Adrian felt himself fast falling into darkness, the sensation overwhelming his senses. Seconds stretched into an eternity until, with a bone-jarring impact, he hit something solid.
He lay there, gasping for breath, the pain in his chest was a dull ache compared to the sharp agony he had felt moments before.
Taking deep breaths, he scrambled to his feet, his heart pounding as he swept a glance around.
The world was pitch black—an endless void that seemed to swallow all light. Panic threatened to consume him, but he forced himself to stay calm.
Then, suddenly, a light appeared beneath his feet, illuminating the tile he was standing on.
Seconds later, more lights appeared in front of him, forming a path that led up to a clearing not too far away.
With no choice but to follow, Adrian walked cautiously along the glowing path. As he neared the clearing, he realized the sight before him resembled an ancient ruin, the remnants of a grand structure long forgotten by time.
Seven thrones, made from weathered stone, formed a semi-circle. The thrones had an unmistakable Greek aesthetic, their intricate carvings depicting mythical scenes of gods and heroes.
At the center of the clearing, a river flowed with crystal-clear water.
Adrian's eyes scanned the thrones, all of them were empty.
Suddenly, the river began to shimmer, its surface rippling as seven ethereal figures emerged from the water. They flew gracefully through the air, their elegant robes billowing around them as they landed in front of their respective thrones.
They were beautiful, goddess-like beings, their otherworldly radiance shining brightly.
Adrian's eyes widened as he stared in awe, taking in their delicate beauty. It was almost like the scene unfolding before him was something out of a fairy tale or a myth.
Each goddess was distinct, yet they all shared an aura of ancient power, one so great he had to hold his breath just staring at them.
The one in the center stepped forward, her dark hair cascading down her back like a waterfall of midnight.
"I guess it worked well this time. Good job, Persephone and Lilith," the goddess said in a melodious voice.
Adrian's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Lilith. He scanned the goddesses, finally spotting her standing next to Persephone. Lilith's eyes met his and she winked, a small smile playing on her lips.
"Welcome, Adrian," the central goddess continued. "My name is Hera, and these are my sisters."
She gestured to the goddesses around her, each one nodding in acknowledgment.
Adrian took a hesitant step forward. "Where am I? What is this place?"
"You are in the Underworld, Adrian," Hera answered patiently. "As for the purpose, well, let's just say you have been given a second chance. A chance to right the wrongs done to you."
Adrian swallowed nervously, unsure of how to respond.
"What does that even mean? Or shall I rephrase… What do you want from me?" he finally asked, unable to hide the slight tremble in his voice.
Hera's smile faltered and she sighed as she turned towards her throne, the one in the middle. "Persephone? Do you mind explaining the details?" she inquired.
"Not at all," Persephone replied, stepping forward.
"Lilith, Eris, Medea, Ava, Hestia," Persephone announced, gesturing to the other goddesses, "Persephone," she added, pointing to herself, "And finally, the one who sits upon the center throne, Hera."
Persephone paused, making sure he grasped all she said then continued. "And as you may have already guessed," a glint flashed in her eyes as a small smile curved her lips, "you're dead," she said bluntly.
"Dead," Adrian muttered subconsciously. Although he suspected something of that sort had occurred, hearing her say it didn't quite help.
"At your moment of death, Lilith and I summoned your soul here." Persephone explained. "We have an offer for you."
"You were wronged," Eris interjected. "Your wife was killed with your unborn child growing in her. Your kingdom was invaded and destroyed without any provocation."
"Yes, it is true. You are not the only one who lost someone," Ava added, her voice wavering slightly.
"We were wronged as well," Lilith chimed. She drew a deep breath and narrowed her eyes. "Falsely judged and damned to eternal imprisonment."
Hera's fingers lightly tapped on the armrest of her throne as she voiced, "The reason we summoned your soul here is because we want to give you a second chance. To right the wrongs that were done to you."
Adrian shook his head slowly. "You might want to make me understand these parables."
Eris stepped forward, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Hera chose Persephone to speak because she thought you needed a gentle touch. But let's be honest, Adrian, you're not one for subtleties, are you?" she sneered.
Hera's eyes narrowed, and she shot a cold glance at Eris. "Eris, now is not the time for your games."
