Chapter 9. At the Grand Hall

Alone in the grand hall, surrounded by revelry but feeling utterly isolated, Lily’s emotions continued to whirl, a tempest within her. She fought to keep her composure, determined not to let her vulnerability show. But deep down, she longed for reassurance, for Caleb to return and mend the fragments of their relationship that were threatening to shatter.

Lily couldn’t bear to watch any longer. She stood up from the bar stool that she had spent almost all the evening on and walked outside. The cold breeze brushed against Lily’s skin as she stepped outside, determined to uncover the reason behind Athena’s urgent call for Caleb. The moon hung high in the night sky, casting a pale glow over the tranquil garden. Lily scanned the surroundings, her eyes straining to catch a glimpse of any movement or sign of their presence.

But as she wandered through the garden, she found it eerily empty. Confusion gnawed at her, and a tinge of disappointment settled in her chest. Was Athena p