_Leah’s POV_

The next morning arrived too quickly.

I knew it before I opened my eyes. I felt it in the air. It was heavy. It pressed against my chest like an invisible hand. The day had come.

It was time.

I lay still in bed for a few seconds, listening to the quiet rhythm of Kayden’s breathing beside me. His arm was still around my waist. His warmth wrapped around me like a shield.

Athena stirred softly inside me.

It begins today.

“I know,” I whispered in my mind.

My heart beat faster.

I shifted slowly and turned in his arms. His eyes opened almost at once. They were...