Chapter 23

~Richard

I ran after her, cursing under my breath at James. It was all his fault. If he hadn't gotten me all riled up, I wouldn't have said any of the things I said.

Members of staff stared at me as I ran past, but I didn't care. My mind was focused on reaching Athena and explaining things to her.

"Athena! Where the hell are you?" I called out, my voice laced with a mix of anger and concern. Anger at myself for acting out of control and saying things I didn't mean, and concern for her as I could feel the pain coursing through her body. Sometimes this bond was a curse and sometimes a blessing.

"Athena! Athena!" I called out, wandering through the trees, peering in every corner in hopes of catching a glimpse of her.

No response.

"Ath…" I was about to say before I saw her sitting on the floor, hugging her legs tightly as if she was cold and rocking herself to and fro.

My expression softened. I took purposeful steps towards her and sat on the floor beside her, placing a hand around her sh