The sun slowly rose over the sharp mountain tops, its warm light breaking through the remaining fog. Adrian stood at the edge of the camp, gazing out at the horizon as the others gathered their belongings.

The night had been both exhausting and invigorating, and now they prepared to leave the mountains behind.

Hera emerged from the golden tent, her regal demeanour untouched by the rigours of their journey. Her hair shimmered in the morning light, and the satisfied smirk on her face was impossible to miss.

"Ready to move, Champion?" she asked smoothly, her eyes lingering on Adrian.

He nodded, adjusting the straps of his armor. "We've got a long way to Zarpha. Let's not waste time."

The group descended from the mountain trails, their chatter filling the air. Even with the stress of their mission, the goddesses' personalities stood out, making the atmosphere vibrant—though a bit chaotic.

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

By mid-afternoon, they had reached the outskirts of a small village nestled in a lush valley. Smoke curled lazily from chimneys, and the faint sound of laughter and chatter floated on the breeze.

"We could stop here," Ava suggested softly, her gold hair catching the sunlight. "It might be good to rest and gather supplies."

Adrian glanced at the others, gauging their reactions. Lilith stretched languidly, her whip dangling from her hand. "A tavern would be nice. A drink or two. Maybe some fun."

"Define 'fun,'" Medea said dryly, her icy cold look lingering on Lilith for a brief moment.

Lilith smirked. "Whatever makes the night interesting."

Hestia yawned, her marine-blue eyes half-lidded. "I'm all for stopping. Walking is so tedious."

"Yeah, getting a horse should be on our to-do list, please, or I'm calling Solis and leaving you all behind."

Medea's crimson eyes scanned the village. "We'll need to stay inconspicuous," she said flatly. "No drawing attention."

"Good luck with that," Eris muttered, flipping a dagger idly. "We're about as inconspicuous as a pack of wolves in a sheep pen."

*********

The village was lively, with its cobblestone streets filled with vendors selling goods and children running between the stalls. The group kept their hoods up as they made their way to the tavern, hoping to avoid unnecessary scrutiny.

Inside, the tavern was warm and bustling, the scent of roasted meat and spiced ale filling the air. Wooden beams creaked under the weight of a dozen conversations, and a minstrel strummed a cheerful tune in the corner.

The group claimed a large table near the back, drawing a few curious glances but no outright suspicion. Adrian ordered drinks and food, while the goddesses began to settle in—or, in Lilith's case, make herself the center of attention.

She leaned back in her chair, her crimson eyes glinting mischievously as she watched the patrons. "So many options," she purred, her gaze landing on a burly blacksmith at the bar. "Think he could handle me?"

Abyss, seated beside her, rolled her violet eyes. "Must you always be so vulgar?"

"Must you always be so possessive?" Lilith shot back, her grin widening.

"Quiet," Medea hissed, her black flames flickering faintly as she leaned forward. "We're here to rest, not cause a scene."

"I was only kidding, you know that. I only have eyes for our husband."

Adrian sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Can we at least pretend to blend in for five minutes?"

Hera, sipping delicately from a goblet of wine, arched an eyebrow. "They can't help themselves, Champion. Chaos is in their nature."

Selene sat quietly, her silver eyes darting nervously between the others and the tavern's patrons. Ava offered her a reassuring smile, her amber gaze calm. "Don't worry," she said softly. "They're loud, but they'll behave. Mostly."

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

As the evening wore on, the group began to relax, their banter mixing with the tavern's lively atmosphere. A serving girl approached with a fresh round of drinks, her cheeks flushing as her eyes lingered on Adrian.

"Anything else you'd like, sir?" she asked, her voice lilting.

Before Adrian could respond, Lilith leaned forward, her crimson eyes sparkling with mischief. "Careful, sweetheart," she purred. "He's taken."

The girl's face turned scarlet, and she quickly retreated. Adrian shot Lilith a sharp look, but she only laughed, her voice rich with amusement.

"You're impossible," he muttered.

"And you love it," she replied, winking.

The mood shifted abruptly when the tavern door swung open with a heavy creak. A group of armored men entered, their eyes scanning the room with grim purpose.

Their leader, a grizzled man with a scar running down his cheek, carried himself with the air of someone accustomed to violence.

The chatter in the tavern died down as the men spread out, their presence casting a shadow over the lively atmosphere. Adrian tensed, his hand instinctively moving to his sword.

"Trouble?" Eris murmured, her emerald dagger already in her hand.

"Maybe," Adrian said quietly. "Stay sharp."

The leader's gaze fell on their table, his eyes narrowing. He approached slowly, his boots thudding against the wooden floor.

"You," he said, his voice rough. "You're not from around here."

Adrian met his gaze evenly. "Just passing through."

The man's lips twisted into a sneer as his eyes scanned the eight ladies with Adrian. "Passing through with a group like this? Doesn't add up."

Adrian stood, his fiery chains flickering faintly at his back. "We're not looking for trouble."

The man's sneer deepened. "Maybe trouble's looking for you."

The tension in the room was noticeable, the other patrons watching nervously. The goddesses remained seated, their expressions calm but their weapons at the ready.

"Walk away," Adrian said calmly, his voice holding a subtle threat. "Before you regret it."

For a moment, it seemed the man might press the issue.

But something in Adrian's gaze—or perhaps the look and aura from the goddesses—made him think twice. He spat on the floor and turned, gesturing for his men to follow.

The tavern gradually became lively again, but the encounter created a lingering sense of unease.

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

The group left the tavern shortly after, making their way through the darkened streets toward the edge of the village. The night was quiet, the air cool against their skin.

"That was close," Selene said softly, her silver eyes wide.

"They were just cowards," Lilith said dismissively. "No match for us."

"Still, it's a reminder," Adrian said in a serious tone. "The Shadow Court's reach is everywhere. We can't let our guard down."

As they reached the outskirts of the village, a distant sound broke the silence—a low, rumbling growl that sent a chill down Adrian's spine.

"What was that?" Ava asked, her staff glowing faintly.

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