Adrian wiped the sweat from his brow as he approached Hera's sarcophagus. It shone brightly under the golden light coming from the open ceiling, with its detailed carvings and embedded gemstones forming a beautiful work of art… a divine masterpiece.

Every detail of the sarcophagus spoke of grandeur, the kind of majesty only the Goddess of Pride could command.

He placed a hand on the lid, expecting to find some kind of lock, clasp, or latch. There was nothing—just smooth, seamless gold. Adrian frowned, pressing harder against the lid, and pushed.

It didn't budge.

"You've got to be kidding me," he muttered. He shifted his stance, braced himself, and pushed again with all his might.

Still, the lid refused to move.

Adrian let out a frustrated sigh, stepping back to examine the sarcophagus more closely. He crouched, running his fingers along the edge where the lid met the body. A faint shimmer caught his eye—an almost invisible seal encircling the entire sarcophagus.

It wasn't glue exactly, but an enchanted binding that held the lid firmly in place.

"Why can't things ever be simple and straightforward?" Adrian grumbled, drawing his sword.

He carefully slid the tip of the blade along the seam, sparks of golden energy flickering as the enchantment resisted. He carefully pressed the sword along the edge, breaking the seal.

The air buzzed softly as the magic started to fade away.

Adrian set his sword aside and pushed against the lid again. This time, it moved an inch with a low groan, and then began to slide. A puff of smoke escaped from within, carrying a faint, sweet fragrance that filled the chamber.

Adrian heaved the lid fully off, leaning it carefully against the sarcophagus. He turned back to peer inside—and froze.

She was breathtaking.

Hera lay within, her form seemingly untouched by time. Golden hair cascaded down to her waist in perfect waves, shimmering even in the dim light. Her pale, porcelain skin was flawless, glowing faintly as if lit from within.

Her features were delicate yet commanding, perfect boobs that stood perfectly with the slightly darkened nipple, the flat stomach and slim waist, wide hips, and long, toned limbs.

Her full, red lips were parted slightly, her eyelashes thick and dark. She had no clothes on, just the thin, transparent golden material hugging her curves and leaving little to the imagination.

Her breasts and the top of her pussy, infact, her whole body was on full display.

She was stunning.

Adrian could feel his heart pounding in his chest as he gazed at the goddess, his body responding instinctively.

Her beauty was intoxicating, overwhelming, and Adrian found himself unable to look away. He had seen her before, but now, in person, she was even more mesmerizing.

"Wow," he murmured under his breath, barely realizing he'd spoken aloud.

For a moment, he forgot about everything else—the trials, the temple, the Shadow Court. All that existed was the serene figure before him, her presence overwhelming even in slumber.

But Adrian quickly shook himself out of it, his practical side taking over.

"Focus, Adrian," he muttered, running a hand through his hair. "She's a goddess, not a painting."

He hesitated, unsure how to proceed.

The other goddesses had awakened with a simple touch or the sound of their names.

So he called her softly, "Hera, arise."

And then…

Nothing.

He called her again, a bit louder this time, but no response.

The room still pulsed with an aura of pride, and Adrian couldn't shake the feeling that this wouldn't be as easy.

Cautiously, he reached out and touched her hand. It was cool to the touch, but nothing happened. No flicker of movement, no sign of awakening. He frowned and leaned closer, as he called her again. "Hera."

The name echoed in the chamber like a whispered command, but still, there was no response. Adrian sighed, standing upright and placing his hands on his hips.

"Of course," he said aloud, addressing no one in particular. "Why would the Goddess of Pride wake up like everyone else? That would be too easy."

The air in the chamber grew heavier, and the golden light seemed to intensify. Hera's body began to glow faintly, a radiant aura spreading from her chest outward. Adrian took a cautious step back, his fiery chains coiling protectively around him.

Then, her eyes opened.

Brilliant blue eyes, as sharp and piercing as a clear summer sky, locked onto Adrian.

For a moment, she simply stared with an unreadable expression. Then, slowly, she sat up, her movements graceful and deliberate. Her gaze swept the chamber, taking in the sarcophagus, the shattered seal, and finally Adrian himself.

