Chapter 15

The news of Aethra’s death shattered every ounce of hope in me, leaving me feeling utterly lost and broken. My heart ached with sorrow and disbelief that the goddess herself could be the cause of such a tragic loss. Aethra had been a hope and her untimely demise felt like a cruel punishment aimed directly at us. It was as if the world itself had turned against us, and the despair threatened to crush my spirit.

As Rhea joined me on the grass, her comforting presence eased some of the burden in my heart. The thought of Zayne, unaware of my whereabouts and vulnerable to danger, gnawed at my mind. I couldn’t shake off the fear that Mavros might have already set his sights on him, putting my brother at risk. The unknown fate that awaited Zayne haunted me, making it difficult to find peace.

“Something is bothering you,” she pointed out, looking ahead. “Do you want to tell me about it? I could be of help if you let me in.”

“I want to see my brother,” I expressed, the longing evident in my