Athena let out a sharp, mocking laugh from across the table, drawing Marcus’s glare.
"Oh, please, Marcus," Athena scoffed, leaning forward. "You've been waiting for a broken twig just to have an excuse to point your finger at Rachel."
I held up a hand, silencing Athena with a glance before turning my full attention back to the elder. I didn't let his accusations shake me; instead, a cold, calm certainty settled deep into my chest.
"You think my father is the one testing the borders?" I asked, my voice dangerously soft as I stared him down. "If my father truly wanted to breach our southern line, Elder Marcus, he wouldn't leave a careless trail of broken branches and sloppy residue for our scouts to find. He would strike with the full force of his power."
I leaned over the table, tapping
