Caspian's fists clenched at his sides, his nails digging into his palms as his body trembled with barely restrained rage. "Why, Lilith?" he demanded, his voice cracking with both anger and hurt. "You're my best friend! We've been through everything together!"

Lilith leaned casually against the doorway, the knife in her hand glinting in the dim light. Her violet eyes gleamed with malice as she regarded him, her lips curving into a bitter smile. "Best friend?" she scoffed, her tone dripping with derision. "Oh, love, this isn't about friendship. This is about revenge. Do you not remember what your family did to mine?"

Confusion clouded Caspian's mind, his memories of their childhood flickering like fragments of a broken mirror. Lilith had always been there—a quiet girl whom the palace had taken in as a servant. Over time, she had become more than that: a playmate for Caspian, Elric, and his younger brother. He couldn't recall a single moment when she hadn't been treated with care and kindness.

"My family always treated you like one of us," Caspian snarled, his voice filled with disbelief. "We welcomed you into our home! We gave you everything!"

Lilith's laughter rang out, sharp and hollow. "Is that what you think?" she sneered. "You took me in to ease your guilt. Your family sent soldiers to my village—the village in the south. They burned it to the ground."

Caspian's jaw tightened as the weight of her words settled over him. His voice dropped, low and icy. "That village was practicing black arts, trying to summon the dead. My father sent soldiers to protect the kingdom from the darkness spreading there."

Lilith's violet eyes flared with anger, her grip on the knife tightening. "We sought knowledge!" she spat, her voice trembling with fury. "We were trying to understand the mysteries of the gods, to uncover the secrets of life and death. But your family labeled us monsters. They destroyed our village, slaughtered our people, and left me with nothing."

Her words were venomous, each one cutting deeper into Caspian's heart. The memories he had of their time together clashed violently with the accusations she hurled at him. He struggled to reconcile the Lilith he had known—the quiet, kind girl—with the vengeful, hate-filled woman standing before him.

"You were a child," Caspian said quietly, his voice laced with disbelief. "You didn't even know about the black arts. How can you still cling to this hatred?"

Lilith's lips curled into a snarl, her composure cracking. "I remember. I remember the screams, the smell of smoke, the way your soldiers cut down innocent people as if they were nothing. And when it was over, your father brought me here—not out of kindness, but out of guilt. He didn't save me. He stole me."

Her voice broke, and for a moment, Caspian saw the pain beneath her fury—the pain of a girl who had lost everything. But it was quickly swallowed by the venom that consumed her.

"You've had everything handed to you," she continued, her voice rising. "The love of your people, a mate who worships you, power beyond imagining. And what do I have? Nothing. You took it all from me."

Caspian's heart ached, but his anger burned brighter. "I didn't take anything from you!" he roared, his voice echoing through the chamber. "If you had told me, if you had come to me, I would have helped you. But instead, you've let this hatred fester, twisting you into something unrecognizable."

Lilith stepped forward, her smile returning, sharp and cold. "You'll help me now, Caspian," she said, her tone mockingly sweet. "You'll help me by paying for the sins of your family. I'll make sure your kingdom falls, starting with the people you love."

Her gaze flicked to Marcus, then to Morgan and Atlantis, before landing back on Caspian. The threat was unmistakable.

Something inside Caspian snapped. The beast within him roared to life, his body shifting into his true form. His black eyes glowed with rage, his muscular frame radiating power. His tail lashed out, sending ripples through the water.

"You dare threaten my mate? My people?" he growled, his voice guttural and otherworldly. "You call yourself a victim, but all I see is a traitor."

Lilith smirked, unfazed by his transformation. "Then prove me wrong, Caspian. Show me the king you truly are."

Caspian lunged forward, his roar echoing through the sacred chamber as the battle began.

******

Marcus could feel it—the god within him seizing control. Tattoos blurred and pulsed across his skin, glowing faintly as they rearranged into new, intricate patterns. Through the reflection in the polished black stone, he saw his silver eyes darken until they were completely black, void of light or humanity.

The twin blades strapped to his back appeared in his hands without warning, their cold metal handles twisting and morphing. Chains slithered from the hilts, wrapping around his wrists like sentient snakes. The weight was oppressive yet empowering, as though the weapons were feeding him their strength.

This body is smaller than the one I once had, a deep, resonant voice echoed in his mind.

Marcus bristled, his thoughts snapping back at the god. Hey! Don't make fun of my body!

A quiet chuckle rippled through his consciousness, warm and mocking. When this fight is over, I will train your body. It must become better.

Marcus sighed internally, reluctantly acknowledging the truth in Ashur's words. His rail-thin frame was far from ideal for combat, something he could feel with every movement Ashur made. The god's power seemed to strain against his limits, testing the boundaries of what his body could endure.

Through Ashur's borrowed strength, Marcus watched the unfolding chaos. Caspian, in his monstrous form, and Atlantis, wielding his spear with deadly precision, moved closer to Lilith. The room felt charged with tension, the air thick and heavy.

