From Slave To Queen (by Karyn Anderson) novel Chapter 374

Dawn’s faint light pierced the lingering darkness, silhouetting the Cavendish Family Cemetery.

The coachman’s deep voice called from outside, “Your Highness, we’ve arrived at the Cavendish Family Cemetery.”

Athena drew back the carriage curtain, instantly enveloped by the cemetery’s solemn chill.

The convoy rumbled across the last stone bridge, and the massive guardian statues standing sentry before the Cavendish Family Cemetery loomed into view.

Xander stepped down from the carriage and extended his hand inside. Athena took his hand and gracefully descended.

Both dressed in plain robes, they walked side by side into the Cavendish Family Cemetery.

In the shadows, Nicolas exchanged a meaningful glance with Michael beside him.

Clad in black, Michael’s eyes flashed with a cold, ruthless glint. He gave a silent nod, then slipped into the western thicket as quietly as a shadow. In the blink of an eye, he had vanished from sight.

Willow’s eyes gleamed with excitement as she spotted Athena, like a predator eyeing its prey.

Cannons hidden beneath pine branches were already trained on the central altar of the Cavendish Family Cemetery, A single spark would transform this sacred ground into a blazing inferno.

Today is the day Athena dies,‘ Willow thought viciously. ‘And I’ll personally witness her perish and rot in.‘

Athena trod the slick, damp bluestone slabs, her eyes fixed on the desolate ancestral hall ahead.

The hall doors stood ajar, their pitch–black entrance gaping like a monstrous maw, poised to devour any who dared approach.

As Athena stepped within thirty feet of the hall, countless shadowy figures burst forth simultaneously from behind the cemetery walls, stone steles, and ancient trees.

Black–clad assassins brandishing scimitars swarmed in from all directions, instantly surrounding the hundred–strong royal guard in a tight, inescapable circle.

The blades glinted in the morning light, forming a chilling web of steel.

The air thickened with murderous intent, coalescing into a ghostly white mist.

“Assassins.” Panicked shouts erupted from all directions as the guards hastily drew their swords, their faces pale with terror.

The assassins already outnumbered them by a staggering five to one–and that was just the ones in plain sight. It was unknown how many more were lurking in the shadows.

Xander stepped in front of Athena, shielding her with his body. In one swift motion, his longsword flashed from its scabbard—a streak of silver light slashing toward the nearest assassin.

Athena retreated behind Xander, a poison–tipped silver needle slipping from her sleeve into her trembling fingers.

Athena’s gaze shifted to the altar just as Nicolas stepped out from the shadows.

Nicolas’s purple robe billowed in the morning breeze, a triumphant sneer twisting his lips. He taunted, “Athena, still breathing, I see?”

“It’s you,” Athena exclaimed, visibly taken aback. Her eyes swept over the surrounding killers before her voice turned razor–sharp. “Nicolas, what exactly are you scheming by bringing so many killers to the Cavendish Family Cemetery?”

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130 Sun, 20 Jul G

Chapter 374

‘If Nicolas just wanted me dead, why choose the Cavendish Family Cemetery for the ambush?‘ Athena thought, ‘Nicolas must be after the treasures in th Cavendish Family Cemetery.’

Athena let out a derisive laugh. “Surely you don’t actually think you can break into the Cavendish Family Cemetery?”

Nicolas gave a slow, deliberate clap, a mocking smile playing on his lips. “Bravo, Athena. You’ve seen right through me”

“Nicolas, enough talk. Just kill her.” Willow shoved her way out from behind the crowd, her face twisted in malice as she glared at Athena. Through clenched teeth, she spat, “Well, we meet again.”

Athena looked at the two of them and suddenly let out a mocking laugh. “I should’ve guessed you two were having an illicit affair. But I never thought you’d be so shameless as to actually end up together.”

“Shut up,” Willow snapped, her voice sharp with fury.

Willow jabbed her finger at Athena’s nose and spat, “Who the hell do you think you are to lecture me? Don’t even think about escaping from here alive today.”

Yet not a hint of fear showed on Athena’s face. Instead, she fixed Willow with a piercing glare and sneered, “At least I live with a clear conscience, unlike you–a sewer rat who can’t stand the light.

“Shut up. Just shut the hell up and bow.” Athena’s words had struck Willow’s rawest nerve. Willow jabbed a finger at her and shrieked, her voice shrill with fury, “This is your last chance. Bow and beg me for mercy.”

She tilted her chin slightly, her voice ringing with unshakable authority. “I am the Princess Consort, personally bestowed by His Majesty. My husband and I would rather die standing than ever bow to you.”

“I can’t stand that superior look of yours. You want to die? I’ll make sure it happens.” Willow retreated to Nicolas’s side, her voice laced with venom as she ground out through clenched teeth, “Nicolas, finish them.”

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