The journey back to Brenden had been long, but at last, the familiar outline of the settlement came into view. The tension in Adrian's muscles eased slightly as they neared the gate.

They had made it back in one piece—Selene had been healed by Abyss, though her steps were still a little shaky.

As the group approached, Adrian caught sight of someone waiting for them up ahead, her figure framed against the backdrop of the morning sun.

Lilith.

Before Adrian could react, Lilith was already racing toward him. She moved with graceful speed, her long hair trailing behind her like a dark banner. When she reached him, she jumped, wrapping her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist in one fluid motion.

Adrian instinctively caught her, gripping her tightly to keep her from falling, though the sudden weight made him stagger slightly.

"Husband!" Lilith exclaimed in excitement, sounding breathless. "I've missed you!" She clung to him, her body pressed close, her eyes gleaming with delight.

She leaned in, planting a quick kiss on his lips before resting her head against his shoulder, content to simply hold him.

Adrian chuckled softly. "Missed you too, Lilith." His voice was warm, but as he held Lilith, he felt another presence looming behind him. He didn't have to turn around to know who it was.

Abyss.

"Alright, that's enough," Abyss said sharply, almost in irritation. She reached out, pulling Adrian back with a possessive grip. "They've had you long enough. It's time for me to have you to myself."

Adrian carefully set Lilith down and turned to Abyss with a calm expression despite the tension simmering in the air. "Abyss, I need to sort some things out first. Relax."

Abyss's eyes narrowed, her lips curving into a pout as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Sort things out?" she echoed jealously. "I've waited too long already."

Lilith tilted her head, her eyes flicking between Abyss and Adrian with a curious gleam. "Don't be so greedy, Abyss. We all share our husband," she teased, though there was a light in her eyes that suggested she enjoyed the competition. She turned her gaze to Selene, her expression softening. "How's our dear priestess doing?"

Selene blinked, a bit dazed, but she managed a smile. "I'm alright, thanks to Lady Abyss."

"She was poisoned by the manticore's venom," Adrian added, glancing down at Selene with concern.

"Manticore?" A cold, steady voice interrupted.

Adrian turned just in time to see Medea approaching, her brown hair glinting in the sunlight. Her sharp eyes locked onto his, and for a moment, her usual stoic expression softened ever so slightly. "You fought the manticore?"

Despite her calm demeanor, Adrian could sense the relief beneath in her eyes. And as much as she tried to act hard, she never hesitated to show concern when it mattered.

Abyss, meanwhile, rolled her eyes, crossing her arms again. "Why does no one welcome me properly?" she grumbled, her voice carrying a petulant edge. "No one missed me."

The corner of Adrian's mouth twitched with amusement, but he quickly suppressed the smile. Abyss's need for attention was unmistakable, and while it was endearing in small doses, it could easily spiral out of control.

"Come on, then," Adrian said, stepping forward to greet the others properly. "I'll make sure you're all welcomed."

Lilith, always eager for affection, pressed herself against him for another kiss.

Adrian obliged, his lips brushing against hers briefly before turning to Medea. The goddess of wrath eyed him for a moment before leaning in for a quick kiss as well. Her touch was cool but firm.

Ava arrived next, her usual air of confidence radiating as she approached. "Look who's back," she said in a silky smooth voice. "About time." She grinned, and Adrian welcomed her with a kiss as well, feeling the familiar warmth of her presence.

Finally, Abyss stepped forward, her eyes gleaming with possessiveness. "My turn," she whispered, pulling him in close.

Her kiss lingered longer than the others, her grip tight around his shoulders as if she feared he might slip away. When she finally pulled back, her purple eyes were still locked on his, glowing with obsession.

Adrian chuckled softly, wiping the faint sheen of sweat from his brow as he stepped back. The tension between the goddesses always hovered beneath the surface, but he had learned how to navigate it… or at least trying to.

For now, they were all satisfied—mostly.

