After a long pause, Adrian nodded. "Alright. Let's do this."

Hera's smile was radiant, her pride shining through as she extended her hand. "Then kneel, Champion."

Adrian hesitated, the command clashing with his instincts.

But as he met Hera's gaze, the tension in his chest loosened.

Beyond her arrogance, there was a glimmer of understanding—perhaps even admiration. Slowly, he lowered himself to one knee, the motion feeling like both surrender and liberation.

Hera's expression softened, and she extended her hand, brushing his cheek lightly.

Her touch was warm, soft, yet commanding. "You've made the right choice," she said in a calm and steady tone that conveyed both confidence and pride.

Adrian said nothing, only giving her a small nod.

He looked at her as she stepped back, a sly smirk playing on her lips. With a fluid motion, she waved her hand, and her elegant gown dissipated into sparkling golden dust. In its place, a stylish, elegant swimsuit in deep gold and white fit snugly against her body.

"I could use the coolness after that battle," she said, already walking toward the water. She glanced over her shoulder, her smirk widening. "Come join me for a swim, Champion. Then we'll address... other matters."

Adrian raised an eyebrow. "Is this part of the contract?"

Hera chuckled gently, her laughter sounding soft and nearly inviting. "Think of it as... preparation." She waded into the water, the ripples glowing faintly under her touch.

With a resigned sigh, Adrian began removing his armor, his muscles buzzing with excitement as he shed the heavier pieces.

The mountain breeze cooled his skin, and when he stepped into the water, the chill was invigorating. The tension in his muscles began to ease as the coolness wrapped around him.

"See?" Hera said, her voice lilting as she floated backward, her hair fanning out like golden silk in the water. "You need this more than I do. Loosen up, Adrian. You're far too tightly wound for someone who carries the hopes of gods and mortals alike."

Adrian smirked faintly. "Not exactly a relaxing job description."

"Well, you'll have to make it work," she teased, flicking a splash of water at him. He dodged with a chuckle, shaking his head.

"Didn't think goddesses would stoop to splashing mortals," he said.

"Consider it a gift," Hera replied in a playful tone. "It's not every day I'm in such a generous mood."

Adrian felt a bit more at ease, allowing the weight of their previous fights to drift away. Hera floated closer, her piercing blue eyes holding a rare softness as she studied him.

"You know," she said thoughtfully, "for someone who's endured so much, you've kept yourself remarkably grounded."

"Barely," Adrian admitted, running a hand through his damp hair. "Most days, I feel like I'm just holding on by a thread."

Hera nodded, her smile fading into something more genuine. "Strength doesn't mean never faltering, Champion. It means standing up again, no matter how many times the world tries to break you."

Adrian was about to respond when a soft splash interrupted them. Turning, he saw Hestia wading into the water, her marine-blue eyes half-lidded as always.

"I thought you were asleep," Adrian said, raising an eyebrow.

Hestia yawned, her arms stretching languidly. "I was. But the water looked nice... and quiet." She settled into the water with a satisfied sigh, leaning back to float lazily. "Perfect for a nap."

Hera rolled her eyes, though her smile lingered. "You're unbelievable."

"And yet, here I am," Hestia replied with a grin. "Multitasking. Resting while being in the middle of your bonding session."

Adrian shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "You know, for someone who naps more than anyone I've met, you still manage to stay sharp."

"Plenty of time to think while I'm lying down," Hestia replied, closing her eyes. "Doesn't mean I want to talk about it all the time. That's exhausting."

Adrian chuckled. "Fair enough."

The three lapsed into comfortable silence, the sound of the waterfall filling the space between them. Hestia's form floated gently in place, her steady breathing eventually giving her away.

"She's asleep again, isn't she?" Adrian asked, glancing at Hera.

Hera nodded, amused. "She has a talent for finding peace anywhere."

Adrian grinned, shaking his head. "At least one of us does."

Hera turned to him, her expression softening. "You'll find your peace, Adrian. But not tonight. Tonight, we prepare."

Her tone shifted, carrying a note of finality.

