75. Old Flames

Dante's POV

I couldn't tell if it was the recent stress from the kingdom or my emotions toiling with my mind, but I could swear that I felt her presence. I perceived her.

I knew it was impossible for her to be around. No one would ever come back after such rejection.

"Why are you out of your room, mother?" I approached my mum as I arrived at the lobby.

The other woman in front of me backed me, but I saw my daughter in her hands. She must be one of the maids.

I noticed the tears in my mother's eyes. I was forced to ask,

"What happened while I was away? Was there another attack? Can someone answer me? Where are the other maids?" I continued, but I got no reply.

I was about yelling at the woman, whom I mistook for a maid when she turned around.

"Athena..." my words trailed off. My worry-stricken face melt into fear, passion and regret.

I lived to regret the very day I rejected her. I wished there was some way I could seek forgive or turn back the hand of the clock. But I knew Athena. T