Chapter 15

~ Richard

I was at the garden, waiting for James to fetch Athena. We received information from our contact that her father had been murdered. I had known for two days but didn't know how to break the news to her. I knew it would devastate her.

Losing a parent is one of the worst things that can happen to anyone. It would make them feel abandoned and alone in this world marked by cruelty and evil. Unfortunately, I had to tell her; she had every right to know.

I heard footsteps approaching from behind and turned to see her. She was absolutely breathtaking even while clothed in the garments of a maid. How does she do that? How does she manage to be effortlessly beautiful all the time?

I could feel through our bond that she was excited, but I didn't know what that was about. She greeted me, and I responded.

I needed to tell her now. I felt sad and angry at Sebastian. It was his fault, the fact that I was about to kill Athena's joy. When our contact told us that he had held Athena's paren