30#30

30

In years gone by, Athena had consistently celebrated New Year's Eve at the Davidson family's ancestral home, providing companionship to Azrael.

Now advanced in years, Azrael's spirit was burdened by the demise of his child and daughter-in-law. He had become increasingly reticent with time, relying heavily on a walking stick as he stood solitary in the garden.

It was only during festive periods that Emmett would bring Athena back, and these occasions offered the elderly man some solace, alleviating his sense of isolation.

However, in recent times, Emmett would frequently concoct excuses about fraternal gatherings or business engagements, vanishing into the night more often than not.

In retrospect, Athena now understood that he must have been sneaking off for clandestine rendezvous with Aliana.

She massaged her temples, chiding herself for allowing these distressing recollections to resurface once more.