THE GOD OF WAR'S RETURN: ADRIAN'S SECOND CHANCE

The grand hall was alive with laughter and music. Flames flickered in the iron chandeliers, casting warm light on the stone walls. The smell of roasted meat, fresh bread, and spiced wine filled the air. The long wooden table was covered with golden plates, overflowing with food.

Adrian Voss sat at the head of the table, his fingers resting on the rim of his goblet. The deep red wine inside swirled as he moved his hand slightly. Around him, his warriors drank, their voices loud and full of joy. It was a feast in his honor.

Killian, his younger brother, leaned back in his chair, grinning. He had already drunk more than he should. His eyes shone with mischief as he raised his cup.

“You’re too quiet, Adrian,” Killian said, nudging him. “Is our great king not enjoying his own feast?”

Adrian smirked. “A king must stay sharp.”

Killian chuckled, turning to the men. “Then let’s drink for him!”

The warriors laughed, slamming their cups together before gulping down their wine. Adrian lifted his cup but did not drink. Something felt wrong.

Across from him, Seraphina,his wife,watched him with a soft smile. Her beauty had always made people stare, but tonight, something about her felt different. Her dark eyes held a strange look, one he couldn’t quite place.

A strange feeling crawled up Adrian’s spine.

Seraphina leaned close, her breath warm against his skin.

“You should relax, my love,” she whispered, her fingers trailing down his arm.

“Tonight is for you.”

Adrian forced a smile, but his mind raced. Something wasn’t right.

He noticed the way Seraphina’s hand never strayed far from her waist. He knew she kept a dagger there. She always did, but why was she touching it now?

Across the table, Killian exchanged a quick look with one of the warriors. It was so fast that most would have missed it.

Adrian saw it.

A silent message passed between them.

His grip tightened on his cup.

His eyes flicked toward the entrance. The guards had changed. New faces. Their hands rested on their swords, eyes scanning the room. The usual royal guards,his most loyal men,were missing.

His heartbeat slowed.

Something was coming.

Killian lifted his goblet, standing. “A toast!” he called out.

“To Adrian Voss! A king greater than all before him!”

The men cheered, banging their cups against the table. Adrian smiled, lifting his own goblet,but he still didn’t drink.

The warmth of the hall suddenly felt stifling. The light too dim. The air too thick.

Killian sat back down, turning his goblet in his hands. “You know, brother,” he said, his voice too casual, “we’ve been talking. About the kingdom. About its future.”

Adrian studied him. “And?”

Killian smirked,a slow, knowing smirk.

“We think it’s time for new leadership.”

The hall fell silent.

Then—

The doors burst open.

Armed men stormed in, their boots pounding against the stone floor. Swords glinted under the candlelight. Their faces were covered.

The warriors at the table jumped to their feet, some reaching for weapons,but none moved to defend Adrian.

His blood ran cold.

Adrian stood, reaching for his sword, but..Killian slammed a hand against his chest, forcing him back into his chair.

His eyes locked onto his brother’s.

Killian sighed. “I hoped you wouldn’t make this difficult.”

Adrian’s fingers twitched toward his weapon, but before he could reach it—

Cold steel plunged into his side.

The pain was instant, sharp, burning through his body. His breath caught in his throat.

He turned his head..Seraphina.

She still held the dagger, her hand firm. The warmth in her eyes was gone.

“I’m sorry, my love,” she whispered. But her face showed no regret.

Adrian staggered, his legs giving out. His knees hit the cold stone floor. Blood soaked his tunic, dripping onto the ground.

His breath came in ragged gasps. The room spun. His warriors, his people..they had turned against him.

Killian crouched beside him, resting an elbow on his knee. “You were too strong, Adrian. Too feared. We couldn’t let you rule forever.”

Adrian tried to move, but his body felt heavy. His vision blurred, darkness creeping in.

Then—

A voice.

Soft. Ancient. Powerful.

"Do you wish to change your fate?"