Adrian awoke to the soft brush of fingers against his arm. His eyes fluttered open to the sight of Medea hovering above him, her expression was unreadable in the dim pre-dawn light. She had a finger pressed against her lips, as if shushing him.

For a moment, Adrian's mind lingered on the events of the previous night.

Medea, fierce and unrelenting in battle, had revealed a side of herself he hadn't expected—a raw, insatiable hunger. He was surprised she was even able to move, let alone be so alert after the intensity they had shared.

He blinked the sleep from his eyes and mouthed, "What's going on?"

"Dress up and come with me," she whispered urgently.

Adrian nodded, immediately pulling on his clothes without questioning her further. Something was clearly wrong. Medea was never one to wake him unless it was important.

The two of them moved quietly through the dark, creeping out of their room and into the cool morning air. The village was still and silent, save for the occasional creak of wood and the soft rustle of the wind.

Medea led him towards the outer edge of the village, her pace was quick but quiet. They soon reached a small rise overlooking the surrounding area.

"Look," she said softly, pointing toward the distant hills.

Adrian squinted in the dim light, and his heart skipped a beat. Marching across the plains, barely visible in the early morning gloom, was a large army—hundreds of soldiers, their armor glinting faintly as they moved steadily toward Brenden.

"They've been marching all night," Medea observed. "An hour, maybe less, and they'll be at the village gates."

Adrian frowned, his mind racing. "Why would an army be approaching Brenden? There's no official war declared, and we haven't heard anything from Zarpha about an invasion."

Medea's jaw tightened. "That's not all. I overheard something earlier after our… activities. Faolan's been talking with the village head."

Adrian's brow furrowed deeper. "Faolan? Talking with the village head? About what?"

Medea's eyes darkened. "They're preparing for war, but not the kind you think. From what I could gather, this army isn't just any force—they're fighting against the Shadow Court. Or at least, that's what Faolan believes. But the village head... there's something off about him.

I think he's playing both sides."

Adrian's pulse quickened. "The Shadow Court… could they have taken over Brenden?"

Medea nodded grimly. "It makes sense. The village hasn't paid its tribute in two months. If the Shadow Court has control here, they've probably been diverting resources for their own plans."

Adrian clenched his fists. "We need to find Faolan and the village head—now."

The two of them moved swiftly through the quiet village, their footsteps silent as they made their way toward the village hall. As they approached, the sound of voices carried on the wind, growing louder the closer they got.

Peeking around the corner of the building, Adrian spotted Faolan standing with the village head, deep in conversation. The village head, his burly frame imposing even in the early light, was gesturing toward a map spread across a table.

Faolan's face was twisted with a mix of confusion and concern, as he listened and nodded occasionally.

"I've told you already," the village head was saying in a low, rough voice. "The Shadow Court has been tightening its grip on the surrounding villages. Brenden is no different. We're preparing for their retaliation."

Faolan's brow furrowed. "And yet, you haven't paid tribute to Zarpha in two months. Why?"

The village head's eyes flashed with something dark. "Because we've been diverting resources to defend against the Shadow Court. The taxes would've left us vulnerable, and I couldn't allow that. You have no idea what's happening out there, Faolan. The Shadow Court is preparing for something much bigger than tribute payments."

Adrian's blood ran cold as the realization hit him.

The village head wasn't preparing to defend Brenden from the Shadow Court. He was working for them, using the pretense of protection to mask his true allegiance.

"Faolan…" the village head continued, his voice lowering dangerously. "You need to understand that Brenden is no longer under Zarpha's control. We've already chosen our side. You should too."

Faolan stepped back, his face paling as the weight of the village head's words sank in. "You're… you're working with the Shadow Court?" he stammered.

Adrian and Medea exchanged a glance. It was time to confront them.

Stepping out from their hiding spot, Adrian's voice rang out. "So that's it, then? Brenden has fallen to the Shadow Court, and you've betrayed Zarpha?"

Both Faolan and the village head turned sharply, their expressions a mix of surprise and alarm. Faolan looked genuinely shaken, but the village head's eyes darkened with cold calculation.

"Adrian," Faolan said, his voice uncertain. "I didn't know—"

"Didn't know?" Adrian cut him off, his voice laced with anger. "You've been talking with this man, and you didn't realize he was working for the Shadow Court? How blind are you?"

Faolan's face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and anger. "I was trying to gather information, to understand what was happening here. I didn't realize—"

"Enough," the village head interrupted, his voice hardening. "This doesn't concern you anymore, Adrian. Brenden is no longer your problem. You and your envoy should return to Zarpha and tell Queen Alannah whatever story you wish. But know this—if you interfere with our plans, it will be the last mistake you ever make."

Adrian's hand moved instinctively to the hilt of his sword, his eyes narrowing. "I don't think you understand who you're dealing with."

"Oh trust me, I do. We all know you, Adrian of Meridia."

Adrian's blood ran cold, his body freezing in place. The village head recognizing him was a shock he didn't prepare for at all.

Medea noticed Adrian's tensed body and turned to face him. "Adrian… are you okay?"

Before Adrian could compose himself and even respond, the village head raised his hand, and within seconds, a dozen armed guards appeared from the shadows, surrounding Adrian and Medea.

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