The first rays of dawn spilled through the heavy curtains, painting the room in soft hues of gold. Adrian stirred, the warmth of the body next to him grounding him in the moment. Alannah lay curled against him, her breathing steady, her hair cascading over the pillow like a silken waterfall.

He smiled faintly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. She looked peaceful, and for a moment, he allowed himself to forget the weight of his responsibilities.

"Staring is rude, you know," Alannah murmured without opening her eyes, a teasing lilt to her voice.

Adrian chuckled. "I wasn't staring. Just… admiring."

Her eyes fluttered open, meeting his with a soft smile. "That's even worse."

Adrian leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Morning."

"Morning," she replied, stretching languidly before snuggling closer. "Do you really have to leave?"

Adrian sighed, his fingers trailing absent patterns along her arm. "I do. Meridia needs me, and I can't keep running from my past."

Alannah propped herself up on one elbow, her expression a mix of understanding and reluctance. "I know. But that doesn't make it any easier."

Adrian smiled softly, brushing a thumb over her cheek. "I'll come back. You know that, right?"

"I'll hold you to it," she said, her voice firm despite the emotion in her eyes.

They lingered in the quiet intimacy of the moment before finally rising to face the day.

Adrian dressed in his usual dark attire, his fiery chains coiling faintly around his wrists. Alannah wore a royal dress in a rich red, highlighting her natural authority as queen.

As they left the chambers, Alannah called for a gathering of Zarpha's people in the city square. The courtyard quickly filled with citizens, their faces reflecting a mix of gratitude and lingering sorrow for the recent battle's toll.

Standing before her people, Alannah addressed the crowd, her voice carrying strength and grace.

"People of Zarpha," she began, her gaze sweeping over the crowd. "We have faced darkness, and yet we stand here today, stronger than before. We owe our survival to the bravery and sacrifice of many, but none more so than Adrian, the Champion of Meridia & Zarpha, and his companions."

She turned toward Adrian and the seven goddesses, who stood to the side, their divine presence undeniable. "They fought for us, bled for us, and led us through the fire. Let it be known that Adrian and his companions are always welcome in Zarpha and every town under our territory. May their deeds be remembered, their names spoken with reverence."

The crowd erupted into cheers, their voices a mix of relief and admiration.

Adrian tilted his head, feeling humbled by the wave of gratitude, while the goddesses shared quiet looks, their faces difficult to read.

As the crowd began to disperse, Alannah pulled Adrian aside for a more private farewell. They stood beneath the shade of a large tree in the palace gardens, the hum of the city fading into the background.

"I meant what I said," she told him in a quiet but firm voice. "You'll always have a place here. And with me."

Adrian nodded, his gaze lingering on her face. "Thank you, Alannah. For everything."

She stepped closer, her hand resting lightly on his arm. "Take care of yourself," she said softly. "And come back to me."

"This isn't goodbye," Adrian said in a soft voice. "I meant what I said—I'll come back."

Alannah's smile was bittersweet. "You'd better. Zarpha owes you too much to let you go forever."

They stood in silence for a moment before Alannah stepped closer, wrapping her arms around Adrian in a tight embrace. "Be safe," she whispered.

Adrian returned the embrace. "You too."

The goddesses watched the interaction from afar, their faces showing a blend of thoughtfulness and amusement. Hera stood with her arms crossed, her gaze steady as she broke the silence.

"He's leaving quite an impression here," Hera commented thoughtfully.

"Not surprising," Ava added, her golden aura flickering faintly. "He's accomplished what no one else could."

Lilith leaned against a nearby pillar, a sly grin tugging at her lips. "Well, that was heartwarming. If you're into the whole tragic hero thing."

Medea rolled her eyes, her black flames dancing along her fingertips. "Spare us the commentary, Lilith."

The goddesses moved a short distance away to confer amongst themselves. They spoke in hushed tones, their eyes occasionally flicking toward Adrian.

"So," Ava began. "Now that this is over, what do we do with him?"

Hera's tone was contemplative as she replied, "He fulfilled his part of the contract. And we fulfilled ours."

Abyss rested her violet blade against her shoulder, her demeanor calm but focused. "But what about the other plan? Do we trust him to follow through? Or do we just… end this now?"

Lilith smirked, her crimson whip coiled loosely in her hand. "Not going to lie," she said, her voice unusually soft. "I've grown fond of him. Killing him feels… wasteful."

Medea arched an eyebrow at her. "Since when did you grow a conscience?"

"Oh, come on," Lilith said, her grin widening. "It's not like the rest of you don't enjoy his... company. Plus, let's not ignore the obvious—he's got the D energy. You're really going to tell me none of you would miss it if we kill him?"

Ava sighed, rolling her eyes. "Lilith, not everything is about sex."

"Please," Lilith retorted, her expression mischievous. "You're all thinking it. Just admit it. You enjoy his cock pounding inside you."

Hera pinched the bridge of her nose. "Can we focus, please?"

Ava folded her arms, her expression serious. "Lilith's theatrics aside, he holds the powers of seven goddesses—and now shadow energy, too. If we decide to eliminate him, it won't be easy."

Eris scoffed, her emerald daggers glinting. "It's our power. If we want him gone, we can make it happen."

"True," Abyss said calmly. "But for now, he's not a threat. Let him live."

The others nodded slowly, though Hestia's blue flames flickered as she asked, "And if he steps out of line?"

Lilith's smile turned wicked, her whip snapping faintly. "Then we remind him why we're goddesses."

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