Chapter 38

** The Council's Verdict**

In the realm of Lanom, Taye was still reeling from what had just occurred. His mind whirled as he stood near the courtyard, replaying the moment over and over in his head. Athena had appeared—*spontaneously*, without any warning, without any form of transition. One moment, he had been giving orders to a goblin, and the next, she was there, standing as if she belonged, like she had always been a part of this world. It was as though reality itself had momentarily bent to allow her presence.

And she had called him by name.