Adrian let out a heavy breath as he settled back into the camp, the faint soreness in his muscles reminding him of his intense session with Medea. The sun was higher now, casting warm light over the small clearing they had chosen for their camp.

The cool morning air was gradually giving way to a warmer day, and the smell of damp earth and pine hung in the air.

Lilith, now fully awake and draped lazily across a log, shot him a playful grin as he sat down by the fire. "So, darling, how was your little sparring session with Miss Ice Queen?" Though her voice was light and teasing, her eyes had a spark of interest.

Adrian rolled his shoulders, trying to ease the tension. "It was… educational," he replied dryly, rubbing his sore chest where Medea's energy blast had landed. "She doesn't believe in holding back."

Lilith let out a low, sultry laugh, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "Of course she doesn't. Medea's all business." She leaned closer, her lips curving into a smirk. "But I could help you with those sore muscles, you know."

Adrian chuckled, shaking his head. "I'm sure you could." His voice was teasing, but he couldn't deny that the idea of a more… relaxed form of attention from Lilith was tempting after his grueling training.

Medea, sitting across from them and sharpening her sword with slow, deliberate strokes, glanced up from her task. "Focus, Adrian," she said calmly but firmly. "The Shadow Court won't care how charming you are. They'll use every advantage they can find."

Adrian met her gaze, nodding. "I know. And I'm not taking this lightly."

Medea studied him for a moment longer, her dark eyes searching his face as if measuring his determination.

Finally, she nodded, satisfied with what she saw, and returned to her sword.

Lilith stretched her arms above her head, the motion drawing attention to the curve of her body. "Medea's right, you know," she said lightly. "But that doesn't mean we can't have a little fun in between all this doom and gloom."

Adrian shot her a sideways glance, an amused smile playing on his lips. "Is there ever a time when you're not thinking about fun?"

"Darling, life's too short to be serious all the time," Lilith purred, her voice as smooth as silk. She leaned back, casting him a mischievous look. "Besides, I keep things interesting, don't I?"

Adrian couldn't argue with that. Lilith had a way of injecting levity into even the darkest moments, a trait that made her unpredictable but undeniably alluring. "You do have a point," he admitted, giving her a wry smile.

"See?" Lilith winked, her eyes dancing with amusement. "I'm the fun one, and Medea's the serious one. We balance each other out perfectly."

Medea, sharpening her blade with calm precision, didn't rise to the bait. She simply continued her work, the soft sound of the whetstone gliding along the steel filling the air.

Adrian leaned back, letting the warmth of the fire seep into his tired muscles. He glanced at the map lying near his pack, tracing the path they'd be taking after they left the camp.

The Shadow Court felt like a distant, looming threat, but it was one that grew closer with every step they took. His chest tightened at the thought of what they would be up against.

"You're thinking too hard," Lilith observed, her voice cutting through his thoughts. She tossed a small stick into the fire, watching as the flames crackled and consumed it. "Relax for a moment. You'll need all the strength you can get."

Adrian smiled, appreciating the advice even if it was unexpected coming from her. "You're right," he admitted. "We all need to be sharp."

Lilith's grin widened. "Of course I'm right. I always am." She flashed him a playful wink before stretching out her legs, looking for all the world like someone who didn't have a care.

Adrian allowed himself a moment to appreciate the calm before the storm. The fire crackled softly, the warmth a welcome comfort against the cool breeze. For a brief moment, he could almost forget about the looming threat of the Shadow Court.

A few minutes of silence later, Medea lifted her head from her task and cast a cool glance at Lilith. "You know," she began in a calm but pointed tone, "I was expecting by now that you'd have taught him something useful."

Lilith raised an eyebrow, pretending to be offended as she placed a hand over her heart in mock hurt. "Are you accusing me of slacking off?" she asked dramatically.

Medea's lips curved slightly, though her expression remained firm. "You act more like Hestia these days—finding every opportunity to laze around."

Lilith rolled her eyes, leaning back even further against the log. "Nope, there's a difference. I'm all about fun. Hestia's too lazy even to have fun."

Adrian, seated between them, looked from one to the other, confused but curious. "Wait… who's Hestia?" he asked, furrowing his brow. "Another one of your sisters?"

Both Lilith and Medea responded in unison with a dry "Yes."

"She's the goddess of sloth," Lilith added with a smirk. "While I prefer the finer things in life, like pleasure and indulgence, Hestia would sleep through a storm if she could."

Adrian chuckled, shaking his head. "Sounds like an interesting family."

Medea's expression hardened slightly. "Interesting or not, we have no time to waste," she said, her eyes flicking to Lilith again. "When you're done stretching every fiber of your muscles, teach our champion here something practical. He's inherited some of our powers, but he'll need to learn to wield them perfectly."

Lilith sighed dramatically but sat up straight, a sly grin forming on her lips. "Alright, alright, I'll whip him into shape. But don't blame me if he starts having a bit too much fun with it." She shot Adrian a wink, her mischievous eyes twinkling in the firelight.

Adrian, already getting used to Lilith, gave her an amused look. "I'm ready whenever you are," he said, though he couldn't help but wonder what kind of 'training' Lilith had in mind.

Medea stood, brushing the dust from her armor. "I'll leave you to it," she said, already turning toward the edge of the clearing. "Remember, Adrian—discipline and control. Power is useless if you can't command it."

With that, she walked away, leaving Adrian with Lilith, who was now grinning like a cat with a mouse.

"Alright, darling," Lilith purred, pushing herself to her feet with a graceful stretch. "Let's see what you're made of. First lesson—never take your eyes off me."

And with that, she vanished into thin air, leaving Adrian blinking in surprise as her voice echoed playfully from the shadows, "Catch me if you can!"

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