The group travelled all afternoon until the sun was beginning to dip down the horizon. The atmosphere was still tense, each goddess caught up in her own thoughts.

Adrian moved quietly among the group, starting a fire and making sure everyone had something to eat. He could sense the growing tension in the air, a silent feeling that had been with them all day.

Eris, lounging on a log near the fire, finally broke the silence. "This is unbearable," she declared, tossing her dagger into the dirt with a frustrated sigh. "We're all wound tighter than a bowstring, and I, for one, am over it."

Lilith arched a crimson eyebrow, her smirk already forming. "And what exactly do you propose, oh wise Eris? A group hug?"

Eris rolled her emerald eyes, ignoring the jab. "No, something better. A game."

"A game?" Ava asked, her golden eyes narrowing suspiciously.

"Yes, a game," Eris said with a grin that promised trouble. "Something to lighten the mood. Maybe… something competitive?"

Abyss crossed her arms, her violet eyes flickering with irritation. "We don't have time for games."

Eris's grin widened as she gestured toward Adrian. "Come on, Abyss. Don't tell me you're scared you'll lose. What better way to prove your devotion to our fearless leader here?"

Adrian groaned internally, already regretting letting the conversation go this far. "Don't drag me into this."

"Oh, you're already in, Adrian," Eris said in a teasing tone. "The game is all about you."

Lilith's interest was piqued and her smirk sharpened. "Now this I have to hear."

Eris stood, brushing dirt from her skirt, and began pacing theatrically. "Simple. The game is Who Knows Adrian Better? I ask questions about our dear leader, and we'll see who answers correctly. The winner gets to give the loser a… dare."

"Absolutely not," Adrian said firmly.

But his objection was drowned out by Lilith's laughter and Ava's intrigued hum.

"This sounds ridiculous," Abyss muttered, though her jaw tightened.

"Oh, it's going to be fun," Eris said with a wicked grin, her emerald eyes gleaming. "Unless, of course, you're too scared to participate."

That did it. Abyss straightened, her violet eyes blazing. "Fine. Let's get this over with."

"Great!" Eris clapped her hands together and plopped back onto the log. "Adrian, sit there and look pretty. Everyone else, prepare to have your egos crushed."

"First question," Eris began, tapping her chin in mock thought. "What's Adrian's favorite weapon?"

Lilith snorted. "That's easy. His fiery chains. They're flashy, dangerous, and they scream 'overcompensation.'"

Abyss's glare could have cut steel. "His sword. It's useful, adaptable, and very effective in his hands.

Hestia, who had been reclining against a tree, yawned and waved a hand. "Whatever's within reach. He's not picky."

Selene, sharpening her dagger nearby, didn't even look up. "All of them."

Eris's grin widened. "Well, well, look at the competition heating up. Adrian?"

He sighed, rubbing his temple. "It's both. Anyone that fits the occasion."

Hestia's lips curled into a smug smile as she leaned back against her makeshift seat.

"Fine, fine," Eris conceded, though her grin didn't falter. "Hestia takes the first round. Don't get too comfortable."

"Next question," Eris said, her grin turning sly. "What's Adrian's biggest… weakness?"

Lilith's smirk widened as she leaned forward, resting her chin in her hand. "Oh, that's easy. Women with fire in their eyes and trouble on their lips."

Ava rolled her golden eyes. "His need to protect everyone, even when it's not rational."

Hestia waved lazily. "Exhaustion. He doesn't know how to stop."

Abyss's gaze locked onto Adrian, her tone cold and possessive. "He cares too much. It's his strength and his flaw."

Eris laughed, her voice lilting with mischief. "Good answers, good answers. Adrian?"

Adrian hesitated, his gaze flicking between them. "I… I don't know if I have a single biggest weakness."

"Cop-out!" Eris declared, pointing at him. "You have to pick!"

Adrian sighed, clearly uncomfortable. "Fine. Ava's right. I try to protect too many people."

Ava nodded, her expression smug but gracious.

"And now," Eris said, practically vibrating with glee, "a dare. Lilith, since you were wrong, you get to do the dare. Ava, what'll it be?"

Ava thought for a moment before a wicked gleam entered her eyes. "Dance. Around the fire. Seductively."

Lilith's smirk faltered for a brief second before she shrugged. "Easy."

Adrian groaned as Lilith rose gracefully, her hips swaying as she circled the fire. Her movements were fluid, her crimson eyes locking onto Adrian as she twirled, her whip coiling in her hand like a serpent.

The others watched with varying reactions—Ava with amusement, Abyss with a scowl, and Eris with laughter. Even Hestia opened one eye, giving a low whistle of appreciation.

"Is this supposed to make me uncomfortable?" Adrian muttered.

"Is it working?" Lilith shot back, a teasing lilt in her voice as she ended the impromptu performance with a bow.

"Final question," Eris announced, her voice dripping with mischief. "Who does Adrian trust the most?"

The question lingered, and a sense of seriousness spread among the group.

Lilith was the first to speak, her tone light but probing. "Probably Medea. She's the most practical."

Ava shook her head. "Selene. She's the newest, but she's been reliable."

Eris leaned forward, her grin sharp. "Me. Obviously."

Abyss's voice cut through the conversation like a blade. "It's me. No one else."

All eyes turned to Adrian, who sat frozen under the weight of their expectations. "Who is it you trust most, Adrian?"

"I… I trust all of you," he said cautiously.

"Another cop-out," Eris teased, though there was an edge to her voice.

Abyss wasn't so forgiving. "Say it, Adrian," she demanded, her tone cold. "Who do you trust the most? Tell them you trust me the most."

Adrian ran a hand through his hair, his patience wearing thin. "This is ridiculous."

"Because you know the answer," Abyss pressed, her violet eyes boring into his. "Say it."

Before Adrian could respond, Selene rose from her seat, her dagger gleaming in her hand. "Enough," she said flatly, her silver eyes hard. "This game is over."

The group fell silent, tension crackling like a storm in the air.

Eris laughed nervously, breaking the moment. "Well, that killed the mood."

Adrian sighed, rising to his feet. "We've played long enough. Let's get some rest."

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