Daughter of oblivion: Claimed by four alpha(s)-Chapter 126 - 124: Choose me princess.

"Athena?" His voice cracked with disbelief.

And in that split second, every other pair of eyes locked onto her too. Rhydric’s expression sharpened instantly...possessive, intense and unreadable. Azrael straightened, lips parting slightly as if he couldn’t believe she was actually there. Theodore just sighed like he knew this was about to be chaotic.

Athena suddenly wished the ground would swallow her alive. Because now... she was trapped. In a house. With the four boys currently ruining her sanity.

And tonight? She had nowhere else to run.

Eryx pushed forward until he stepped outside, where she stood. Theo moved aside for him, eyes fixed on the unfolding scene. The others watched too, but it was Azrael whose reaction was impossible to miss, his jaw was clenched so tightly it looked carved from stone.

Without warning, Eryx pulled Athena into a hug, burying his face in the curve of her neck.

Athena’s breath caught. His chest, solid-hard pressed against her softer frame, flustering her instantly. What the hell was he hugging her for now?

"Why are you here in Theodore’s house?" Eryx asked as he finally released her. His voice sounded calm, but Theo heard it...the thin thread of jealousy laced beneath every word. Theodore’s eyes flicked from Eryx to Athena, and when her gaze accidentally met his, he smiled. Her knees nearly buckled at how effortlessly devastating it was.

She snapped her attention back to Eryx before trouble began. She’d ignored him for a whole thirty seconds...and it more than enough to spark his drama. And she wasn’t in the mood for his tantrums.

"I couldn’t sleep... alone," she stammered, forcing herself to hold his stare.

"You should have called me," Eryx said immediately. "I would have taken you to my house."

Theo let out a short, disbelieving laugh and shook his head at Eryx’s tactics.

"Eryx... ahem... I...I don’t even have your number," Athena muttered.

"I’ll give it to you then," he countered instantly. "So next time, you call me. Not him."

Athena nodded quickly. Anything to avoid his tantrums tonight. Anything for him.

A heavy silence stretched before Theodore finally spoke, voice cool and edged with irritation.

"Are you going to let her come in now," Theo said, his gaze on Eryx, "or are you planning to keep her outside all night?"

The words struck too close to what was running through Eryx’s mind. He didn’t want her going inside, not where the rest of his brothers would be staring at her with those hungry eyes. He wanted to scoop her up and take her far away from their burning gazes. He wasn’t oblivious; he knew very well that every single one of them liked her. And he would never allow them have even the smallest chance with her.

She was his. His and his alone.

Reluctantly, Eryx led Athena inside. Theo watched him, saying nothing, though his gaze spoke volumes. He knew Eryx couldn’t take her away from here...not if she didn’t want to go.

The door closed behind them with a soft thud.

Inside, Eryx made Athena sit beside him on the couch. The moment she settled, he reached for her jacket, removing it gently before draping it across her thighs, trying, but failed, to hide the exposed skin of her legs. She was wearing shorts. Shorts. What the hell had she been thinking, coming to Theo’s house dressed like that?

And the top wasn’t helping either. Thin spaghetti straps, the fabric clinging to her chest, outlining the soft, full curves of her breasts. Eryx swallowed hard. He wanted to grab those two blossom staring straight at him.

He wasn’t the only one having those silly thoughts. Azrael’s gaze was fixed on her boobs too. Rhydric’s too. Their eyes dragged slowly over her chest, darkening with the same hunger burning in him.

Eryx nearly cursed at them.

Theo saw it too. Every look. Every silent lustful thought passing between his brothers. And he saw Athena’s reaction, the way she shifted uncomfortably, her hand curling slightly as though she wanted to shrink into the couch.

Without hesitation, Theo took off his own white jacket, stepped forward, and slipped it around her shoulders. He zipped it up gently, shielding her completely as he leveled a sharp glare at the room.

Eryx didn’t like it. Not one bit. His jaw tightened at the sight of his princess wearing another man’s jacket. But he stayed silent. If he’d had a jacket of his own, he would’ve covered her first.

Athena murmured. Her voice small and shy. "Thank you."

Theo’s expression softened. "What should I get you?"

Athena shook her head quickly. "Nothing."

"Water, then," Theo decided before she could protest.

Theo disappeared into the kitchen, the sound of running water echoing faintly. The moment he left, the living room grew too quiet. Too heavy. Athena sat stiffly, feeling the weight of every gaze pressed on her.

Eryx didn’t look away from her. Not once. His arm rested behind her on the couch, not touching but close enough that she could feel the heat of him.

But Azrael’s stare was sharper. Rhydric’s jaw was set, his fingers tapping restlessly against his knee. They were pretending to relax, but she wasn’t stupid. She could feel the tension ripple through all of them.

Eryx noticed. Of course he did.

"Stop staring at her like that," he muttered low enough for only his brothers to hear, but his tone was lethal.

Azrael arched a brow, unfazed. "She came here on her own. Don’t act like you own her.."

"She came to see Theo," Rhydric added, smirking slightly. "If you’re jealous, that’s your problem."

Eryx’s glare darkened, and for a second, Athena thought he might actually lunge at him.

Before anything could escalate, Theo returned with the glass of water.

"Athena," he said softly, offering it to her.

Her fingers brushed his. A simple touch, but it made Eryx tense.

She whispered, "Thank you." Her voice was small, tired... and when Theo saw the exhaustion in her eyes, something in his chest tightened.

He sat on the chair opposite her, leaning slightly forward. "Athena... are you okay? Tell me what happened."

"I don’t want to talk about it," she whispered, the words trembling. "Tonight is already too much."

Theo nodded and didn’t push. "You can stay here as long as you need."

Eryx’s head snapped toward him. "She’s staying with me."

Theo shot him a look. "You don’t own her."

"I don’t have to," Eryx bit out.

Athena’s heart thudded painfully. This...this was the last thing she wanted. Their tension, their rivalry, the unspoken fight hanging between them.

She set the glass down, her hands slightly shaking.

Theo noticed instantly. "Athena." His tone softened again. "Do you want to sleep? You look exhausted."

She nodded weakly. "Just... somewhere quiet. Please."

Theo stood. "You can have my room."

Eryx immediately rose too. "She’s not sleeping in your..."

"Enough," Azrael finally said, his voice deep and cut like steel. "You’re scaring her."

Eryx froze.

Athena hadn’t said a word, but her eyes were glistening slightly, and her breathing was uneven.

Theo crouched in front of her, voice gentle. "Athena... do you want me to take you upstairs, or do you want Eryx to?"

What sort of questions is that? How did she keep on finding herself in a difficult possible.

Her gaze flickered between them...uncertain, overwhelmed.

Eryx shifted closer, eyes locked on hers, softer than before. "Princess... choose me."

Theo, for once, didn’t argue. He just waited, watching her quietly.

And everyone held their breath...waiting for her answer.