"Tell me, Adrian," Eris said after a moment, her tone casual, "what did ask my sisters ask as signature for their contracts? What did you sign with?"

He eyed her suspiciously. "What does that matter?"

She gave a small, dismissive shrug. "Just curious."

He hesitated, sensing her probing energy. He could feel the subtle tug of her influence, seeking an opening, but he held firm.

"They all required something different," he said, keeping his answer vague.

"Really? That's very interesting." She sounded genuinely intrigued.

Adrian glanced over at her, wondering what was going on in her mind. "Why is that interesting?"

Eris smiled coyly, not answering his question.

"Let's see..." she said in a low voice almost as if talking to herself. "Greedy Ava will ask for something valuable, your most valuable item, perhaps? Lilith, the seductress, will require a kiss, or no... she's always up for a good fuck. And Medea, well... no idea. She's always cold and unreadable."

Adrian didn't reply, her words echoing in his mind. He wondered how she knew so much, but decided not to ask.

"And you, Eris," he said instead, looking at her. "What did you ask of me?"

She gave him a mischievous grin.

"Oh, nothing in particular for now," she said airily. "I'm a bit more… flexible."

There was something about her tone that made him nervous, but he couldn't quite place it.

"Whatever it is, just fulfill you part of the contract. In return for your freedom, you'll lend me your powers to get my revenge."

"Ah, noble motives. Of course." She sounded almost disappointed. "So after your revenge, what would be your life's purpose?" Her lips curved into a wicked smile. "How quaint."

"If you're going to be difficult, this alliance won't work," Adrian said firmly, meeting her gaze. "I came for allies, not trouble."

"Oh, I'll be on my best behavior," she promised, her tone deceptively sweet. "At least… for as long as it amuses me."

They continued through the tomb, Adrian feeling her gaze on him, scrutinizing him in a way that made him feel like prey under the watchful eye of a predator.

But he refused to let her unnerve him, staying focused on the task at hand.

Finally, they emerged into the pale light of dawn, the tomb's heavy doors creaking open to reveal the rugged landscape beyond. The air was fresh, tinged with the earthy scent of moss and dew, and Eris breathed deeply, closing her eyes in obvious delight.

"Oh, freedom," she murmured, her voice almost reverent.

She stretched her arms skyward, her body arcing gracefully, and a pulse of green energy radiated from her, rippling through the landscape. Adrian felt the ground tremble beneath his feet as the wave spread outward, a faint shimmer trailing in its wake.

"Careful," he muttered, casting a wary glance at her. "You'll attract unwanted attention."

She shrugged, unbothered. "Let them come. It's been far too long since I've had any fun."

They hadn't walked far before they reached a clearing, and Adrian stopped short at the sight before them. Lilith, Ava, Medea, Abyss, and Selene were waiting, their figures framed by the golden light filtering through the trees.

But from their stances, one can tell they were in a battle ready pose... almost as if they were in the middle of a heated argument.

Abyss and Lilith were the closest, standing almost nose-to-nose, their faces showing clear signs of anger. Abyss stood stiffly, her purple eyes filled with anger, while Lilith appeared calm and composed, a threatening sparkle in her amber eyes.

The other goddesses stood back, their expressions ranging from stoic Ava and Selene to annoyed Medea and then vaguely amused Eris, standing beside Adrian

"What's going on here?" Adrian demanded as he took in the scene with a sinking feeling.

Abyss and Lilith, in particular, seemed seconds away from tearing into each other.

Adrian exchanged a glance with Eris, who raised an eyebrow, looking thoroughly entertained. It was clear that her sudden burst of energy when she came out of the tomb had stirred the others—Abyss and Lilith especially, putting the already weak alliance at risk.

Adrian stepped forward, clearing his throat as he asked again. "I said what's going on here?" he demanded. He wasn't sure if he was stepping into a battlefield or a family argument, but either way, he had to tread carefully.

Abyss didn't even glance at him, her gaze fixed on Lilith as if trying to bore a hole through her.

"They're arguing, obviously," Ava replied in a clipped tone.

"About what?" Adrian pressed, glancing around at the others. Selene, standing a bit to the side with her silver cloak draped around her, met his gaze with an unreadable expression.

"About you."

A heavy silence came after her words, and Adrian sensed everyone's focus shift to him. He shifted uneasily under their gazes, sensing the conflict that simmered just beneath the surface.

"Of course, it's about him," Lilith sneered, her amber eyes gleaming with amusement as she finally tore her gaze from Abyss to look at Adrian. "You just barged into our midst and is trying to claim him like he's yours from the beginning."

"Barged in?" Abyss's voice echoed in the clearing, deep and threatening. Her dark figure stood partially hidden in the shadows, her purple eyes narrowed. "Lilith, you were the one who practically threw yourself at him first. Don't pretend you had no interest."

Lilith's eyes sparkled, and she moved closer to Abyss, standing tall and ready for a challenge. "Oh, please. Spare me your righteous act, Abyss. I made a deal, not a commitment. You, on the other hand, have spent centuries in isolation. Don't lecture me on attachment."

Medea stepped forward, her hands balled into fists. "That's enough!" she said firmly, her voice commanding attention. "Eris released a surge of her power, and now we're all on edge. Don't think I didn't feel that disturbance. This discord… this chaos… it's no coincidence."

All eyes turned to Eris, who shrugged, her expression one of playful innocence. "What?" she said, smirking. "I've been locked away for centuries. Excuse me if I got a little… expressive."

Lilith scoffed, folding her arms. "You couldn't help but cause trouble the moment you were free, could you?"

Eris merely smiled, unbothered by the accusation. "Trouble? I call it living. Besides, isn't it more interesting this way?" Her gaze slid to Adrian, a glimmer of mischief in her eyes. "Wouldn't you agree, darling?"

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.