Athena sat cross-legged on the rug in the smaller living room, surrounded by her children and a colorful scatter of books, pencils, and open notebooks. The twins leaned toward her, their little brows furrowed as they worked through their homework.
Athena smiled faintly as she corrected one of the answers, her voice soft, patient, and low. The smell of crayons and warm air lingered in the cozy space, mingling with the faint notes of vanilla from the candle burning on the table.
Just as she was helping her son rework a math question, the doorbell rang. The clear chime echoed down the hallway, and her hand paused midair. She tilted her head slightly, waiting for the servants to answer.
Her brows drew together in faint curiosity. Who could it be this evening?
