The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 657

Chapter 657

the Cavendish Family Cemetery.

Dawn’s faint light pierced the lingering darkness, silhouetting

The coachman’s deep voice called from mutside. “Your Highness, we’ye

we’ve arrived at the

at the Cavendish Family Cemetery

Athena drew back the canlage curtain, instantly enveloped by the cemetery’s salemin chill.

The convoy tumbled across the last stone bridge, and the massive guardian sises standing sentry before the Cavendish Family Cemetary loomed into

Xander stepped down from the carnage and extended his hand inside. Albena 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, nithless gint. 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

llow Seyes 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.

dapproach.

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

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 silverlight 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,” Athens 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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Chapter 657

“If Nicolas just wanted me dead, why choose the Cavendish Family Cemetery for the ambush Athens thought, “Nicolas must be the tren Cavendish Family Cemetery”

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

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

“Nicolas, ecough talk. Just kill her Willow shoved her way out from behind the crowd, her face twisted in malice as she glared at Athens 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 alve today”

At this, Willow seemed to recall something and burst into triumphant laughter. “You thought you’d have the last laugh, didn’t you? But you never imagined I’d be the real victor. Not only is Nicolas on my side, but even Michael still stands with me. Athena, the biggest loser here is you.

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