_Leah’s POV_

Time passed slowly after Tariq left. I did not know how much time had gone by. The room stayed dim and cold. My body hurt everywhere. The ropes felt tighter with every breath I took. My hands throbbed. My shoulders burned. My throat was dry beneath the gag.

Athena stayed close inside me. I could feel her presence like a thin shield around my heart.

Stay with me, Leah, she whispered. Do not drift too far.

“I’m here,” I replied inside my mind. “I’m trying.”

The door creaked open again.

My heart jumped painfully in my chest. Fear rushed through me like ice. I lifted my head as...