Medusa exhaled a trembling breath, her shoulders finally lowering as the presence of Athena dissolved from the room like a storm passing just overhead. The tension that had clung to every corner of the chamber began to recede, but the silence that followed is far from comforting—it's ominous, like the quiet after a lightning strike, when everyone waits to see what has truly been damaged.
Aleysia's hand remained gently wrapped around Medusa's, grounding her like an anchor in turbulent waters. Her thumb moved in slow, soothing circles along the back of Medusa's hand, small, deliberate motions that reminded her she's no longer alone.
"Are you okay?" Aleysia asked softly, her voice tender, edged with worry. Her warm brown eyes searched Medusa's face for signs of distress.
