Xander’s words struck Athena’s heart like a punch to the gut. “Wait for what?” Athena wondered.

Athena’s heart raced wildly. “I need to ask him,” she thought anxiously, but Xander remained silent.

Xander pulled Athena into his arms with a domineering grip, swept her up in a bridal carry, and strode purposefully out of the palace.

Along the way, the servants trembled and fell to the ground as Xander passed by, not daring to raise their heads.

Athena was utterly terrified, her mind consumed by sheer panic.

“Even I could tell something was wrong,” Athena thought, a sense of unease creeping in. “Xander treats me differently than he does other women. But why is that?”

Athena was so stunned she forgot to struggle, only snapping back to reality when Xander placed her in the carriage waiting outside the palace.

Athena’s face drained of all color, but the words she wanted to say were stuck in her throat.

Xander gave her an icy look. “What do you want?”

That glare made Athena swallow her words.

Athena thought anxiously, “What if I’m just overthinking this? What if he sees me as nothing but a joke?”

Athena shook her head, forcing composure back onto her face. “No… nothing,” she murmured.

Xander clenched his fist slightly. He’d been on edge; if she just asked, Xander would have had the guts to tell her everything.

What the hell is this? Xander thought bitterly.

“Athena!” Ferris suddenly called out, shattering the moment between them.

Xander frowned and looked toward the newcomer; it was Ferris, hurrying over.

Xander suppressed the storm of emotions in his eyes and fixed Ferris with an icy stare.

Even Ferris had to bow before Xander’s overpowering presence.

He stepped forward, bowed with clasped hands, and said respectfully, “Greetings, Prince Xander.”

Xander ignored him completely, his face frozen in an icy glare as he looked at Ferris like a sworn enemy.

Ferris suppressed his fear and added firmly, “I’m here for Athena.”

Xander said coldly, “Got nothing better to do?”

Ferris was left completely baffled.

Just as Ferris was about to speak, Xander swung onto his horse and rode off without a word.

Ferris finally breathed a sigh of relief, only then noticing Athena. He turned to her and flashed her a warm smile. “Athena, let’s go.”

Athena and Ferris returned to the southern cottage. This was once Macy’s home, now serving as Athena’s temporary refuge.

Once her wounds were treated, Athena’s first move was to see Macy.

“Miss, your wounds haven’t fully healed. You must rest,” Trina Pierce said gently, unable to bear seeing her move about while still injured. With concern in her eyes, Trina urged, “Why don’t you let Lord Ferris handle Macy’s funeral arrangements? You should take care of yourself.”

Ferris stayed right by Athena’s side. Whatever she needed, all she had to do was ask.

Athena shook her head firmly. “Macy lived with me all these years, yet she didn’t get the peaceful end she deserved. No matter what, I must personally see her off.”

Seeing her determination, Trina had no choice but to follow behind.

Macy’s body lay in the side room at the back of the courtyard.

Every step Athena took was like walking on broken glass; the agony pierced her to the soul. That very pain sharpened her mind like a whetstone. Athena knew that she had to fight Willow and Matthew to the death.

I won’t let Macy die in vain, Athena vowed silently, her fists clenched in determination.

Ferris sprang to his feet when he saw Athena come out. “Athena,” he murmured, his voice tender and full of concern.

I’d give anything to take all of Athena’s pain upon myself! Ferris thought desperately.

Athena forced a faint smile. “Thank you… Ferris.”

Ferris frowned, clearly unhappy. “You don’t have to thank me, Athena. There’s no need for that between us.” He really didn’t like it when she tried to keep her distance with polite words.

He wanted to be Athena’s supporter, so she would never have to feel alone or helpless again.

But Athena was just too fiercely independent. She refused to lean on anyone.

Athena gave a small nod, then walked toward the back courtyard, her heart heavy yet resolute. Ferris wanted to stop her, but seeing the grief-stricken look in Athena’s eyes, he could only let her go.