Why do we need to fight? Marcus thought. Caspian and Atlantis seem like they have it under control.

Watch, Ashur replied simply, his tone unreadable.

Lilith let out a shrill cry that reverberated through the chamber. Marcus flinched at the sound, his gaze snapping to Caspian and Atlantis. To his horror, they both doubled over, their bodies spasming violently. Caspian's claws scraped against the stone floor as he tried to steady himself, while Atlantis's spear clattered to the ground, slipping from his grip.

"Caspian!" Marcus gasped, panic gripping his chest. What's going on, Ashur?

The woman's aura is poisonous, Ashur explained, his voice calm despite the urgency of the situation. A side effect of the black magic she wields. She has likely been suppressing it with a potion, but now she's letting it loose. Your friends are succumbing to its effects.

The god twirled the blade effortlessly in Marcus's hands, testing the weight with a precision that made Marcus's body feel like a puppet.

Only Marcus and Morgan remained upright, the latter's hands glowing with defensive magic as he tried to shield himself. Morgan's pupils had narrowed into thin, reptilian slits, his sharp features twisted in pain as he fought the invisible force pressing down on him.

"Why do you do this?" Morgan demanded, his voice a strained growl. The glowing light around his hands faltered as the poison crept closer.

Lilith grinned, her violet eyes gleaming with malice as she stepped toward him. Her aura shimmered around her like an unholy veil, pulsing outward in waves. Another pulse struck Morgan, and he cried out, his body trembling as he fought to stay standing.

"Morgan!" Marcus cried, his soul writhing in agony at the sight of his lover and two friends brought to their knees.

Clear your mind, little one, Ashur commanded, his voice cutting through Marcus's panic like a blade. We can still save them. But you must stop resisting me. Your soul is fighting my presence.

Marcus's breathing hitched. He could feel it—the push and pull between him and Ashur, his instincts rebelling against the god's intrusion. But as his eyes darted to Caspian, writhing in agony, and Morgan, barely holding his ground, he knew there was no other choice.

Fine, Marcus thought, his resolve hardening. Do whatever you need to do. Just save them.

Good, Ashur said, his tone softer now. Now, let us fight as one.

The chains around Marcus's wrists tightened, glowing faintly as Ashur's power surged through him. The tattoos on his skin flared to life, their patterns shifting into something new, ancient and primal. The blades in his hands vibrated, as though alive, eager to strike.

Marcus felt his body move with a precision and strength that wasn't his own. He lunged forward, the blades cutting through the poisoned air like lightning. The chains around his wrists extended, snapping out toward Lilith with a speed that caught even her off guard. The fight had truly begun, and for the first time, Marcus wasn't just watching—he was the weapon.

******

Morgan struggled against the poison, his body weakening as the moisture within him evaporated unnaturally. His throat felt parched, his movements slower, but his green eyes remained locked on Atlantis. The warrior prince still fought valiantly against the toxic aura, his golden eyes dulled with strain but steadfast.

Just a little longer, love, Morgan thought, their gazes meeting for a brief, aching moment.

Lilith's laughter rang out, sharp and grating, as she twirled her knife. Her violet eyes gleamed with malice as she approached Marcus, her aura pressing against him like an oppressive weight. "Just you and me now," she sneered. "I can already feel my nails sinking into your flesh."

"You underestimate me, you pathetic creature," Marcus replied, his voice much deeper, laced with an eerie, haunting tone.

Morgan smiled faintly, even through his agony. Ashur is here.

*****

Marcus felt his soul blend with the god's essence, their minds intertwining like two threads woven into one. Thoughts flowed freely between them, their unity sharp and undeniable.

He could feel Ashur restraining his power, a conscious effort to keep from obliterating Marcus's mortal body. Yet even with the restraint, their combined strength was formidable. The twin blades in Marcus's hands hummed with energy as he clashed with Lilith's knife, her aura swirling violently around them.

The tattoos are runes, Ashur informed him, his voice calm and instructive. They form a barrier against invisible magic like hers. She cannot harm you.

Lilith's confidence wavered as Marcus pushed her further away from the chamber's center. Fear flickered in her violet eyes, her stance faltering as she realized she was no longer in control.

She was experienced, her movements precise and sharp. But Ashur's influence made up for Marcus's lack of skill, their strikes fluid and relentless. The clash of metal echoed through the room until Marcus's blades struck true, disarming her. Lilith's knife clattered to the floor, her snarl turning to desperation.

"No!" Lilith screeched, lunging forward with her claws outstretched, aiming for Marcus's throat.

Her movements froze mid-strike, a strangled gasp escaping her lips as Marcus—guided by Ashur—drove both blades into her chest. Black blood seeped from the wounds, staining the water like ink.

"I-I don't understand," she choked, her voice faltering as her strength waned. "You're weak... just a child. How?"

