Faolan's journey from Brenden to Zarpha had been swift. Despite the exhaustion weighing on him, he barely allowed them rest on their way back. Though he didn't tell them, the convoy could feel the fear of what they had witnessed… the Shadow Court and the possibilities of being attacked.

They were all relieved when they could see the gates of Zarpha in sight. As they got to the gates, the guards saluted and led them to the place.

As he walked the palace halls, Faolan's mind raced, wondering how much to reveal about the events in Brenden—and, more specifically, Adrian's strange allies.

Approaching the grand throne room, he ignored the vaulted ceilings and intricate designs depicting Zarpha's victories over ancient enemies. His mind was elsewhere, far beyond these.

Queen Alannah sat upon her golden throne, her emerald green gown cascading elegantly around her. Her sharp, intelligent eyes tracked Faolan's approach with a calm composure.

She had always been a leader who demanded results, and today would be no exception.

Faolan bowed, lowering his head in respect. "Your Majesty."

"Rise, Faolan," Alannah commanded in her steady, clear voice. "What news do you bring from Brenden?"

Faolan lifted his head and met her gaze. "Your Majesty, Brenden has fallen into the hands of the Shadow Court. They struck swiftly, catching us off-guard, but—" he hesitated slightly, choosing his words carefully, "—Adrian and his forces fought bravely. They've taken back control of the settlement, but Adrian remains there to ensure everything is secure."

Queen Alannah's expression darkened for a moment. "The Shadow Court," she murmured, more to herself than to Faolan. "They've been busy, I see." Her gaze flicked back to him. "Tell me, Faolan, what exactly happened?"

Faolan took a steadying breath and recounted the events. "The Shadow Court had taken charge of Brenden even before we arrived, so it was like we walked into a trap. And when we didn't agree to join them, they attacked."

Alannah's fingers drummed lightly against the arm of her throne as she listened. Her piercing gaze never left Faolan's face, studying his every word. He felt the weight of her attention as he continued, carefully skirting the subject of Adrian's companions.

He thought of Lilith, Ava and Medea who fought alongside Adrian. How much did the Queen know? Should he mention them? Would it even matter in this context?

Faolan quickly decided against it. He would keep Adrian's secrets for now, at least until Adrian chose to speak for himself.

"We're not dealing with simple mercenaries or bandits," Faolan continued. "The Shadow Court's reach is far more dangerous than we anticipated."

Queen Alannah leaned forward slightly, her gaze narrowing in thought. "Adrian," she said thoughtfully. "He remains in Brenden? Did he send word for additional forces?"

Faolan shook his head. "Not yet, Your Majesty. He's ensuring the safety of the settlement first. But… he wanted me to inform you personally."

Alannah's expression softened just a fraction, though her voice remained authoritative. "Adrian always did prioritize others over everything else." She paused, considering her next move. "I'll send a backup force to Brenden. If the Shadow Court dares to strike again, they'll find they've bitten off more than they can chew."

She rose from her throne and crossed the room to stand before Faolan. Her expression was firm, but her eyes showed concern. "Thank you for bringing this to me so swiftly, Faolan."

Faolan bowed his head. "It is my duty, Your Majesty."

Alannah nodded, her voice softening just slightly. "You've done well. Rest now. The journey must have been taxing."

Faolan nodded, grateful for the dismissal. "I'll take my leave," he said simply, offering one final bow before stepping out of the throne room.

As the doors closed behind him, Alannah remained standing, her thoughts lingering on Faolan's report. The Shadow Court's growing boldness troubled her, but it was Adrian that occupied her thoughts the most.

Adrian.

His name carried weight, not just because of his feats, but because of who he had become in recent weeks. He was no ordinary person, that's for sure.

She crossed to the tall windows that overlooked the sprawling city of Zarpha. From her vantage point, she could see the hustle and bustle of the people below, going about their daily lives, unaware of the looming threats that surrounded them.

