Chapter 253: Shadow Ninjas...

Hestia yawned, sitting up slightly. "Why does it always have to be an ambush? Can't we just have one quiet climb to a temple?"

At her words, Adrian saw it—a glint of steel in the distance, barely visible against the rocky backdrop. It disappeared as quickly as it had appeared, but it was enough.

"We're not alone," Adrian said quietly.

The moment Adrian uttered the words, "We're not alone," chaos erupted.

From the rocky cliffs above, cloaked figures came down like shadows brought to life. They moved with an unnatural grace, jumping from one crag to another, their dark robes blending in perfectly with the rough landscape.

The soft rustle of their movements was almost drowned out by the rising wind, but Adrian's sharp eyes caught every flicker of motion.

"Ninjas!" Ava exclaimed.

"Shadow Court ninjas," Medea hissed, her blade already drawn and wreathed in dark fire.