Athena’s mouth opened. She closed it silently. Then she opted to blurt, ”Why me? Why . . . why do you need an ally?” She began to tremble. ”What is so urgent that you could possibly . . .” Her voice trailed away.
She’d thought he was genuine. She’d thought . . . oh gracious, oh no. He’d tricked her! She was stupid. A stupid fool. Athena . . . you fool. She looked at Wendigo dully. ”Am I to assume your name isn’t Wendigo, then?” she asked bleakly. ”I’m just curious to know how you picked me out as such a possible target.” She ducked her head. ”Of course. I get it, you were just following orders; you decided to fool me into thinking you were some poor sap freezing to death. You know, it’s remorseless, lying creatures like you who bring about the end of the world.” Athena’s cheeks pinked with the cruel words. She’d honestly never said such a mean thing in her life. It was against her nature, but words were simply all she had to defend herself. Right here and now, she knew that she could never open her heart to another again. Her first time . . . and it had to be a trap. A trick. Godd a m n her heart; her judgment; this man. Curse the king who had sent Wendigo here to do this. Was that even his name?! She felt filthy, dirty, violated. Hot tears pricked her eyes.