The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 237

Eloise, who had just arrived, was so shocked by the scene that she let out a horrified shriek and instinctively clapped her hands over her eyes.

Michael never expected Athena to be so murderous. With no other choice, he pulled Willow protectively into his arms.

Yet before they could even catch their breath, Athena’s blade was already upon them again.

Left with no alternative, Michael kicked Athena away.

As a seasoned warrior, his raw strength was formidable. Even holding back, his kick still sent Athena sprawling to the ground.

“Athena,” Michael murmured, his eyes filled with pained reluctance.

He wanted to check on Athena’s injuries, but Willow clutched his arm in a death grip.

Deathly pale, Willow stared up at him with terrified eyes. “Michael, save me. Athena is trying to kill me!” she cried.

Her iron grip pinned Michael’s arms, and he couldn’t move an inch.

Just as Athena tried to rise again, Matthew attacked the side of her neck, knocking her out.

“Oh, Athena!” Eloise gasped, rushing to Athena’s side as she saw Athena collapse.

Just as Eloise was about to examine Athena’s injuries, she heard Willow’s soft, frightened sobbing.

Trina also rushed to Athena’s side, helping her up. “Athena, Athena, please wake up!”

Only then did Eloise turn to Willow, taking in her disheveled appearance, clothes torn and splattered with blood.

Terror filled Willow’s once–clear eyes, and her whole frame trembled slightly.

Eloise’s heart ached as she looked Willow over, then pulled her into a tight embrace. “Shhh… It’s okay now. You’re safe.”

“Mother…” Willow whispered faintly before collapsing backward.

Reluctantly, Michael tore his gaze from Athena and caught Willow as she collapsed.

He scooped Willow into his arms and ordered the servants, “Take Athena back to her chambers, now!”

Matthew finally regained his composure and issued a deadly order, “If a single word about what happened today goes out, all of you will be dead.”

The word “dead” sent shivers down the servants‘ spines.

They nodded frantically, too terrified to even breathe loudly.

Michael carried Willow away, with Eloise and Matthew following close behind.

Trina supported Athena, tears streaming down her face.

‘My poor lady,‘ Trina thought, ‘she finally found Macy, only to watch her die right before her eyes. How could she not go

mad?‘

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Meanwhile, Ferris arrived at the gates of the duke’s estate with his men.

But the gates were tightly shut. No matter how hard he knocked, no one responded from within.

Ferris’s brow furrowed in frustration as he asked sharply, “What’s going on? Why won’t they open the gate?”

The servant replied helplessly, “Lord Ferris, the duke’s estate is closed today, no visitors allowed.”

Ferris was frantic with worry. He rushed over immediately upon receiving the news.

He never expected to be turned away at the duke’s estate.

Unable to force his way in, Ferris had no choice but to order his attendant, “Go and see what’s going on inside the estate.

The attendant nodded and slipped around to the back gate.

To his surprise, the back door, usually left unattended, was now tightly guarded.

Before he could say a word, someone shooed him away.

Hanging his head, he returned to report, “Lord Ferris, everyone inside the duke’s estate is tight–lipped. I couldn’t get any information.”

“No information at all?” Ferris felt a surge of anxiety, his mind racing. ‘Could something have happened to Athena?‘

After a moment’s hesitation, Ferris stepped down from his carriage and personally approached to knock on the door.

He waited for a long time before a grumpy gatekeeper finally opened it. Upon recognizing Ferris, the man forced a pained expression and said, “Please forgive me, Lord Ferris, but the duke’s estate isn’t receiving visitors today. You’d best return.”

“How dare you! I am Athena’s fiancé. I demand to see her. Open this gate at once,” Ferris urged.

However, the gatekeeper stood firm. “My apologies, but I can’t disobey orders. Please leave.”

With that, he slammed the door shut decisively.

Ferris was so angry that he kicked the door hard, his face twisted with helplessness.

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