouts.”

He tightened his embrace, pulling her even closer as if he wished to fuse their very souls together. “I can’t afford to gamble with your safety. As long as you are unharmed, I would willingly endure any suffering, for it would all be worth it.”

Nestled against him, Athena found solace in the rhythmic cadence of his heartbeat, a steady sound that anchored her amidst the turmoil swirling in her mind. It was a soothing balm, calming her fears as if they were storm-tossed waves crashing against a sturdy shore.

Yet, a tide of grievance still surged within her. With a sudden burst of energy, she raised her hand and pounded against his back, but her strikes grew weaker with each passing moment. “You absolute bastard…”

Xander allowed her to vent her frustrations, gently patting her back with his free hand, as if he were comforting a child who had been wronged.

“Alright, enough of the tears,” he said softly, cradling her face in his hands. His thumb brushed away the tears that streaked down her cheeks. “If you keep crying like this, you’ll look just like a little tabby cat.”

Athena shot him a glare, her eyes still rimmed with red, but a reluctant giggle escaped her lips despite the gravity of the situation.

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