"Ava, can you take Selene inside and look after her?" Adrian asked, glancing at the priestess. "She needs rest."

Ava nodded, her gaze flicking briefly to Selene. "Of course. She'll be taken care of."

Selene, still looking a little overwhelmed by the presence of so many powerful women, gave Adrian a grateful smile before following Ava inside. As she left, Adrian turned back to Medea, his expression shifting to something more serious.

"Medea, I need to bring you up to speed on things after I left," Adrian said in a direct tone. "There are a lot we need to discuss."

Medea's sharp eyes narrowed slightly. "Of course," she said steadily. "I've been waiting for this."

Before Adrian could continue, Abyss stepped forward again, her fingers sliding up his arm. "Don't forget," she whispered, her breath warm against his ear. "We have a contract to sign."

Adrian nodded, casting a glance at Lilith. "Lilith, why don't you help Abyss prepare?" he suggested, knowing that Lilith's playful nature would at least distract Abyss for the time being. Plus she wouldn't want to miss in that area.

Lilith's eyes sparkled with interest, and she turned to Abyss with a mischievous grin. "What did you request in the contract?" she asked, already curious.

Abyss smirked, her gaze flicking to Adrian before they started walking. "Well, it was…" Her voice trailed off as they went out of earshot.

Adrian watched the two goddesses walk off, his lips twitching into a small smile. He didn't need to hear their conversation to know what direction it was heading. And from Lilith's brightened expression and the mischievous look she gave when she turned back, he knew she already knew and was eager to join in the ritual.

Abyss's intensity paired with Lilith's teasing nature would no doubt make for an interesting combination.

As their voices faded into the distance, Adrian turned his attention back to Medea, his expression hardening.

"We found the trail left by the Shadow Court in search of the temple but they omitted some details and couldn't move further," he said, launching into a brief recounting of their journey. "They are getting bolder, and their knowledge of the temple is troubling. The manticore… it was guarding the temple of obsession, and after defeating it was when I found Abyss."

Medea's brows furrowed slightly, her eyes sharp with understanding. "The Shadow Court… they've been moving in ways we can't predict."

Adrian nodded. "That's why I need your insights. I need to know what they're planning, and I need to know what we're up against. They're after more than just control. They want to unleash chaos. I don't know what would have happen if they found Abyss or any of the others remaining."

"We won't let that happen," Medea said firmly, almost like a vow.

Adrian crossed his arms, his mind racing as he processed the information. "Agreed. But their reach is longer than we anticipated. If they know about Abyss, then they likely know about the others as well."

Medea's lips pressed into a thin line. "We need to act swiftly. They'll strike again, and soon."

Adrian nodded, his eyes hardening with resolve. "I'll gather the others. We need to prepare."

Before they could continue, Adrian paused, his thoughts drifting to another matter. "What about Faolan?" he asked, glancing at Medea. "Did he and the escort return?"

Medea's gaze softened slightly. "Yes. Faolan and the escort left for Zarpha at first light. He said he would report back to Queen Alannah directly."

Adrian sighed, nodding. "Good. We'll need to go to Zarpha soon. I need to speak with the Queen personally. And I'm still waiting for word from the Count."

Medea's expression shifted subtly, and she nodded. "The Count has already replied. That's how Lilith, Ava, and Selene knew of the Shadow Court's movements. The message came just a day after we left."

Adrian blinked in mild surprise. "Oh... I see," he muttered, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "I'll need to send back a reply then. We have to keep the communication channels open, now more than ever."

Medea gave a curt nod. "I doubt they have a medium for sending out letters here though."

"We can check for neighboring towns or maybe return to Zarpha after we finish up here."

As the two of them discussed the upcoming strategy, Adrian's thoughts briefly drifted back to Abyss and Lilith. Despite the weight of the situation, a small smile tugged at his lips again.

It was going to be an interesting night when he finally sat down to sign that contract.

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