She stepped out of the water, droplets glinting like tiny diamonds on her skin. With a graceful motion, she waved her hand, summoning a shimmering golden robe around herself.

"Give me two minutes," she said, glancing back at Adrian with a knowing smile. "Then, come find me. We'll seal our pact properly."

Adrian watched as she ascended the slope toward the camp, her figure illuminated by the moonlight. As the water calmed around him, he took a deep breath, sensing the significance of the moment enveloping him.

Two minutes, he thought, steeling himself. Just two more minutes.

Adrian dipped beneath the surface of the water, letting its cool embrace calm his frayed nerves. The muffled world beneath was tranquil, free from the chaos that usually defined his days. He stayed there for a moment, his heartbeat steady as he counted silently.

One… two… three…

When he finally came up, he was welcomed again by the sound of the waterfall and the peaceful glow of the moon over the mountains. He floated there for a while, his thoughts swirling, before turning his gaze toward Hestia, who was still drifting peacefully on the water, her soft breathing undisturbed.

Adrian considered whether to wake her. His lips parted to call her name when a voice, gentle yet teasing, interrupted his thoughts.

"You can leave her. I'm still out here."

Adrian turned sharply, his fiery chains flickering faintly at his back, and spotted Ava perched on a flat rock by the water's edge. Her legs dangled into the water, the golden glow of her staff faintly illuminating her relaxed expression.

"How long have you been there?" Adrian asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Long enough," Ava replied with a sly smile. "Does it matter? Just go. You wouldn't want to keep Her Majesty waiting, now would you?"

Adrian let out a faint chuckle, running a hand through his damp hair. "Point taken." With one last glance at Hestia, who murmured something incomprehensible in her sleep, he swam to the edge of the pool and climbed out.

The cool mountain air prickled his skin as he made his way toward the camp. When he arrived, he paused, surprised to see a large tent that hadn't been there earlier. The golden edges glowed softly in the moonlight, showing signs of magical power.

"Hera," he muttered to himself, shaking his head. She had a flair for the dramatic.

Pushing the flap aside, Adrian stepped inside and froze. \

The interior was nothing like the rugged camp he'd grown used to. The space was luxurious, with soft, glowing lights and a bed draped in silken sheets of gold and white.

The air was warm, infused with a subtle, intoxicating fragrance that reminded him of blooming flowers.

Hera sat on the edge of the bed, her golden hair cascading over her shoulders like liquid sunlight. She wore a nightrobe of the finest silk, untied at the waist, offering a tantalizing glimpse of her flawless skin and the soft curves of her breasts.

The confidence in her posture was unmistakable—this was a woman who knew her power and reveled in it.

"Took you long enough," she said, her voice smooth and regal. Her piercing blue eyes met his, glinting with both amusement and expectation. "Now… strip for me, Adrian."

Adrian felt a flush rise to his face, but he kept his composure, his expression neutral. "You really know how to set a tone, don't you?"

Hera smirked, her gaze unflinching. "This isn't a negotiation, Champion. If you want my power, you follow my rules." She leaned back slightly, the robe shifting just enough to reveal more of her alabaster skin. "Besides, you owe me for making me wait."

Adrian sighed, his hands moving to the edges of his shirt. "You know, for someone who prides herself on control, you sure know how to make things complicated."

"Control is about making things bend to your will," Hera said, tilting her head. "And you, Adrian, are no exception. Now, stop stalling."

With a resigned breath, Adrian pulled his shirt over his head, tossing it aside.

The flickering light in the tent created shadows on his toned body, with scars from past battles marking his skin as proof of his strength. Hera looked at him for a moment, and her face softened slightly.

"You've been through more than most men," she said, her voice quieter now. "But it's that strength—the fire within you—that makes you worthy of standing by my side."

Adrian paused, her words catching him off guard. "Is that what this is about? Worthiness?"

Hera stood, stepping closer until she was mere inches away. Her hand reached for his chest, tracing lazy circles around his nipple area. "It's about trust," she said softly. "You want my power. My strength. Then you have to trust me to guide you, to show you how to wield it without breaking."

Adrian didn't say anything for a few seconds. Finally, he replied. "I trust you."

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