The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 664

Chapter 664

Michael would rather Athena still hated him–at least it showed he still had a place in her heart. But she no longer harbored any haired and with that even the last sliver of space Michael held in her heart had vanished.

“People have to look forward,” Athena said. “Once things here are settled, Xander and I will leave for our territory. After that, we’ll go our separate ways It’s likely we may never cross paths again in this lifetime.”

Truth be told, Athena was surprised by how that torrent of hatred had once consumed her, tormenting her day after day.

With the hatred gone, Athena was surprised by how unexpectedly light she felt, as if a weight had been lifted from her heart.

Michael looked at her with red–rimmed eyes, his voice thick with emotion. “He’s someone you can truly trust your life with. You’re bound to find happiness with him in this lifetime.”

Athena smiled, tilting her chin as she looked at him. “What about you, Michael? What are your plans for the future?”

They had finally made peace, yet Michael found no joy in it.

Michael was silent for a moment, then finally said, “I–I don’t know.”

Too many upheavals struck at once, leaving Michael reeling.

The Osborne family was finished. He was the last one left, with nothing left to plan for.

Athena then said gently, “Life can be hard when you’re on your own. If you meet someone suitable, you should settle down and start a family.”

“Start a family?” Michael murmured, shaking his head. “That’s not something I’m considering right now.”

Athena didn’t press him further. Letting out a soft chuckle, she said, “Thank you, Michael.”

Michael glanced at her, a trace of unease in his eyes. “You really don’t have‘ to thank me.”

“If it weren’t for you, Xander and I might not have made it out of the Cavendish Family Cemetery alive. But what puzzles me is–why did you send him the warning?” she was curious.

At the mention of this, Michael looked down, his voice thick with remorse. “I’m in your debt. I had hurt you too deeply in the past. All I want now is for you to be safe.”

Athena looked at him in surprise, as if she hadn’t expected his motivation to be this simple. She’d assumed he was merely trying to win back the King’s favor. ‘I was overthinking it,‘ Athena wondered.

After a brief pause, Athena added softly, “It must’ve been incredibly difficult for you, biding your time for so long.”

He said, “Back when I was trapped in the bandit stronghold, I went in fully prepared to die. But after seeing the true situation inside, I changed my mind.

“Especially when Nicolas and Willow spoke of marching on Pidence City, that only strengthened my resolve.

“I couldn’t let them hurt you, so I pretended to comply. That was the only way I could secretly get word to His Highness.”

After Nicolas’s death, Loretta and her gang fled in panic, only to be completely wiped out by Xander and his men.

The bandit stronghold was also set ablaze and reduced to ashes.

Xander eradicated the last remaining scourge for Arthur, earning him undeniable merit.

The captured bandits also confessed to Nicolas’s plot to attack Pidence City, revealing specific details.

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1217 Wed 30 Jul & Cu

Chapter 664

Among these confessions, it was also revealed that Michael, trapped in the bandit stronghold, had intended to take them al down with man

Athena let out a sigh. “Knowing Michael, that’s exactly what he’d do.” He would rather die on his feet than live on his knees

“Get some rest.” Athena rose and left. Michael watched her retreating figure, his eyes brimming with desolation.

Athena returned to her courtyard, but Xander was nowhere to be found.

Athena turned to Trina and asked, “Where’s Xander?”

Trina jerked her chin toward the room and said, “He’s sulking.”

“Huh?” Athena looked genuinely surprised. “Xander gets angry?”

It was no wonder Athena was surprised–ever since she had been with Xander, she had never seen him lose his temper.

Trina shrugged helplessly and said, “I think His Highness got upset because you wouldn’t let him go in with you. When he came back, he even kicked the door in frustration.”

Athena was stunned for a moment, wondering, ‘Is he really that petty? He actually kicked the door? I kept Xander out to avoid making Michael uncomfortable–and to sidestep any jealousy. Looks like he got jealous after all.‘

LAD

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