The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 212

Inside the shop, Athena sat at the low coffee table, unable to ignore the burning gaze from across.

Ever since they’d entered the shop, Ferris had been staring at her for quite a while.

Finally, Athena looked up at him and asked, “Why do you keep staring at me like that?”

Since they confessed their feelings to each other last time, Ferris no longer acted coldly toward Athena.

Hearing Athena’s question, Ferris let out a soft chuckle and said, “I just think about how foolish I was before, missing out on someone as wonderful as you.”

His words made Athena blush slightly. She gave Ferris a soft smile and asked, “Is there something urgent that brought you out to see me this late?”

The lanterns under the eaves swayed gently, casting dappled shadows through the shop.

The soft amber light fell upon Ferris’s face, adding a tender glow to his already handsome features.

Ferris straightened his expression and got down to business. “That matter you asked me to look into last time–I’ve got some leads.”

Athena grew visibly excited. “Where are they?”

Ferris’s expression turned hesitant as he debated whether to tell Athena the truth.

“Out with it.” Seeing his face, Athena felt a wave of dread wash over her.

‘If Thalia and Macy were really doing well, Ferris wouldn’t look like this,‘ she thought.

After much hesitation, Ferris finally spoke up, “After you left, Thalia and Macy were sold off.”

Athena’s breath caught in her throat; her hands clenched involuntarily, nails digging deep into her palms.

“At Southalley,” Ferris murmured softly.

Southalley was the most squalid brothel district, teeming with all sorts of lowlifes. Even a beggar could buy a woman’s company there for just ten coins.

Athena felt all her strength drain away. Helpless, she stared at the table and choked out, “Then what?”

For any woman sent to a place like that, it was a living hell. The brothel madams had endless cruel ways to break them and force them to serve men. Countless young girls either perished or lost their minds in that place.

“Thalia died on her very first day there. She threw herself against a wall. Now, only Macy remains.” Ferris couldn’t bring himself to tell Athena the details.

Even in death, Thalia had suffered unspeakable violations. As for Macy, her fate was even more tragic. The torment she endured was beyond anything most could imagine.

Athena’s eyes reddened instantly, blazing with grief and fury like ignited flames. She jerked her head up to stare at Ferris, her voice trembling as she fought to keep it steady. “Take me to see Macy now.”

Those once–lively eyes were now rimmed with frost, yet beneath that icy surface raged a hatred fierce enough to consume anyone in its path.

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Ferris’s eyes were filled with compassion and reluctance. After a long moment, he nodded gently and uttered, “Alright.”

He reached out to Athena. “I’ll take you there.”

Athena placed her hand in his, and only then did Ferris notice that her fingers were ice–cold, utterly devoid of warmth.

They arrived by carriage in front of a secluded manor.

On the way, Ferris had explained things to Athena. Macy’s trauma was so severe that she hardly recognizes anyone now. She often lashed out or screamed uncontrollably.

Athena nodded woodenly. “I understand.”

Athena had mentally prepared herself, but just as she reached the door, Ferris stopped her. He said, “Atheny, some hardships have already happened. You should try to let them go.”

Athena looked at him, utterly confused. “Ferris, what exactly are you trying to say?”

The light in Ferris’s eyes dimmed. Frowning, he told her the harsh truth. “Macy has been tortured beyond recognition. I’m afraid you won’t be able to bear it.”

Hearing this, Athena gritted her teeth and forced out, “I can handle it.”

‘I have survived the camps. I have made it through living hell. Fear? None, she wondered.

Athena pushed open the door and stepped inside. The room was sparsely furnished, every piece of furniture tightly wrapped in cloth strips.

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