章 171: Let the ritual begin...

The evening had fallen quietly over Brenden, the settlement resting under the soft glow of the moon. Adrian exhaled deeply as he finished his bath, the warmth of the water having helped ease the tension that had been building in his muscles since the long journey back. 

With a towel slung over his shoulders, Adrian crossed the room and dressed quickly. 

His gaze drifted out the window. It was peaceful now, but beneath the calm, he knew that chaos loomed on the horizon. He had to prepare for whatever was coming, but first, there was the matter of the contract with Abyss.

Abyss. 

His thoughts lingered on her—the way she had clung to him, the hunger in her eyes, the obsession that radiated from her every word. He could feel her presence even when she wasn't near, like a constant pull on his senses.