The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 256

Xander’s words struck Athena’s heart like a punch to the gut.

“Wait for what?‘ Athena wondered.

Athena’s heart raced wildly. ‘I need to ask him, she thought anxiously, but Xander remained silent.

Xander pulled Athena into his arms with a domineering grip, swept her up in a bridal carry, and strode purposefully out of the palace.

Along the way, the servants trembled and fell to the ground as Xander passed by, not daring to raise their heads.

Athena was utterly terrified, her mind consumed by sheer panic.

‘Even I could tell something was wrong,‘ Athena thought, a sense of unease creeping in.

Athena thought, ‘Xander treats me differently than he does other women. But why is that?‘

Athena was so stunned she forgot to struggle, only snapping back to reality when Xander placed her in the carriage waiting outside the palace.

“Prince Xander, you…” Athena’s face drained of all color, but the words she wanted to say were stuck in her throat.

Xander gave her an icy look. “What do you want?”

That icy glare made Athena swallow her words.

Athena thought anxiously, ‘What if I’m just overthinking this? What if he sees me as nothing but a joke?‘

Athena shook her head, forcing composure back onto her face. “No… nothing,” she murmured.

Xander clenched his fist slightly. He’d been on edge, but she just didn’t ask.

If Athena just asked, Xander would have the guts to tell her everything.

‘What the hell is this?‘ Xander thought bitterly.

“Atheny!” Ferris suddenly called out, shattering the moment between them.

Xander frowned and looked toward the newcomer, it was Ferris, hurrying over.

Xander suppressed the storm of emotions in his eyes and fixed Ferris with an icy stare.

Even Ferris had to bow before Xander’s overpowering presence.

He stepped forward, bowed with clasped hands, and said respectfully, “Greetings, Prince Xander.”

Xander ignored him completely, his face frozen in an icy glare as he looked at Ferris like a sworn enemy.

Ferris suppressed his fear and added firmly, “I’m here for Atheny.”

Xander snorted coldly. “Got nothing better to do?”

That random remark left Ferris completely baffled.

1/3

Chapter 256

Just as Ferris was about to speak, Xander swung onto his horse and rode off without a word.

Ferris finally breathed a sigh of relief, only then noticing a light sheen of sweat on his skin.

Ferris turned to Athena and flashed her a warm smile. “Atheny, let’s go.”

Athena and Ferris returned to the southern cottage.

This was once Macy’s home, now serving as Athena’s temporary refuge.

Once her wounds were treated, Athena’s first move was to see Macy.

“Miss, your wounds haven’t fully healed. You must rest,” Trina Pierce said gently, unable to bear seeing her move about while still injured.

With concern in her eyes, Trina urged, “Why don’t you let Lord Ferris handle Miss Macy’s funeral arrangements? You should take care of yourself.”

Ferris stayed right by Athena’s side. Whatever she needed, all she had to do was ask.

Athena shook her head firmly. “Macy lived with me all these years, yet she didn’t get the peaceful end she deserved. No matter what, I must personally see her off.”

Seeing her determination, Trina had no choice but to follow behind.

Macy’s body lay in the side room at the back of the courtyard.

Every step Athena took was like walking on broken glass, the agony pierced her to the soul.

That very pain sharpened her mind like a whetstone.

Athena knew that she had to fight Willow and Matthew to the death.

‘I won’t let Macy die in vain,‘ Athena vowed silently, her fists clenched in determination.

Ferris sprang to his feet when he saw Athena come out. “Atheny,” he murmured, his voice tender and full of concern.

Ferris thought desperately, ‘I’d give anything to take all of Athena’s pain upon myself!‘

Athena forced a faint smile. “Thank you… Ferris.”

Ferris frowned, clearly unhappy. “You don’t have to thank me, Atheny. There’s no need for that between us.” He really didn’t like it when she tried to keep her distance with polite words.

He wanted to be Athena’s supporter, so she would never have to feel alone or helpless again.

But Athena was just too fiercely independent. She refused to lean on anyone.

Athena gave a small nod, then walked toward the back courtyard, her heart heavy yet resolute.

Ferris wanted to stop her, but seeing the grief–stricken look in Athena’s eyes, he could only let her go.

2/3