Chapter 21

**The Price of Time**

Athena's Point of View

The council chamber feels even more imposing than usual today. Maybe it's the grim faces of the angels seated around the long, polished table, or maybe it's just the weight of the unknown pressing down on my shoulders. Whatever it is, the air is thick with tension, and I can't shake the feeling that this meeting is going to change everything.

I'm seated at the far end of the table, and across from me, Lucifer sits with an expression that could melt steel. His dark eyes are locked on the council members, and even from where I'm sitting, I can feel the barely restrained fury radiating off him.

Arion clears his throat, his usually calm demeanor a bit strained. "Athena, we've called you here today because we have something important to discuss with you—something that concerns your situation."