energy

Lucius's POV

"My pupil..." The words danced off her lips, soft but undeniable. My heart jolted at the sound. Kiara had said it—my pupil. The same words Athena always called me.

For a moment, I wasn't sure if it was truly her. Could it be Kiara? Or was this Athena herself, speaking through her? My mind raced back to the years of exile, when I had been banished from my kingdom by my own father. It was Athena who found me, who took me in and trained me. She gave me a purpose, a place in this world when I had none. We always addressed each other formally—"my master" and "my pupil." No one else knew that.

And now, Kiara, lying unconscious, had said it. Was it the lake? Was Lake Gagnac drawing out Athena's memories because Kiara was in her body? Or was it something more profound? Had the lake's energy awakened Athena herself within Kiara?

There was only one way to know for sure. The thought made my blood pulse with excitement. If it truly was Athena—if she had somehow returned—I had to confirm it. The unseating. Maybe this time, she would succeed where she hadn't before.

I didn't even realize I was shaking as I stared at her. Then Kael's voice cut through the haze. "Your Highness! What has happened?"

Finally, I turned to face him, his expression wild with worry. "Stop shouting, Kael, and help me get her to the palace!" I barked, my patience wearing thin. His incessant questions grated on my nerves, but I didn't have time to entertain his concerns.

"Will you just do as I say for once and stop asking stupid questions?" I snapped, my tone harsh. Kael's mouth tightened, but he nodded and moved swiftly to help.

Together, we carried Kiara—Athena?—to the carriage. My thoughts raced as we traveled back to the palace, the weight of her unconscious body a constant reminder of the mystery surrounding her.

When we arrived, Asher and Ryder and Maidservant Tae were already waiting for us. They had ensured a clear path into the palace. Their precision and silence allowed us to sneak her in without anyone noticing.

"Take her to my chambers," I ordered. "And be discreet."

Maidservant Tae nodded, his expression grave as he examined her. Asher, Ryder, and Kael stood guard, ensuring no one interrupted.

Once we reached my chambers, I could hardly contain myself. My mind was racing with the possibilities, my hands trembling as I placed her on the bed. I couldn't wait for her to wake up, to see if her eyes held the same fire as Athena's once did.

"Wake up," I muttered under my breath, shaking her lightly. "Kiara, wake up."

Maidservant Tae stepped forward, placing a calming hand on my shoulder. "Your Highness, she's in a deep sleep," he said. "She was already weak, and whatever the lake did to her likely drained her further. Let her rest."

I let out a sharp breath, stepping back. He was right. I was acting irrationally, consumed by hope. What was wrong with me? I sat heavily in a nearby chair, my head in my hands.

"Asher, Ryder, Kael," I called. "Meet me outside."

As they joined me outside, Kael was the first to speak. "Your Highness, the spirit managed to escape, but I was able to trace its trail. It drained energy from some of the midges along the way and seems to have fled toward a bush path. I suspect there's a hideout nearby. If we locate it, we might be able to capture all the spirits at once."

I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. "And even if we do, Kael, how will we trap them? Only Athena has the power to seal those spirits. Without her..." My voice trailed off, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

Asher spoke up, his tone more hopeful. "Didn't they say they'd redo the ritual soon? That they'd find a way to bring the real Athena back, not just Kiara's soul inside her body?"

Ryder nodded in agreement, but their optimism only added to the weight on my shoulders.

I turned sharply toward them. "Where are Digion and Michael? Why aren't they here?"

Kael stepped forward, his expression calm. "I've already informed them about the spirit's trail. They're checking the bush path with a group of midges' soldiers."

"Good," I said, though my voice lacked confidence. The situation felt more unstable by the minute.

Kael hesitated before asking, "Your Highness, what exactly happened back at the lake? It seemed like Kiara said something significant, something only Athena would know."

I froze for a moment, then nodded slowly. "She did. Kiara said... my pupil. That was something only Athena ever called me." My gaze drifted to the horizon as I tried to make sense of it. "She seemed dizzy, disoriented, like she wasn't entirely herself. It's possible that Lake Ganyank's energy prompted some of Athena's memories to resurface. Or..." I paused, swallowing hard. "Or it's her. Athena's reincarnated soul finally breaking through."

Asher's eyes lit up. "Then we should confirm it. If her memories are returning, she could truly be Athena. The unseating—let her try again. The lake must have activated her energy."

I nodded reluctantly. "We'll ask her to unseat the sword once she's fully awake. But until then, we wait."

Before I could say more, I heard Maidservant Tae's voice calling from inside. "Your Highness! She's awake!"

My heart raced at his words. I spun on my heels and strode back into the palace without another word, the others following close behind. The moment of truth had finally come.