Night had descended, covering the desert in darkness. Adrian and Lilith stood together, hidden in the blackness of the moonless night.
Adrian had placed the mercenaries in strategic positions around the Draegonian camp. It was a well-planned ambush, and their unsuspecting enemies had no clue they were there.
They watched as the soldiers went about their duties, tending to their weapons and readying their supplies. They were a disciplined bunch, and even the slightest sound was enough to send them on high alert.
Adrian's heart raced in his chest, his grip tightening on his sword's handle, excitement running through his veins. The desire for revenge burned fiercely, fueled by memories of his past defeat by the Draegonians.
Tonight, he was determined to settle the score.
Adrian looked over at Lilith, who stood silently beside him. She looked confident and sexy at the same time, her amber eyes shimmering with mischief. He could sense the anticipation and bloodlust radiating from her.
He knew she was eager for the fight.
His eyes returned to the Draegonians camp in the distance. A number of them were still moving about, their steps muffled by the shifting sands. None of them were aware of the trap that had been set.
Adrian looked up to the stars, taking a deep breath and releasing it. The air was dry and cool, and the wind was beginning to pick up, blowing sand and dust across the desert.
A feeling of unease crept into his mind, but he quickly tossed it aside.
It was too late to change his plans now.
He looked over at Lilith and gave her a reassuring nod.
She returned it, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.
They remained perched atop the high dunes, patiently awaiting the opportune moment to strike.
"Just a little bit more," Adrian whispered to himself, his eyes never wavering from the Draegonians below.
After a while, Lilith and Adrian quietly departed from their concealed vantage point. Sleep remained elusive, so Adrian engaged in conversation with Lilith through the night, their voices barely above a whisper as they awaited the sight of the sun's first rays.
"Bored?" Lilith asked, scooting closer to Adrian.
"Yes, very," Adrian answered. "It's just a waiting game at this point. We have nothing better to do than talk."
"About what, though?"
"You tell me."
"Okay, I know," Lilith said excitedly, an impish grin spreading across her face. "Why don't we get to know each other?"
Adrian chuckled dryly. "Why am I not surprised? Alright, fine. You go first."
"I'm not good at starting these kinds of things," she said, a shy smile on her face.
"Come on, it can't be that hard."
"Fine, then. How about... you tell me how you were you able to resist my daughter's power."
"Your daughter's?" Adrian asked with a confused expression.
"The succubus you encountered," she explained. "Seraphina"
"Ah, her," he said, nodding his head in realization. "I had no idea that she was your daughter."
"Yes, and a powerful one, too," she added. "Yet you managed to resist her."
Adrian smiled wryly. "To be honest, I'm not really sure how I did it. I think the flames of my revenge burn brighter than anything she could offer me."
Lilian raised an eyebrow, a look of interest on her face.
"Hmmm... that's a rare occurrence. Usually, most mortals would have their sanity and life drained by the time the succubus has finished with them," she remarked.
"Well, if I had given in, we wouldn't be having this conversation right now," Adrian replied, a wry smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
"I see."
They both fell silent for a moment, and Adrian was suddenly reminded of the question he had been meaning to ask her.
"If you don't mind, I have a question of my own," he began, his voice hesitant. "Why did you agree to help me, and what's your goal?"
"That's two questions," Lilith pointed out.
"I'm a greedy guy."
Lilith smiled wryly, but then her expression became serious.
"Let's just say, we were both offended and want to exact revenge."
"Revenge? For what?" Adrian asked, confusion evident in his voice.
Lilith shook her head, her eyes downcast.
"A story for another time, I'm afraid," she answered softly. "I should conserve my energy since you don't approve me feeding off others' lust," she said with a cheeky smile.
"Very well," he conceded and they both fell into silence.
Sleep eluded Adrian as he waited for the first sign of sunrise. His thoughts drifted back to the upcoming battle, and a sense of excitement bubbled up within him.
He couldn't wait to unleash his rage.
A few hours later, the sun's rays began to creep over the horizon, bathing the desert in a soft golden glow.
"Ready to help me get my revenge?" Adrian asked, standing up and stretching his body.
Lilith stood up beside him and nodded.
"Of course, that's what I'm here for. Then we go find and free my sisters," she replied with a hint of mischief in her eyes. "Though you will definitely need to help me replenish my energy," she added, flashing a sultry smile.
Together, they made their way toward the Draegonian camp. Those who were awake spotted them and ceased their activities, their eyes scrutinizing the pair intently. Their expressions betrayed a mix of curiosity and caution, as they tried to discern whether Adrian and Lilith were friend or foe.
As they drew nearer, one of the Draegonians, clad in imposing armor that concealed most of his form, stepped forward. His gloved hands rested on the hilt of his sword, his gaze locked firmly onto Adrian's.
"Who are you, and what do you want?" he inquired, his unwavering stare finally shifting to Lilith for a lingering moment before returning to Adrian.
"I'm here to see Commander Kyros," Adrian replied evenly.
The soldier's eyes narrowed slightly, and he shook his head.
"You'll have to state your reasons. Why do you want to see our Commander? And how did you know we were here?" he pressed, his eyes once again straying toward Lilith.
"I'd advise that your gaze remains on me. Any other look at her, and it might be your last," Adrian warned, his patience wearing thin.
"And what will you… " Before he could finish his sentence, Adrian acted swiftly, drawing his sword and slicing through the air with deadly precision.
His blade found its mark, and in an instant, his head parted from his body, blood spurting from the severed neck as his head slid off slowly and landed on the sand. An expression of shock and fear froze in place in his now lifeless eyes. His body collapsed to the ground, a few feet away from Adrian.
His comrades froze, their eyes widening in shock.
The silence that had blanketed the camp was shattered by Lilith's laughter.
"I'm sorry, but you just made it too easy," she said between laughs.
Adrian smirked, his eyes sweeping over the Draegonian soldiers. "Anyone else have anything to say? Or are you all going to let us pass?"
There was a tense silence as the soldiers exchanged nervous glances. Then, as if on cue, they drew their weapons, a look of determination etched upon their faces.
Adrian sighed, shaking his head in exasperation.
In response, he summoned eight fiery chains from his back, each one flickering with an intense, otherworldly heat. Handing his sword to Lilith, he took a step forward, the chains swirling menacingly around him.
"I tried to be polite. But you forced my hand," he growled, his gaze fixed on the approaching soldiers.
"It's the Meridian King!" one of the Draegonians exclaimed, his memory quick to recognize Adrian's distinctive fiery chains.
Turning to Lilith, Adrian sought her confirmation. "You know what to do," he asked, and she nodded with a knowing glint in her eyes.
A wicked grin spread across Adrian's face as he faced the Draegonians. "This is going to be fun," he remarked, fully aware of the chaotic battle that was about to unfold.