The Bigshot's Superstar Wife - Chapter 45

Chapter 45: Return Trip

Mors and Athena exchanged a brief glance, a silent agreement passing between them.

They boarded the ship, each step carrying the weight of their shared experiences and unanswered questions.

As the ship ascended, Athena looked out the window at the forest below, now a shrinking blur of green and gray. I never thought my first variety show would end up in tragedy.

Her thoughts swirled with everything they had endured, the infected beasts, the mysterious marks, and the looming threat of a core entity controlling the Zergs.

Mors sat beside her, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp as he scanned the reports handed to him by a soldier.

“Once we land, I’ll contact the lab. The samples and data we’ve gathered will need immediate analysis,” he said without looking up.

Athena nodded, her gaze never leaving the window. “Do you think this is over?” she asked quietly.

Mors leaned back, his expression unreadable. “No. This is just the beginning.”

Their ship pierced through the clouds, heading toward Sinalta, where more answers, and undoubtedly more challenges, awaited.

There are more things I need to deal with when I get back.

–

The air was crisp as Athena stepped out of the transport and onto the sprawling grounds of Mors’ estate. I’m finally home…

The estate was as grand as she remembered, with its towering gates, intricate stonework, and sprawling gardens that seemed to stretch endlessly into the horizon.

How can I easily call this place my home? The staff greeted her politely, but Athena barely acknowledged them, her mind still clouded by the events of the past few days.

I don’t know the answer, too. She retreated to the quiet solitude of her room, her boots leaving faint trails of mud across the pristine floor as she entered.

She let out a long sigh, setting her belongings aside and sitting on the edge of the plush bed. I fought so hard to live well. I just need to keep living then…

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, snapping her out of her daze. Picking it up, she saw her mother’s name on the screen. Hesitating briefly, she swiped to answer.

“Mom?” she said, her voice softer than usual. She must have caught the news about the variety show.

“Athena, sweetheart, how are you? I’ve been worried sick. The news reports… they mentioned the show you were on. They said there were deaths. Are you hurt? Are you safe?”

“I’m fine, Mom. A little tired, but I’m back at the estate now. Mors is dealing with military matters, so I’m resting,” Athena reassured her.

Her mother paused, the silence on the other end heavy. “Athena, are you sure you’re alright? You sound… exhausted.”

“I’m okay,” Athena lied, not wanting to burden her mother with the horrors she had seen. “I just need some sleep.”

“Alright, dear. Call me if you need anything. Promise me you’ll take care of yourself?”

“I promise, Mom.” Athena ended the call with a faint smile, setting the phone back on the nightstand. It feels great to have someone care for you.

Her exhaustion finally caught up to her as she changed into comfortable clothes and slipped under the soft covers. I miss having a good sleep.

The warmth of the bed enveloped her, and she drifted off to sleep almost instantly, her dreams filled with flashes of red-eyed beasts and haunting laughter.

When Athena awoke, the sun had already dipped below the horizon, casting the estate in a muted glow.

She stretched, feeling the stiffness in her muscles from the days of relentless combat. The events still haunt my dreams.

As she sat up, a thought struck her, Mors’ estate had a massive three-floor library, a sanctuary of knowledge she had yet to explore. I should pass the time by gaining knowledge.

Curiosity rekindled her energy, and she quickly dressed before making her way through the dimly lit halls. This world has much to offer.

The estate was eerily silent, the only sound being the faint rustle of her footsteps against the polished marble floor.

The library doors loomed before her, intricately carved with depictions of ancient battles and mythical creatures.

Athena pushed them open, and her breath hitched at the sight before her. How did he collect all of these?

Rows upon rows of towering shelves stretched into the distance, each filled with leather-bound tomes, delicate scrolls, and artifacts encased in glass.

Where did so much paper come from?

Chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, casting a golden glow over the room. A spiral staircase in the corner led to the upper levels, inviting her to explore further.

Athena ran her fingers along the spines of the books as she walked, marveling at the wealth of knowledge stored here.

She picked a random volume from a nearby shelf, its title in a language she didn’t recognize. I hope I can recognize the characters in it.

Opening it, she found pages filled with symbols and diagrams, something that looked like ancient Zerg studies. So… nothing in here is ordinary.

Her curiosity deepened, and she settled into a plush armchair near the fireplace, the faint crackling of flames providing a soothing backdrop.

Suddenly a book caught her eye. Athena’s fingers traced the aged pages of the book as she read deeper into its cryptic tale.

The words seemed to leap off the page, weaving a story of darkness and intrigue within the royal lineage. Royal bloodline…

[In every generation of the royal family, a son will be born with the cursed gift, an innate ability to control the Zergs. This child, marked by destiny, is a danger to the kingdom, for his power is not one of loyalty, but domination. Tradition dictates that such a child be put to death immediately to prevent the rise of chaos and rebellion.]

Athena paused, her brow furrowing as she reread the passage. Why kill an innocent because of a mere tale?

The words stirred something within her, a memory of the shadow guards bowing to Mors, addressing him with reverence as “Your Highness.”

But he is not a royal! Why am I even imagining? But what if… then let’s imagine.

“Mors?” she whispered under her breath, shaking her head as if to dismiss the thought. No, it’s just a story, a legend. But the details in the book gnawed at her mind.

His unmatched combat skills, his calmness amidst the chaos, and the strange mark she had seen on the leaders of the Zerg hordes, and all seemed too coincidental.

She leaned back in the armchair, the crackling fire reflecting in her eyes as her thoughts raced.

What if Mors was somehow connected to this tale? Could he really…? No, it didn’t make sense.

Athena forced herself to laugh softly, trying to shake off the unease. It’s just a myth, probably written to scare people centuries ago. A good tale for bedtime, nothing more.