As Adrian and Ava made their way out of the temple, the tension in the air began to ease. The golden glow that had surrounded them within the depths of the temple began to dim, replaced by the cool, dim light of the late afternoon sun.

The air outside was refreshing after the stifling atmosphere of the treasure-laden chamber, and for a moment, Adrian allowed himself to breathe deeply and savor the sensation.

But the relief was short-lived as he and Ava emerged outside.

Standing at the temple's grand entrance, waiting for them with worried faces, were Lilith and Medea. Lilith leaned casually against the stone pillar, her lips curling into a mischievous smile when she spotted them.

Medea, on the other hand, was more composed, arms crossed, her expression unreadable but clearly impatient.

"You took your time," Lilith teased, her dark eyes flicking between Adrian and Ava. "Did our dear goddess of greed slow you down with all her gold?"

Medea's eyes narrowed at her sister's remark, and she shot Lilith a look of disapproval.

Ava rolled her eyes. "Very funny, Lilith. Is that how to greet your elder sister who just got freed from her prison? I should've stayed behind for another hundred years if I knew this was the welcome waiting for me."

Lilith's grin widened. "Aww, I missed you too, dear sister. But we're both back, aren't we? Now, how about a warm family hug to celebrate?"

Without waiting for a response, Lilith wrapped her arms around Ava, embracing her tightly. To Adrian's surprise, Ava didn't resist, and after a brief moment, returned the embrace, her eyes closing as she seemed to relax.

"We really did miss you," Lilith whispered. "This world was dull without you and Medea."

Medea stepped forward, her expression softening slightly. "It's good to see you again, Ava. Are you well?"

Ava pulled away from the hug, a genuine smile spreading across her face. "Better than I've been in a long time. Being trapped in that wretched space did a number on me, but now, I feel refreshed. I suppose being freed has its perks."

"Okay, okay," Adrian's voice broke through. "Just a reminder that after this little family reunion, we still have a long road ahead.

"Right," Lilith sighed, turning her attention to Adrian. "Well, where's our next stop, darling?"

"What's the plan?" Medea added.

"Well, according to the map," Adrian said, reaching for Lilith's pouch where the map was. He unrolled it, his eyes scanning over the intricate symbols and markings.

"We'll head back the way we came, passing through this town and then back to Zarpha. There's nothing ahead of these mountains, and since Lilith and I are respected heroes in Zarpha, it'll be a perfect place to return to. Gives us the chance to stock up on supplies before continuing to the coast."

Medea nodded, taking the map and studying it for a while. "And the quest?"

Adrian hesitated. The truth was, even though he had the goddesses' location, he hadn't expected to succeed in freeing one, let alone three.

"Honestly, I don't know," he admitted. "We need a plan. Somewhere safe and secure. That's why I suggest we need to focus on getting to Zarpha first. From there, we can easily travel eastwards to the rest of the goddess' prisons.

Lilith shrugged. "Sounds like a plan, Anything comes up, we figure it out as we go. What's the worst that can happen? We're goddesses. Well, except for you."

Adrian nodded, taking a deep breath, to steady himself for the journey ahead.

"Then let's get going."

The four of them begin their journey back out of the temple's premise and back to the town. The small town seemed peaceful from a distance, its narrow streets bustling with activity. The glow of the late afternoon sun bathed the town in warm hues, but the peace was deceptive.

They were still all in the business of buying and selling.

Adrian felt something strange as they descended toward the village.

As they walked, he noticed the villagers slowly starting to gather in the streets, their gazes locked onto Ava. Their faces reflected awe and reverence, though they couldn't have known who she was. It was as if they were instinctively drawn to her, compelled by something beyond their understanding.

Adrian was starting to understand why the goddesses were worshipped and revered as deities. Even as an ordinary human, he could feel the powerful presence emanating from her.

As they walked deeper into the village, a small group of villagers approached them. An old man with a weathered face stepped forward, clutching a bundle wrapped in cloth to his chest. His hands trembled as he knelt before Ava, offering the bundle up to her.

"This is for you," the man said softly, his voice shaking with emotion. "Please… accept it, my lady."

Ava tilted her head, her golden eyes gleaming with amusement.

She reached down, taking the bundle from the man's trembling hands. When she unwrapped it, her expression remained impassive, though Adrian noticed the glint of gold and jewels within—a family heirloom, perhaps, handed over without hesitation.

"You are generous," Ava said smoothly, though there was an edge of mockery in her tone. She gave the old man a nod, and he, along with the rest of the gathered villagers, bowed deeply before retreating.

Adrian's chest tightened as more villagers came forward, each offering small but valuable items—a ring, a bracelet, a coin of gold—each given willingly, as if it were their duty to offer their finest treasures.

The sight of it made something stir inside him.

He watched, his eyes narrowing as Ava accepted the treasures with her usual grace, barely giving the villagers a second glance.

There was no doubt in Adrian's mind now: Ava's power was more than just an aura.

She didn't need to compel people with words or commands—her very presence drew out their greed, amplifying their desire to give her what they believed would earn them favor or approval. It was subtle, insidious, and entirely within her nature.

But the effect wasn't limited to the villagers.

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