Chapter 176

Tristan

I woke up with Athena in my arms and for a moment I just lay there, afraid to move, afraid to breathe too loudly in case this was a dream and any sudden movement would shatter it.

The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting soft shadows across her face, and I studied every detail like I was seeing her for the first time.

Her dark lashes rested against her cheeks, her lips were slightly parted, and there was a peacefulness to her expression that made my chest ache because I knew I'd almost lost this, had almost destroyed everything with my anger and fear.

She stirred...