The morning sun painted the sky in hues of gold and pink as the group packed up their camp. The fire from the previous night had long since died, leaving only a faint trail of smoke rising from the ashes.

Adrian moved about, ensuring everyone was ready to leave. Despite his usual efficiency, he couldn't ignore the awkward tension lingering after the previous night's game.

Eris's attempt at fun had clearly deepened the cracks in their already fragile unity. Adrian's refusal to answer the final question—who he trusted most—had created an awkward tension among the group.

Selene, who had retreated to her bedroll early, was now back to her shy and reserved self, her silver eyes glancing nervously at the others as she packed her belongings.

The cold detachment she'd shown in the catacombs was nowhere to be seen, replaced by an almost fragile hesitation. Adrian noticed but decided to leave it alone for now.

The group mounted their horses and set off again, with Hestia still riding behind Adrian. Her languid demeanor hadn't changed, and her arms were once again loosely draped around his waist.

Eris shot a glare their way but said nothing, while Abyss's clenched jaw and narrowed violet eyes betrayed her frustration.

As the sun rose higher, Medea urged her horse forward until she was riding beside Adrian. Her sharp, calculating eyes studied him for a moment before she spoke.

"I heard last night's game was intense," she said in a calm and slightly amused voice. "Shame I missed out."

Adrian shot her a sidelong glance, his tone curt. "It was nothing."

"Nothing?" Medea arched an eyebrow. "You've got Lilith, Abyss, and Eris throwing daggers at each other over you, Selene stepping in to shut everything down, and Hestia watching like it's free entertainment. That doesn't sound like nothing to me."

Adrian sighed, keeping his eyes on the path ahead. "Let it go, Medea."

She smiled faintly, her expression almost teasing. "You've got your hands full with this group. Good luck keeping them from killing each other."

"Thanks," Adrian muttered. "I'll need it."

Medea nodded but let the topic drop, falling back to ride with the others.

As the group continued onward, the landscape began to change.

The dense trees gave way to rolling plains, and the open sky stretched out endlessly above them. The mood was heavy, with hidden disagreements between them simmering just beneath the surface.

Adrian's thoughts churned as he scanned the horizon.

Every step closer to their goal seemed to bring new challenges, not just from the Shadow Court but from within their own ranks. With each goddess they freed, the stakes grew higher—and so did the cracks in their unity.

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

The ambush came without warning.

A low whistle pierced the air, followed by the unmistakable twang of a bowstring. Adrian reacted instantly, pulling the reins of his horse and raising his fiery chains in defense.

"Take cover!" he shouted as an arrow whizzed past his head.

The group scattered, their horses rearing as more arrows rained down from the ridges surrounding the field. Dark-clad figures emerged from the tall grass, their weapons gleaming in the midday sun.

"Shadow Court!" Lilith hissed, dismounting with a practiced grace as her whip uncoiled in her hand.

Abyss was already off her horse, her sword drawn and her violet eyes blazing with fury. "Finally, something worth killing."

Adrian jumped off his horse, and his fiery chains snapped to life. "Stay close!"

The others reacted instantly, their weapons drawn as they formed a loose circle. Selene, her silver eyes wide with alarm, backed away from the group, her dagger clutched tightly in her hand. Hestia groaned, sitting up straighter on the horse as she fumbled with the reins.

"Really?" she muttered. "Now? I was just starting to relax."

A group of masked people appeared in the distance, their dark cloaks flowing behind them as they ran toward the group. Their weapons shined in the sunlight, and their shouts could be heard across the field.

"They're organized," Medea said grimly, her black flames sparking to life around her sword. "Stay sharp."

Abyss's violet eyes narrowed as she dismounted, her blade already in hand. "Let's get this started," she muttered. "I was already looking for how to release this tension."

The first group of attackers reached them, moving together in a well-organized and accurate manner. Adrian's chains lashed out, striking the closest enemy and sending him sprawling to the ground.

Medea moved like a fierce storm, her sword slicing through her enemies with incredible skill and power.

Lilith's whip cracked through the air, coiling around an enemy's ankle and yanking him off his feet. She grinned wickedly as she delivered a swift kick to his chest. "You'll have to do better than that," she taunted.

Ava stayed near the center of the group, her golden staff glowing as she cast protective wards. "Don't spread out too much!" she called in a steady voice steady despite the chaos.

Eris darted between the attackers, her dagger flashing like a blur. She laughed as she sidestepped a sword swing, delivering a precise strike to her opponent's side. "This is more like it," she said, her emerald eyes gleaming.

Adrian swung his fiery chains through the air, staying focused on the attackers. They moved with skill and precision, showing they weren't just regular mercenaries. These were trained killers, probably sent by the Shadow Court.

Hestia remained seated on the horse, watching the battle with a lazy expression. "You're all so energetic," she said with a sigh. "It's exhausting just watching you."

"Hestia," Adrian barked, his voice sharp. "Get off the horse and do something!"

She sighed dramatically but dismounted, brushing off her blue gown. "Fine, fine," she muttered, raising her hand. The Fire of the Hearth ignited around her fingers, the soft blue flames forming into a long, curved blade.

She swung it experimentally as if to rest the weight, moving slowly but accurately.

An attacker charged toward her, and she lazily stepped aside, her fiery blade slicing through his side. He crumpled to the ground, and Hestia yawned. "There. Happy?"

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