Stopping her now would only add to Athena’s distress and serve no purpose. It was better to let her vent it all out than have her bottle it up and hurt herself.

In the side room, Macy’s body lay in repose.

Ferris had already arranged for Macy’s body to be cleaned and dressed in proper burial attire.

All that remained was for Athena to say her goodbyes before Macy was laid to rest.

Athena stepped forward, and the moment she saw Macy’s pallid face, the floodgates opened and tears streamed down uncontrollably. Athena collapsed beside Macy’s body, her shoulders shaking with sobs. “I’m sorry, Macy, I’m so sorry. I truly am…”

Athena dissolved into uncontrollable sobs.

To Athena, Macy was more than just a companion. She was family, a sister in every sense that mattered.

I searched for Macy for so long, believing that if I could rescue her from that miserable life, she could finally live out her days in peace, Athena thought bitterly. “Little did I know, my rescue became Macy’s death sentence.”

Athena was consumed by guilt, nearly driven mad. She knelt before Macy’s lifeless body, refusing to rise for what felt like an eternity.

Trina whispered gently in her ear, “Miss, it’s time to let Macy rest in peace.”

Athena nodded silently. Ferris directed the pallbearers to gently place Macy in her coffin, then led the funeral procession out of the city. They buried her in a tranquil, picturesque spot surrounded by lush greenery and clear waters.

For several days straight, Ferris stayed by Athena’s side at the southern courtyard residence. Knowing she was grieving, Ferris did everything he could to lift her spirits.

Ferris made sure all kinds of delicious treats and fun amusements were delivered right to Athena, ensuring she had everything she could possibly want.

Later that evening, Ferris knocked gently on Athena’s door.

“Athena,” he called softly.

Athena opened the door, her eyes still red from crying. Seeing Ferris, she managed a strained smile. “Ferris…”

Ferris smiled warmly at her, gently took her hand, and said, “Come with me, I’ve got something special to show you.”

Athena looked at him, her eyes full of confusion.

Ferris just smiled without a word and gently pulled Athena out into the courtyard.

Lights and decorations adorned every branch, filling the courtyard with a warm, radiant glow.

At the very top, a brilliant full moon decoration hung brightly overhead.

Athena gazed at the dazzling spectacle before her, her eyes shimmering with astonishment and overwhelming gratitude.

No one has ever gone to such lengths for me before, Athena thought, her heart swelling with emotion.

“You did all this?” Athena asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Ferris smiled at her with tender affection. “I promised to be good to you, and I meant every word. If darkness scares you, I’ll bring you the moonlight to light up every path you walk, Athena.”

Ferris gently took Athena’s hand, his gaze brimming with tenderness. “Athena,” he said softly, “I’ve always longed to do something special for you. From now on, let me walk beside you through every day.”

Athena gazed back at him, her eyes reflecting the same deep affection.

Tears slipped from the corners of Athena’s eyes as she slowly nodded. “Yes,” she whispered, “let’s spend our lives together.”

Athena had been alone for far too long. The longing buried deep in her heart had finally sprouted, and now there was no containing it.

Since childhood, she’d yearned for family, for her parents’ love, and for the affection of her brother. But with time, she came to see those hopes as nothing but illusions.

So she locked away that longing deep inside.

She had grown cold toward everyone, her heart barricaded against any glimmer of hope.

But Ferris had become her salvation, bringing hope back into her life.

Yes, I do want to spend my life with Ferris, Athena thought.

Ferris was so overjoyed that he swept Athena into his arms, his face beaming with happiness. He kept saying, “Athena, this is wonderful, absolutely wonderful! Let me go get things ready, and then, we’ll get married soon!”

Athena’s heart skipped a beat.

With a firm nod that sealed her decision, Athena looked Ferris in the eyes and said, “Yes, let’s get married.”

Athena told herself, “Life goes on; I must keep moving forward.”

Getting married would open the door to a whole new life; wasn’t that a rebirth in itself?