Adrian had always been more than just a loyal friend. There was something about him that had always set him apart. He had earned her respect without much effort, and now, with the Shadow Court's return, he was more crucial than ever.

But there was something else.

A quiet curiosity tugged at her—an interest she had tried to suppress over the years. Countless of times, she had imagine what it would be like if he was king in her place and she was his, how it would feel like if she could just figure him out.

The thought unsettled her. She prided herself on being able to anticipate the actions of those around her, but with Adrian, there were too many unknowns.

Alannah's fingers grazed the cool glass of the window as her mind raced. She needed answers—answers that only Adrian could provide.

"I'll speak to him myself," she murmured to herself. "I need to see him."

She turned from the window, her posture straightening as she called on the guard at the far end of the room. "Gather the council members," she commanded. "Inform them that there's an urgent meeting that requires all their attendance."

******************

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the small cracks in the curtains of the bedroom, casting soft, golden light across the room. Adrian slowly opened his eyes, feeling the warmth of Lilith's body pressed against his side.

Her long, dark hair spilled over the pillows, and she stirred slightly as he shifted.

It had been a long night, but one filled with the passion and intensity that Lilith always brought. He had planned on just checking on her to see why she hadn't join him and Abyss in the bathroom.

But one thing led to another and they were kissing, then he was pounding hard into her.

As he lay there, Adrian's mind drifted to the day ahead and the tasks still looming over them. He and Medea need to take a tour of the village, meet with the council, if there's any and see how to assert full control.

He sighed softly, trying to enjoy the last few moments of peace before the day truly began.

Lilith opened her eyes, a lazy smile spreading across her lips as she stretched like a satisfied cat. "Good morning, husband," she purred, though her voice was still heavy with sleep.

"Morning," Adrian replied, chuckling as he brushed a strand of hair from her face.

Lilith sat up, her robe slipping down her shoulder as she stretched again. Her gaze already had that playful look. "Shall we bathe? We have a lot to prepare for today."

Adrian nodded, sliding out of bed and following her to the adjoining bath.

The warm water was a welcome comfort after the night's intensity, and for a while, they simply enjoyed the peace, the steam rising around them. But Adrian knew that peace was fleeting.

Once they were both dressed, Adrian pushed open the door, only to find Abyss waiting just outside, arms crossed and a fiery look in her purple eyes. Her silver-white hair flowed over her shoulders, and the moment she saw Adrian, her lips twisted into a frown.

"You didn't come back last night," she said in a low voice that simmered with frustration. "I waited for you. Alone."

Adrian could feel the tension radiating from her, but before he could respond, Lilith stepped out behind him, her expression cool but with a hint of amusement.

"Oh, don't be so dramatic, Abyss," Lilith said, rolling her eyes. "You spent one night alone. You're acting like he abandoned you for months."

Abyss's gaze snapped to Lilith, her purple eyes narrowing. "It's not your concern, Lilith. He made a promise."

Lilith smirked, folding her arms as she met Abyss's glare head-on. "Jealousy doesn't suit you. That's more Eris's thing, don't you think?"

Abyss stepped forward, her body tense with irritation. "I'm not jealous," she snapped. "I just don't appreciate being ignored."

Adrian held up a hand, stepping between the two goddesses. "Alright, let's calm down. There's no need to—"

Both Abyss and Lilith turned to him in unison, their eyes locking onto him as if daring him to say more. Lilith's smirk widened, while Abyss's scowl deepened.

"We can handle this," Lilith said smoothly, waving a hand dismissively. "Isn't that right, Abyss?"

Abyss clenched her fists, her voice sharp. "Don't speak for me."

Before the argument could escalate further, the sound of footsteps echoed down the hall. Medea appeared at the doorway, her arms crossed and her cold, calculating eyes taking in the scene with a slight arch of her brow.

"If you two are so eager to fight," Medea said in her usual flat, dispassionate tone, "why don't you do it properly?"

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