|| ATHENA's POV ||

As I went about my tasks within the castle, my swollen belly a constant reminder of the life growing inside me, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at the pit of my stomach. Asher's fury at seeing me work had taken me by surprise, his protective instincts flaring up in a display of anger that left me reeling with confusion and hurt.

"Athena, what are you doing?" Asher's voice rang out across the room, his tone filled with a mixture of concern and frustration as he hurried to my side.

I glanced up from my task, my heart pounding in my chest at...