Marcus's lips remained silent, but Ashur spoke through him, his voice resonant and commanding. "I am Ashur," he said, twisting the blades. "God of war and protection. Patron of the Onyx Kingdom."

Fear and realization widened Lilith's eyes. She opened her mouth to speak, but Ashur yanked the blades free, her blood swirling in dark clouds.

"Now die like the traitor you are," Ashur growled, shoving her away.

Her body sank into the darkness beyond the chamber. Marcus felt Ashur's presence recede, leaving him to reclaim control of his body. He gasped, trembling as he pressed a hand to his chest, grounding himself.

"Caspian! Morgan! Atlantis!" Marcus cried as he swam back into the chamber.

Relief washed over him as he saw them recovering. The water around them, blessed by the sacred chamber, was beginning to heal their poisoned bodies. Caspian's dark eyes fluttered open, his breaths steadier, though his body still trembled.

"Are you alright?" Marcus whispered, wrapping his arms around Caspian's shoulders.

Caspian leaned into his touch, his hand sliding around Marcus's waist. "Oh, Marcus," he murmured, his voice hoarse with emotion. "I love you."

"I love you too," Marcus whispered, their lips meeting in a tender kiss. The moment was brief but filled with unspoken promises.

"As much as I want you two to have your love fest," Atlantis mumbled, his voice regaining some of its usual dry humor, "where is Lilith?"

Marcus turned, his silver eyes scanning the entrance. "She should be just outside."

Atlantis shook his head, his brows furrowing. "She isn't there."

Morgan frowned, his gaze darkening. "I think she's gone."

********

They never did find Lilith, no matter how many soldiers they sent to search. Her disappearance lingered like a shadow, an unresolved threat haunting the edges of their newfound peace.

"Must you go, Morgan?" Marcus asked quietly, his voice tinged with sadness. He clung to his friend's arm like a younger sibling reluctant to let go. "I don't want you to leave."

Morgan chuckled softly, his green eyes warm with affection. He leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to Marcus's forehead. "I'm sorry, sweetie," he murmured. "But there are things I need to take care of."

Marcus pouted, his full lips forming a perfect expression of discontent, but the edges of his mouth soon curved into a smile as Caspian approached. His husband's strong arm slid around his shoulders, pulling him close.

"Morgan has to come back eventually," Caspian said, his deep voice carrying a note of reassurance. "He needs to be here for our wedding." His dark eyes flicked to Morgan, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Right?"

Morgan felt a rush of heat flood his cheeks, his composure faltering under Caspian's teasing gaze. "Of course," he stammered, his voice a touch higher than usual. He cleared his throat, trying to regain his dignity.

Before Morgan could say more, Marcus's silver eyes darkened abruptly, his aura shifting as an unmistakable energy filled the room. The change still caught everyone off guard, even though it had become a frequent occurrence. Marcus's posture straightened, his expression serene yet commanding.

Ashur had arrived.

"It is sad to see you go," Ashur murmured, his voice carrying an otherworldly resonance. He stepped away from Caspian's embrace, his dark gaze locking onto Morgan. "My gratitude to you is immense, as is the importance of your mission in awakening the gods. For this, I offer a parting gift."

Morgan's brows furrowed, confusion flitting across his features as Ashur approached. The god's black-nailed fingers brushed through Morgan's dark hair, the touch both gentle and electric.

"Remember," Ashur whispered, leaning in to press a kiss against Morgan's forehead.

Morgan gasped, his body stiffening as a surge of magic coursed through him. His pupils dilated fully, and his mind filled with a cascade of memories. Flashes of red hair, a boyish laugh, and soft, golden eyes swirled together in vivid detail. He remembered tentative handshakes in their youth, stolen moments of intimacy as they grew older, and the fiery passion that had once connected them.

Tears welled in Morgan's eyes, blurring his vision as he turned toward Atlantis. The prince's golden eyes were already glistening with unshed tears, their depths brimming with hope and love.

"Oh, Atlantis," Morgan whispered, his voice trembling with emotion. Without hesitation, he surged forward, his hands cupping Atlantis's face as their lips met in a kiss filled with longing and rediscovery. His fingers tangled in Atlantis's red hair, pulling him closer as their tongues brushed, a reunion of hearts that had been separated for far too long.

When they finally pulled apart, their foreheads rested together, both of them catching their breaths. Recognition shone brightly in both pairs of eyes.

"I remember you," Morgan whispered, his voice breaking with emotion.

Atlantis couldn't hold back any longer. Tears spilled down his cheeks as he pulled Morgan into a tight embrace, his body trembling with relief and joy.

"I thought I'd lost you," Atlantis choked out, his voice barely audible. "But you're here. You're back."

Morgan smiled through his tears, holding Atlantis as though he would never let go again. "I'm here," he said softly. "And I'm not going anywhere."

End of Book 3

Atlantis and Morgan's Adventures will continue in
Book 4:
Amber