The tension in the grand hall lingered like a ghost, refusing to dissipate even after Medusa's departure. The flickering lanterns cast wavering shadows, and for a moment, no one spoke.
Then—
Aphrodite exhaled dramatically, setting her cup down with a soft clink. "Well. That was fun."
Bast stretched lazily, her tail flicking behind her. "I almost thought she'd take a swing at you," she mused, her feline eyes gleaming as she glanced at Athena. "Would've been entertaining."
Athena shot her a look. "I wasn't in the mood for a fight."
Bast smirked. "Pity."
Hestia, ever the mediator, sighed. "Let's not make this more complicated than it already is." She turned to Athena, her warm brown eyes searching. "Are you alright?"
Athena hesitated. Then, with a quiet exhale, she nodded. "I didn't expect forgiveness."
"No," Amaterasu murmured, finally speaking. "But you wanted it."
Athena didn't answer.