Chapter 19: The conclusion
When Hael emerged from the ruins of the amphitheater, battered and bruised, Anthanasia felt as though her soul had left her body.
As the days passed, her fears grew. She began to regret ever encouraging Hael to enter the Battle Olympia, to take on the king as a prize. She couldn't bear the thought of losing him, of him dying in that brutal fight. But when she finally saw him, alive and almost whole, a wave of relief and happiness washed over her.
Without thinking, Anthanasia rushed into Hael's arms, her eyes brimming with tears.
Though exhausted, Hael caught her with surprising ease, holding her close. They stayed like that for a long moment before she pulled back, her gaze immediately drawn to his injuries.
"I'm so glad you're okay, Hael! I was so worried!" she exclaimed, her voice thick with emotion.
Loki fluttered anxiously nearby, his wings flapping in a frantic rhythm. "You had us worried too!" he chirped.
Hael smiled softly, reassuring them both. "Don't worry, I'm fine," he said, his voice calm despite the toll the fight had taken on him.
Anthanasia, however, wasn't convinced. She grabbed his arm gently and insisted, "Come on, I'll take you to a good physician I know. You need to get patched up."
As they began to walk off, Ceremus, having witnessed the reunion, couldn't help but frown, a sharp pang of something unfamiliar pulling at him.
"Who is that woman?" he asked Anemone, his voice carrying a rare edge.
Anemone followed the king's gaze, his expression shifting to one of understanding.