Athena’s grip tightened briefly before she released you, her face settling once more into the calm, calculating mask of the war goddess.

With effortless grace, she rose from the bed and turned toward the doorway where the maiden’s voice had come.

“Villagers don’t riot without reason,” she said evenly. “What did they do?” Her words were low, sharp as steel—already shaping a strategy in her mind.

Athena cast one last glance over her shoulder at you, a flicker of hesitation breaking her composure before she added: “…Stay here.” It was concern veiled as command—but thinly enough for anyone who knew how gods spoke to mortals they truly cared for.

“ I won’t have your blood spilled again today. “But her pride would never let the words sound like a plea.