|| ATHENA's POV ||

As the chains dug into my wrists, I gritted my teeth against the pain, refusing to let the slave owner see my weakness. His cruel laughter echoed in the dimly lit chamber as he approached me, a wicked grin twisting his features into a grotesque mask of sadistic pleasure.

"So, little bird," he sneered, his voice dripping with malice. "You think you're better than the rest of them, do you? Think you're too good to be a slave?"

I met his gaze head-on, my eyes blazing with defiance despite the fear that gnawed at my insides. "I'm not your slave," I spat, my voice laced with...