The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 215

Athena lifted her tear–streaked face, her voice coming out in ragged, broken gasps. “Actually, I think I might have seen Macy

before.”

“What do you mean?” Ferris looked at her, confusion written all over his face. He gently wiped away Athena’s tears with a handkerchief.

Sobbing uncontrollably, Athena choked out between ragged breaths, “That night when we went to the lantern festival, on our way back, I saw Macy. Her hair was wild as she ran toward me, but 1-1 didn’t even recognize her.”

With each word, Athena thought it felt like a needle was stabbing her heart.

‘She was so close–if I’d just looked up, I would’ve seen Macy right there,’ Athena thought bitterly. But she missed it.

Athena’s sobs tore through her chest, each one sharp with guilt and self–reproach.

‘How could I not recognize Macy after all these years she’s been with me?‘ Athena thought, her heart aching with guilt.

Yet even in her disoriented state, Macy recognized Athena’s voice instantly. Athena’s heart twisted with guilt as she considered him unworthy of being Macy’s mistress.

Ferris’s heart ached as he witnessed Athena’s anguish and self–reproach.

He gently pulled Athena into his arms, his eyes growing misty with tears. In a trembling voice, he murmured, “It’s not your fault, Athena. Don’t blame yourself.”

But Athena was consumed by guilt, unable to free herself. She would never be able to forgive herself.

It was a long time before her sobs finally subsided.

Athena raised her head, her eyes locking onto Ferris’s with unshakable resolve.

“Ferris, marry me. I want to be the Mcgee heir’s wife. I will have my revenge,” Tears streamed down Athena’s cheeks as she choked out. She laid bare all her ambitions to Ferris.

In this cutthroat world where power devours the weak, even as a master healer, Athena was no match for the aristocracy’s iron grip.

To protect herself, her friends, and her family, whatever it took, she had to climb the social ladder.

Athena knew how awkward this moment was. She hadn’t completely fallen for Ferris yet, but she vowed to herself that she would do her best to love him.

Ferris couldn’t help but feel a pang in his heart. The once innocent, carefree girl he knew had been forced to become this hardened woman.

Ferris’s heart ached for Athena. He would give her his best, his all, unconditionally. If Athena wanted to climb, Ferris would help her climb even higher.

Ferris nodded firmly, tears glistening in his smiling eyes as he looked at Athena. “Yes, Atheny, I will marry you.”

The truth was, Ferris had always wanted to marry Athena. The thought had always been there, buried deep in his heart, but Ferris had never voiced it out loud.

The dream was realized at last, if not in the way he’d imagined. But Ferris vowed never to release Athena’s hand again.

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The carriage stopped before the duke’s estate. Ferris reluctantly held Athena’s hand, unwilling to let go. “Tomorrow,” he said softly, “I’ll come to formally propose.”

“Alright, I’ll be waiting.” Athena said softly, standing at the doorway as she watched Ferris leave.

The rain had stopped and the wind had died down, but inside the carriage, Ferris frowned with concern. “The night air is chilly. Go on inside, Athena.”

Athena no longer hesitated. She gave him a gentle smile, then turned and entered the estate.

The butler hurried over as soon as he saw Athena return. “Lady Athena,” he said urgently, “We have found Matthew. He came back covered in mud and fainted from hunger. Would you like to go check on him?”

Athena didn’t break stride. “I’m no physician. Would my presence magically wake him up?”

Hearing this, the butler was momentarily taken aback and muttered under his breath, “But Lady Willow has already gone. I just thought you might want to go too.”

Trina shot the butler a look and rolled her eyes. “You’re overthinking it. Matthew never has a kind word for Lady Athena. Why would she even want to go near him?”

The butler froze in place, frowning as he mulled it over. ‘Well, she does have a point,’ he admitted to himself. He was just being nosy.

Back in her room, Athena collapsed onto the bed, utterly exhausted.

That night, terror seized Athena in her sleep. In her nightmare, Athena saw Macy’s mouth full of blood, while Willow stood holding half a severed tongue, grinning hideously.

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