Chapter 72

** A Heart's Sacrifice**

Athena knelt on the cold marble floor of the council chamber, her heart pounding as she looked up at the assembly of Watchers, her hands shaking. She felt small beneath their gazes, like a moth caught in an unforgiving light. She knew the council would do anything to keep Lucifer in check—even if it meant punishing him for her existence in his world.

"Please," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Please…leave him alone."

Her words echoed in the silent hall, the weight of them hanging heavily in the air. The council members exchanged glances, a murmur of whispers rippling through them like a breeze.

Theon, the most callous among them, stepped forward, his face impassive. "If you truly wish to protect him," he said, his tone devoid of any sympathy, "you must sever your connection. Break the bond you forged with him."