Chapter 78

**Echoes of a Forgotten Bond-2-**

**Athena POV**

The more Athena met with Azazel, the more something inside her seemed to wake up, slowly like the first light of dawn. She couldn't explain it; it felt like being close to him pulled at some invisible string woven into her being. Every glance from him, every shared laugh, and every moment of comfortable silence made that string hum, vibrating with an emotion she couldn't quite name.

They had started meeting at the park bench almost daily. She looked forward to their talks as if they were a balm, easing the unknown ache in her chest.

"So, how are things with your family?" Azazel asked, his voice low as he leaned back on the bench beside her, his gaze distant.

Athena sighed, a knot forming in her throat. "My parents… Well, they're trying," she said, looking away, gathering herself. "Rehab is hard for them. It's like they're caught in this cycle, you know? They want to change, but it's so hard."