"So," she said in a rich and melodic voice, but laced with unmistakable arrogance. "You're the one who dares to disturb my slumber."

Adrian crossed his arms, meeting her gaze without flinching. "Nice to meet you too, Hera. I've come to free you."

Her lips curled into a faint smirk. "Free me?" she repeated, as if the very idea were laughable. "Tell me, mortal, what makes you think I need your help?"

Adrian's patience, already worn thin by the trials, began to fray. "Because you've been stuck in a sarcophagus for who knows how long and you summoned my dying spirit so we could help one another. And unless you enjoy being a statue, I'm your best shot at getting out of here."

Hera tilted her head, her golden hair shimmering as it caught the light. "Such confidence," she remarked, her tone dripping with condescension. "Tell me, Champion, are you always this... blunt?"

Adrian shrugged. "Only when I'm talking to someone who thinks being prideful is a personality trait."

Hera's eyes narrowed, a flicker of annoyance crossing her face.

But instead of snapping back, she stood fully, stepping out of the sarcophagus with effortless grace. Her golden gown seemed to ripple like liquid sunlight as she moved, every step deliberate and regal.

"You have courage," she said, her voice softer now, though her pride still lingered in every word. "Foolish, perhaps, but courage nonetheless."

Adrian rolled his eyes. "I'll take that as a compliment. Now, can we skip the theatrics and get to the part where you agree to the contract?"

Hera arched an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed by his impatience. "Contract? You presume much, mortal."

Adrian met her gaze, his voice firm. "You know how this works. I need your power, and you need someone who can actually use it. The Shadow Court isn't going to wait for us to have a polite conversation about it."

Hera studied him for a long moment, her piercing eyes seeming to weigh his every word. Finally, she sighed, a sound that was both exasperated and begrudgingly amused.

"Very well," she said, extending her hand. Golden light gathered in her palm, forming into a scroll that unfurled between them. The parchment glowed faintly, its text written in shimmering golden ink.

Adrian reached for the scroll, but Hera held it back, her lips curling into a sly smile. "One condition," she said.

Adrian frowned. "What condition?"

Hera stepped closer, her presence almost overwhelming. "You will address me with the respect I deserve. I am Hera, Goddess of Pride, Queen of the Heavens. If you expect my cooperation, you will show me proper reverence."

Adrian smirked, holding her gaze. "Sure thing, Your Majesty. Now, hand over the contract."

Hera's eyes flashed with amusement—and perhaps a touch of admiration. She handed him the scroll, her fingers brushing against his as she did. Adrian unrolled it, quickly scanning the text.

Adrian's eyes moved over the golden scroll, where the shiny ink flowed smoothly across the paper. The contract's words were as impressive as the goddess it was about, with each word carrying significance and power.

CONTRACT OF DIVINE PRIDE AND DOMINION

By entering this contract, Adrian agrees to become the chosen champion of Hera, Goddess of Pride and Queen of the Heavens.

In return for her unmatched power and celestial guidance, Adrian will uphold her ideals, embody her principles, and serve as the bearer of her will in the mortal realm.

Terms:

- Adrian will gain Hera's Gift of Sovereignty, granting him the power to summon a celestial griffin bound to her will. The griffin will serve as a symbol of her pride and Adrian's status as her champion, obeying only him and Hera.

- He will wield the Lightning of the Heavens, Hera's destructive divine power, enabling him to summon and control bolts of lightning to strike his foes and shield himself from harm.

- Adrian must conduct himself with dignity and composure, honoring the pride of Hera in his actions and words.

- He will carry the Mark of Hera, a glowing sigil that signifies his bond to her, visible when he channels her power.

- Adrian must offer moments of reverence through acts of dominance and self-assurance, embodying the ideals of Hera's pride.

Consequences of Breach:

Failure to uphold these terms will result in:

- The severance of Hera's bond, stripping Adrian of her protection and blessings.

- A curse of eternal humiliation, sapping his confidence and leaving him vulnerable to despair.

- The griffin turning against him.

Signature Required: Devotional Submission during an act of union.

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