A week had passed, and Adrian and his female companions were settling into life in Zarpha. Each of the women had found their place, contributing in their own unique ways.

Ava's business of helping and investing was growing, and she came home with more gold coins than she usually leaves the place with. And ever since the 2nd day, she's been gifting Adrian a share of her profits.

Lilith had spoken to the Lady Gerda but what she got wasn't different from what Adrian already knew about the king. Selene has been Selene as usual, and Medea also.

But still, Adrian felt restless.

Every morning, he looked out at the city, expecting a letter from Zack with updates about the Shadow Court. Yet, each day passed with no news. The uncertainty gnawed at him. He tried to shake it off, telling himself that it took time to gather information, but the stillness was unnerving.

Feeling tense one morning, Adrian decided he needed some physical release. "Medea," he called as he stepped out into the training courtyard. She was sharpening her sword, her eyes flicking up to meet his.

"Need something?" she asked with a knowing tone. Medea was keen on observing the subtle changes in Adrian's demeanor, and she could tell he wasn't at ease.

"I'm heading to the barracks," Adrian replied, rolling his shoulders to loosen the knots that had formed there. "Maybe some sparring will clear my mind. You coming?"

A smirk crossed her lips. "You just want an excuse to hit something. But sure, let's go."

As they walked through the winding paths leading to the barracks, the streets were alive with the usual bustle. The morning sun cast long shadows, the air still cool before the day's heat would set in.

Adrian couldn't help but glance around, searching for any signs of trouble, but all seemed peaceful… too peaceful. It almost reminded him of his own kingdom… peaceful, yet everything was gone in just a day.

When they arrived at the barracks, the sound of steel clashing and the grunts of soldiers in training filled the air. The scent of sweat and dust mingled with the fresh breeze, reminding Adrian of battles past.

Medea led him through the maze of soldiers to where Captain Vale and General Aric were discussing drills.

"Vale, General Aric," Medea greeted them, her voice carrying authority. "Meet Adrian. He's been eager to see what you lot are made of."

Vale turned, his gaze appraising as he took in Adrian's presence. The captain's pride still stung from his earlier duel with Medea, but he offered a respectful nod. "Adrian, huh? Heard about you. Medea talks highly of your skills."

Adrian shook his hand firmly. "She's a tough critic, but I try to live up to her standards."

General Aric stepped forward with a serious but friendly face. "Adrian, I've heard much about you. It's not often we have an outsider who gets to see our operations. Medea's skills speak for themselves, so I imagine you'll be no different."

Adrian glanced at the training grounds, watching the soldiers spar. "Medea's been a good teacher. But I came here to learn more than just battle tactics. I've heard whispers about movements in the east."

The general's expression darkened slightly, a flicker of tension passing across his features. He glanced around, ensuring no one else was within earshot before lowering his voice. "It's true. There's been some strange activity near the borders. Armies gathering, scouts disappearing. But there's no concrete proof of an impending attack.

The queen has instructed us to hold off on any major moves until we know more."

Adrian's jaw clenched. "And you're just waiting?"

Aric's eyes met his, steady and unwavering. "The queen believes it's best not to stir panic without sufficient information. It's a delicate balance."

The thought of waiting made Adrian's skin itch. If the Shadow Court was behind these movements, the longer they waited, the more dangerous it became. "I'll inform the queen. She needs to know we can't afford to sit idly by."

General Aric nodded but added, "Do what you must. But be careful. Without solid evidence, the council won't act."

After a few minutes of observing the soldiers, Adrian's impatience grew. The controlled training, while impressive, wasn't enough to quiet the storm brewing inside him. "Medea, what do you say we hit the forest for some real training? I need something more intense."

Medea grinned. "Now you're speaking my language. Let's see if that extra muscle you've been working on actually amounts to anything."

The two made their way to the nearby forest. It was quiet but away from prying eyes. Medea drew her sword, her eyes gleaming with challenge. "Ready?"

Adrian unsheathed his own blade, feeling the familiar weight in his hand. His training had evolved since they first started. He was stronger now, his movements faster, and his instincts sharper.

He could feel the dark fire within him, waiting to be called upon.

They circled each other, eyes locked. Then, without warning, Medea struck. Her blade whistled through the air, but Adrian blocked it easily, the clash of steel ringing through the trees.

The fight was fierce. Medea's strikes were swift and calculated, but Adrian met each one with growing confidence. His swings had more power, and he moved with speed that even surprised her.

At one point, he called upon his dark fire, the flames licking the edge of his sword as he forced Medea back.

But Medea wasn't easy to best. She moved like a predator, her blade cutting through the air. With a sudden twist, she disarmed him, the tip of her sword resting lightly against his throat.

"You've improved," she said, her voice low and approving. "But you're still not fast enough."

Adrian chuckled, his chest heaving with exertion. "You'll never let me win, will you?"

Medea smirked, stepping back and sheathing her sword. "Not unless you earn it."

Determined to push himself further, Adrian dropped to the ground and began doing push-ups, his muscles screaming in protest. Medea watched him for a moment, arms crossed, before shaking her head. "You're a glutton for punishment, aren't you?"

"I've got to push beyond my limits," Adrian replied, his voice strained as he continued his drills. He stood up and began punching the tree in rapid succession, each strike sending shockwaves through his arms.

Medea, leaning against a nearby rock, observed him with a mixture of amusement and concern. "You've already trained hard today. We can head back. No one's expecting you to break yourself."

But Adrian wasn't ready to stop. The restless energy inside him refused to let him rest. "I'm not done yet."

For another hour, he pushed himself, ignoring the burning in his muscles and the weariness in his bones. Every punch, every swing of the sword was a release, but it wasn't enough to quiet the unease gnawing at him.

Finally, drenched in sweat and breathing hard, Adrian dropped his hands, his body trembling with exhaustion. Medea approached him, handing him a waterskin. "You're going to break something if you keep this up."

Adrian took a long drink, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "I just... it's too quiet. I don't like it. It feels like the calm before the storm."

Medea studied him for a moment before nodding. "I know that feeling. The waiting, the tension... it gets to you." She rested a hand on his shoulder. "But you need to stay sharp. When the storm hits, you'll be ready."

Adrian sighed, running a hand through his damp hair. "I hope so."

As they made their way back to the city, the sun was setting, casting long shadows across the path. The quiet between them wasn't uncomfortable, but it was heavy with unspoken thoughts.

"You think it's the Shadow Court, don't you?" Medea asked softly.

Adrian nodded. "I can feel it. They're out there, waiting. And I don't know if Zarpha's ready for what's coming."

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