"Are you prepared to face the truth about the Shadow Court—and yourself?"

The group exchanged uneasy glances, the sound of the waterfall suddenly seeming distant and far away.

The figure's ember-like eyes glinted ominously, their voice sharp and deliberate. "The Shadow Court watches your every move, Champion. Every plan you make, every ally you trust—they see it all."

Adrian took a step forward, his sword still raised. "If they're watching, then they know what's coming for them."

A dry, humorless chuckle escaped the stranger's lips. "Do you really think you can win? That you can protect those who stand with you?" Their gaze swept over the group, lingering on each of the goddesses before settling back on Adrian. "Surrender now, and you might spare them the pain of betrayal. Or continue, and let their blood be on your hands."

Before Adrian could respond, the figure's form began to blur, dissolving into smoke-like shadows that dissipated into the night. The air seemed heavier in their absence, and the only sound was the steady roar of the waterfall.

For a moment, no one spoke.

Adrian finally sheathed his sword, his jaw tight as his mind raced. The Shadow Court's threat wasn't idle. The figure's words carried weight, not just in their warning but in their truth.

"They're bluffing," Lilith said, breaking the tense silence. Her whip dangled loosely in her hand, but her crimson eyes burned with anger. "Let them watch. I'll give them a show."

"They weren't bluffing," Medea said grimly, her black flames flickering faintly around her clenched fists. She turned to Adrian, her crimson eyes hard. "Allies. Zarpha. Zarpha might be in danger."

Adrian's stomach dropped s he thought of the kingdom that had taken him in and then Alannah. His voice remained steady as he spoke. "We can't be sure. But we can't risk ignoring it either."

"Zarpha's strong," Ava said, though her tone was uncertain. She leaned on her staff, her amber eyes scanning the treeline as if expecting more intrusions. "They can hold their own, can't they?"

"Not if the Shadow Court is using us to draw them out," Abyss said, her violet eyes narrowing. "We're a liability if they're targeting people close to us."

Eris flipped one of her emerald daggers absently, her expression unreadable. "So what's the plan, Adrian? Do we march to Zarpha now and hope we're not too late, or stay here and risk losing more than we gain?"

Adrian ran a hand through his hair, frustration simmering beneath the surface. "We can't just abandon this spot. We need to regroup, train, and—"

"Plan later," Medea cut in sharply. "If Zarpha falls, we lose one of the few allies we have. You've been avoiding the obvious. We need Hera's full power if we're going to stop this."

Adrian glanced at Hera, who stood apart from the group, her regal posture unshaken by the tension. She met his gaze steadily, her blue eyes gleaming with both challenge and expectation. "She's right, Champion," Hera said smoothly. "The longer you delay, the more vulnerable you make us all."

Adrian clenched his fists, his mind warring with itself. He knew they were right. "I was hoping we would get some really nice place," he said, turning to Hera.

"I think this is the time we leave," Medea said abruptly. She turned on her heel, her crimson eyes scanning the treeline as if daring anything else to emerge from the shadows. "No use waiting to see them do the deed like we're some perverts."

Abyss, however, lingered, her violet eyes fixed on Adrian. She moved nearer, her voice gentle yet filled with a strange intensity. "You don't need her, Adrian. You have me. I'll protect you—keep you safe from everyone." Her fingers tightened around the hilt of her blade, her tone bordering on a vow. "I'll destroy anyone who tries to take you away."

Adrian blinked, startled by her possessiveness. "Abyss—"

"Enough, Abyss," Medea said sharply, grabbing her sister by the arm. "You're not his bodyguard, and this isn't a contest. Let's go."

Abyss resisted for a moment, her gaze never leaving Adrian's, before Medea tugged her away with a forceful pull. "Don't make me drag you," Medea muttered as she led her off, black flames flickering faintly around her fingertips in warning.

Lilith laughed as they disappeared into the shadows, her crimson eyes sparkling with mischief. "Well, that was fun. Possessiveness, threats, and now it's my turn."

She sauntered closer to Adrian, her whip dangling lazily from her hand. "If you ever need uhm... someone to dominate after all the submissive actions, you know where to find me." Her lips curled into a sly smile, her tone dripping with seduction.

Adrian sighed heavily. "Thanks, Lilith. I'll... keep that in mind."

She winked at him before turning away, her laughter echoing as she joined the others.

Soon, it was just Adrian and Hera.

The silence between them stretched for a moment, broken only by the steady rush of the waterfall. Hera stood tall and poised, her golden hair shimmering in the moonlight as she regarded Adrian with a faint, knowing smile.

"Well," she said finally, her voice as smooth and commanding as ever. "That was quite the show."

Adrian pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling slowly. "They mean well. Mostly."

"They're chaotic," Hera replied, a touch of amusement in her tone. "But I suppose that's part of their charm. You, however..." She stepped closer, her piercing blue eyes locking onto his. "You're running out of time, Champion."

Adrian straightened, his fiery chains flickering faintly at his back. "I know. And I know what I have to do."

"Do you?" Hera's smile widened slightly. "Because I don't see someone ready to embrace what's necessary. I see someone still clinging to control, still hesitating."

Adrian's jaw tightened. "I've lost too much already. Forgive me if I'm not eager to give up more."

Hera's expression softened, though her prideful air remained. "You've been through more than most mortals could endure. But strength isn't just about holding on, Adrian. Sometimes, it's about letting go."

He looked away, the weight of her words pressing heavily on his shoulders. "You make it sound simple."

"It's never simple," she replied, stepping closer until she was standing directly in front of him. Her presence was overwhelming, her confidence radiating like sunlight. "But nothing worth achieving ever is. You want my power? Then trust me. Fully."

Adrian looked into her eyes, his mind racing with uncertainties, worries, and a quiet determination. He knew she was right.

To face the Shadow Court, to protect Zarpha, to reclaim what he had lost—he needed every advantage he could get.

Even if it meant surrendering a part of himself he had fought so hard to hold onto.

After a long pause, he nodded. "Alright. Let's do this."

Hera's smile was radiant, her pride shining through as she extended her hand. "Then kneel, Champion."

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