"I'll talk to her."

"You'd better," Medea said, her eyes flashing with barely restrained fury. "Or I will."

Before Adrian could respond, Lilith sauntered over, her lips curving into a sly smile. "Oh, is our little group starting to have some issues?" she asked lightly. "Ava being greedy, Medea being wrathful... it's almost like the three of us were destined to clash, don't you think?"

Adrian sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Lilith, this isn't the time."

Lilith shrugged, clearly unconcerned. "I'm just saying, darling, it was bound to happen eventually. Put three goddesses with very strong personalities in the same group, and tensions are inevitable. But I'm sure you'll figure it out." She winked at him before turning her attention back to Selene, who was quietly preparing their sleeping bags

Before Adrian could say anything, they heard footsteps approaching. It was Ava, walking toward them with a wide, innocent smile plastered on her face.

"Dinner ready yet?" she asked sweetly, her eyes lingering on the boar. "I'm starving."

Adrian exchanged a quick glance with Medea, who merely narrowed her eyes. "Almost," Adrian replied, keeping his tone neutral. "Just about done."

"Perfect," Ava said, moving closer to the fire. "I'll go ahead and divide it for everyone." She took a sharp knife from her belt and, without waiting for an answer, began cutting the roasted meat into portions.

Adrian watched her closely, noting how she sliced the juiciest parts and slid them onto a plate she kept close to herself. She worked quickly, her hands moving as she set aside an unusually large portion for herself.

What's more, he noticed her slip a few extra pieces into a pouch she had hidden beneath her cloak.

Medea's jaw clenched. "Ava," she said sharply. "What are you doing?"

Ava's head snapped up, her golden eyes wide with pretend innocence. "What? I'm just dividing the food."

"That's more than your share," Medea growled, rising to her feet. "We are all supposed to split things evenly."

Ava's lips curved into a sly smile. "Oh, Medea, don't be so dramatic. I'm just taking what I need. If you wanted more, you should've asked."

Adrian stood up, stepping between the two goddesses before things could escalate. "Enough," he said firmly, his gaze shifting between them. "We're all in this together. There's no need for anyone to take more than they need."

Ava rolled her eyes, but she didn't argue.

Instead, she handed Medea her share with a trace of smugness in her expression. Medea snatched it from her hand, glaring at her before sitting back down next to the fire.

Adrian exhaled slowly, his mind racing. It was clear Ava's greed was starting to cause problems, and he knew it wouldn't be long before things got worse.

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

As the days passed, the tension among the group began to grow. It was a delicate balancing act, Adrian thought, trying to keep them from tearing each other apart.

Due to Ava's selfish and arrogant behavior, Medea's anger is never far from the surface. Lilith, as usual, remained amused by the unfolding drama, while Selene kept to herself, always trailing behind, silently observing the others and quietly supporting Adrian.

On the morning of the fifth day, as the familiar stone walls of Zarpha came into view, Adrian exhaled a long breath of relief. He had spent time here before, and despite everything that had changed, Zarpha still felt like a place of safety.

They approached the gates, and the guards recognized Adrian, offering him deep bows of respect. It wasn't long before word of his return spread through the castle, and by the time they reached the grand hall, Queen Alannah herself was waiting for them.

Alannah stood at the top of the stairs, her regal presence commanding the room as her piercing green eyes locked onto Adrian's. She smiled warmly, but there was a flicker of something in her gaze—a subtle awareness that something about him had changed since their last meeting.

"Adrian," Alannah greeted, her voice smooth and elegant, carrying both authority and warmth. She descended the steps gracefully, her dark hair flowing behind her like a silk veil. "It's been far too long."

Adrian offered a respectful bow, stepping forward. "Your Majesty, I apologize for my extended absence. Much has changed, and I have much to explain."

Alannah's gaze shifted to the three women standing behind him, taking in Lilith's seductive confidence, Medea's fierce poise, and Ava's calculated demeanor. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she studied them. "These must be your companions."

Adrian turned to gesture toward the goddesses. "Allow me to introduce them. You know Lilith already. This is Medea, and Ava, sisters of Lilith. And, then, Selene is our humble priestess."

Alannah regarded them for a moment, then gave a slow, regal nod.

"You're most welcome here, Lady Lilith, and all your sisters," Alannah said with a polite smile. "Any companion of our heroes are also welcomed as honored guests. Let's get you all settled, shall we? And please, tell me everything about your time since you left here."

Adrian and the goddesses followed Alannah to the guest quarters, where they were shown to a luxurious room fit for the honored guests.

Alannah left the goddesses and Adrian in their quarters and told them to freshen up. As soon as the door closed in on them, Adrian decided to address the issue and sat on the edge of the bed.

He watched as Lilith inspected her reflection in the mirrors with a self-satisfied smile, Medea methodically laying out her weapons, and Ava already eyeing the valuables scattered around the room, her fingers twitching as if eager to claim them.

Selene was the only one who kept quiet and out of sight, preferring to stay behind the group. She sat quietly on the bed as she removed her cloak, revealing her toned and curvy body.

Clearing his throat, he drew their attention. "We need to talk," Adrian began in a firm but calm voice. The goddesses paused, each turning their gaze toward him.

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