Persephone also shot Eris a warning glance before turning back to Adrian. "What Eris means is that we understand your pain and your desire for vengeance. We're offering you a way to achieve it."
Before Persephone could continue, Lilith stepped forward, using the tension to her advantage. "It's simple," she enunciated, her voice a seductive purr as she approached Adrian. Her fingers gently caressed his cheek, sending a shiver down his spine.
"You seek vengeance, Adrian," Lilith continued, her eyes locking onto his with an intense gaze. "But what if I told you there's another way to satisfy your desires?"
Adrian's gaze flickered with intrigue as he stared at Lilith. "What do you propose?"
Lilith leaned closer, her lips grazing his ear as she whispered, "I shall let you go down on me," she murmured, her breath warm against his skin, "and in return, I'll lift you higher, granting you unimaginable power."
Adrian's breath caught in his throat. His eyes widening in shock at her proposition.
'Go down? Is she for real?'
"W-what did you say?" he stammered, getting his focus back.
Lilith smirked, her gaze never wavering. "You heard me, Adrian. I want to..."
Hera cleared her throat, breaking the spell of the moment. "We all have something to offer, Adrian," she said, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.
"We want to help you and if you accept, you'll be granted unimaginable power. Power to rule over a new kingdom, a better kingdom, one where no one will ever betray you again."
"Each of us possesses unique gifts that can aid you in your quest for vengeance. If you choose to accept our offer, we will be with you, guiding and empowering you along the way," Ava added, stepping forward.
The sheer power in her stance and eyes, proved to Adrian, Ava meant business. "I can grant you the strength of the earth itself. The power to move mountains and bend nature to your will."
Hestia, with her gentle smile, added, "I can bestow upon you the fire of the hearth, a flame that never extinguishes, providing warmth and protection in your darkest moments."
Medea spoke next with a sharp gaze. "I offer you mastery over dark magic, the ability to manipulate shadows and bend reality to your whims."
Persephone, standing beside Lilith, continued, "I can give you control over life and death. The power to summon the spirits of the fallen and command them to fight by your side."
Eris, with a sly smile, said, "I can bestow upon you the gift of discord. The ability to sow chaos among your enemies, turning them against one another."
Lilith's eyes never left Adrian's as she whispered, "And I, Adrian, offer you the power of seduction and manipulation. The ability to bend others to your will, to make them serve you willingly."
"But why me?" Adrian asked, his eyes darting from goddess to goddess.
"Because you deserve it. You don't deserve all you went through."
Adrian's mind raced as he absorbed their offers, the magnitude of what they were proposing sinking in. "And what do you get in return?" he asked, his eyes narrowing.
"Our freedom," Hera said simply. "We have been bound to this realm for centuries, falsely judged and imprisoned. We were once revered, but now, our names have been tarnished by lies and slander."
"So you want me to set you free?" Adrian asked.
"Yes," Hera replied. "You help us, we help you. It's Win-Win."
Adrian paused, contemplating the gravity of their proposal. If he accepted, he would gain unimaginable power. But there was a risk involved. Could he really trust these goddesses?
"You're thinking too much," Eris interjected. "Just answer the question, Adrian. Yes or no?"
Adrian looked up, meeting Eris's piercing gaze. She was right, it was a simple question. He knew what his answer was, the only one it could be. He had vowed to avenge his wife, to reclaim his throne, and he would stop at nothing to achieve those goals.
This is the perfect opportunity he needed. But he also wanted something more.
Taking his chance, he cleared his throat and said, "There is another thing I want. A way to bring my wife back."
The goddesses looked at each other, a flicker of surprise passing through their eyes.
"I knew it," Persephone muttered, glancing at Eris with a knowing smirk.
"Yes, we can bring your wife back," Hestia said. "With the Ambrosia and Nectar of the gods."
"I just need you to make one thing clear, Adrian. We want your loyalty," Hera added.
"If you accept our gifts, you will become our champion, our Avatar, and we will be bound to you." Medea said.
"It will be a lifelong contract, Adrian," Hestia continued.
"One that cannot be broken," Medea finished.
Adrian closed his eyes, letting their words wash over him. He knew the risks involved, but he had to take this chance. He had to do whatever it took, especially if it meant he would be able to get his wife.
He took a deep breath. "I accept," he declared, opening his eyes and meeting their expectant gazes.