**Chapter 2: The Goddess's Interest**

Althea went about her day as usual, but she couldn't shake off the feeling that she was being watched. She glanced around, but saw nothing out of the ordinary. The streets were bustling with people, and the sun was shining brightly overhead. As she walked, Althea noticed a figure standing across the street, gazing intently in her direction. It was a woman with piercing blue eyes and long, flowing hair the color of dark honey. Althea felt a shiver run down her spine as their eyes met, but the woman quickly looked away, disappearing into the crowd. Althea wondered if she had imagined the whole thing. She continued on her way, lost in thought. Later that day, Althea found herself at the local market, browsing through the various stalls. She stopped to admire a beautiful vase, and as she did, she felt a tap on her shoulder. "Excuse me," a soft voice said. Althea turned to see the same woman from earlier, smiling at her. "Can I help you?" Althea asked, feeling a little wary. "My name is Athena," the woman said. "I've been watching you for some time now. You have a certain... spark in you." Althea raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?" Athena's smile grew wider. "I think you have great potential, Althea. I'd like to help you reach it." Althea felt a shiver run down her spine. There was something about Athena's words that seemed... off. "I don't need your help," Althea said, trying to brush her off. But Athena just laughed. "Oh, I think you do," she said. "You just don't know it yet." As Athena spoke, Althea noticed a subtle change in her demeanor. Her eyes seemed to gleam with an inner light, and her voice took on a hypnotic quality. Althea felt herself being drawn in, as if Athena was exerting some kind of influence over her. She tried to resist, but it was too late. Athena's words were like a spell, and Althea found herself listening, entranced. "I'll be seeing you," Athena said, before turning and walking away. Althea watched her go, feeling a little dazed. What had just happened? As she stood there, she couldn't shake the feeling that her life was about to change in ways she couldn't even imagine. Athena disappeared into the crowd, a small smile playing on her lips. She had taken the first step, and now all she had to do was wait. The sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the city. Althea felt a sense of unease, as if she was being pulled into something she couldn't control. And then, just as she was starting to feel really anxious, everything went black. When Althea came to, she was lying on a soft, comfortable surface. She looked around, trying to get her bearings. She was in a beautiful room, with lavish furnishings and stunning artwork on the walls. And sitting on a nearby couch, watching her with an intense gaze, was Athena. "Welcome back," Athena said, her voice low and husky. "We've been waiting for you."