As Adrian watched the growing pile of treasures at Ava's feet, he felt a faint, nagging pull deep within him.

It was small at first, barely noticeable, but the longer he stood there, the more it grew. The hunger. It whispered at the edges of his mind, telling him to take, to accumulate more. Power. Wealth. Influence.

They were within reach—he could have it all.

He clenched his fists, trying to suppress the urge. Was it Ava's doing, or was it simply the consequence of the deal he'd struck?

"Adrian," Medea's voice cut through his thoughts like a blade. She stepped up beside him, her sharp gaze taking in the scene before them. "This is getting out of hand." Her voice was low, filled with disapproval as she watched the villagers continue to offer up their treasures.

"Should we stop this?" Lilith chimed in, her tone more amused than concerned. "It's almost entertaining how easily they give in to her."

Ava turned, her lips curving into a knowing smile as she approached Adrian. "No need to stop them," she said softly. "They are simply showing their respect. Nothing more." She glanced at the villagers with an unreadable expression.

For someone who was used to influencing the mind of others, Lilith was the wrong person to see something wrong in this.

"Let's get a move on," Medea urged, her tone impatient.

"Don't be such a stick in the mud," Lilith shot back, but her sister ignored her.

"We can't stay here forever."

Ava turned her attention to Adrian. "Do you feel it?" she asked, her voice low and inviting. "The temptation?"

Adrian hesitated.

"I..." He started, not wanting to admit how he felt, but the look on his face must have betrayed him.

"You don't have to deny it. The hunger growing inside you. The desire for more. You wanted power, and I've given you the means to obtain it. Now, it's up to you to embrace it fully."

The words echoed in his mind.

Ava was right. He wanted this, and he would have it.

The goddess of greed stepped closer, her golden eyes meeting his. "This world is yours," she murmured in a honey-sweet voice. "It always has been. Why not claim it for yourself?"

"You will not be able to resist the temptation for much longer. It's time to take what's yours."

Adrian clenched his jaw, fighting back the urge. "I won't let it control me," he said steadily. "I know what I need to do, but I won't be consumed by greed."

Ava's smile widened, her amusement clear. "We'll see," she said, stepping back. "Greed isn't something you can control, Adrian. It grows, slowly at first, but once it takes root, there's no stopping it."

Her words echoed in his mind, and for a moment, Adrian wondered if he could truly resist the pull. The temptation was there, like a shadow lurking in the back of his thoughts, waiting for the right moment to emerge.

Medea's voice broke through the tension again. "Enough of this," she said sharply. "We have no time for these distractions." She shot a pointed look at Ava. "We need to leave. Now."

Ava gave a small, dismissive wave, her expression still serene. "Very well," she said. "Let's not keep the rest of the world waiting."

Lilith rolled her eyes at her sister, but she didn't protest.

"Come, Adrian," Ava called. Adrian shook himself, pulling his thoughts back to the present. "Let's go. But first, let's find a way to transport these goods."

Ava bent down and grabbed a few of the gifts,. She wore some of the rings on her fingers, and the necklace was already dangling from her neck.

Adrian sighed. First, it's Lilith with her lust; then Medea with her wrath and now, he's having Ava with her greed.

After the rest of the offerings had been properly packed, the group made their way out of the town. As they walked, Lilith couldn't resist one final jab. "Ava's already leaving a trail of worshippers behind," she mused. "How long before she decides to crown herself queen of the next town we visit?"

Ava's eyes glinted mischievously. "I don't need a crown, Lilith. Wealth is power enough."

The group left the town, their steps falling in sync as they journeyed down the mountains. The sun had dipped low behind the mountains, casting long shadows across the rolling hills, and a sense of calm settled over the land.

The golden glow from the temple had faded into memory, replaced by the peaceful rustling of leaves in the wind and the rhythmic sound of hooves and footsteps on the dirt road.

For the first time since leaving the village, the four of them seemed at ease.

Lilith walked with a sway to her hips, her teasing glances at Adrian every now and then, while Medea remained silent with eyes forward, always alert. Ava lagged slightly behind, still admiring the rings she had slipped onto her fingers, the treasures of the villagers weighing her down yet making her eyes gleam with satisfaction.

Adrian, though keeping pace, was lost in his thoughts.

He could still feel it—the gnawing sensation at the back of his mind.

Greed.

It wasn't overpowering, but it was there, whispering with every step, telling him to take. To own. To control.

Every glance at Ava reminded him of the cost of the power he'd gained from her, the contract he had signed sealing his fate. Could he resist it? Or was he already lost?

The goddesses walked with him, and he felt their power flowing through his veins. Their influence. He was bound to them, and they would shape his future.

His destiny.

They had the power to change the world, and now, that power was his to wield.

Adrian shook the thoughts away. There was no time to dwell on his fears. The journey was long, and they still had much to accomplish. They got to where their horses were kept and climbed on.

Lilith as usual chose to ride with Adrian while Ava and Medea shared a horse with the latter as the rider.

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