章 199: Another step... and another.

The voice was unmistakable, like silk wrapped in thorns, its tone was filled with amusement and mockery. It echoed within Adrian's mind, filling the chamber with an eerie, oppressive aura.

"If purpose is truly all you seek, Adrian," Eris's voice whispered, chilling and seductive, "why do you hesitate? Perhaps some part of you… longs for more?"

The words were filled with mockery and uncertainty, and for a moment, Adrian found himself completely still. His gaze swept over the illusions of his younger self, of his mentor, his father, and Cyrus—all taunting him with every ambition he'd left behind. 

The sand swirled around his legs, thickening as he paused, his boots sinking deeper as though the temple itself sensed his hesitation.