Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Three
Crow hadn't taken two steps before he heard it.
A quiet shuffle. Then another.
He turned slowly.
Sylvanna was standing closer again, her hands now fidgeting with the hem of her long cloak, eyes downcast but unmistakably expectant. Liana had folded her arms but was pouting—an expression so at odds with her usual seductive poise it nearly made Crow laugh. Elyndra, calm as ever, simply tilted her head and gave him the same unwavering stare.
"You three," Crow said dryly, "got your head pats already."
"But…" Sylvanna's voice was so soft it was nearly lost to the wind. "They weren't long enough."
Liana stepped forward, arms uncrossing. "You should know by now—Primordials have deep emotional needs. Especially when it comes to their chosen summoner."
Elyndra gave a graceful nod. "Prolonged physical contact enhances loyalty. And affection."
Crow raised a brow. "You're using logic now?"
"She's not wrong," Liana added with a grin. "Besides, it's your fault for making it feel so nice."
Sylvanna, shockingly bold, stepped right up to him—then leaned her head forward, very clearly presenting it again.
Crow let out a long sigh.
"Alright… but this is the last round."
They didn't believe him for a second.
He gently patted Sylvanna again, watching the tension melt from her shoulders as she leaned into his hand with a soft hum. Liana stepped beside her, and her smile widened, contentment in every part of her face as his fingers traced through her silver-white hair. Elyndra didn't even move—she just closed her eyes and accepted the gesture like a queen receiving tribute.
Minutes passed. Crow wasn't sure how many. It was… strangely peaceful.
"…You're enjoying this way too much," he muttered.
"Yes," all three replied in near unison.
Xar'Zenth cracked one glowing eye open in the background, saw the scene, rumbled something low… and shut its eye again.
Crow stared at the sky.
He had armies, empires, divine beasts, and cosmic power—but right now, he was just a man giving head pats to three jealous Primordial gods.
And for once, he didn't mind.