Chapter One Hundred and Sixty
Crow sighed, offering Ardyn a small, resigned smile. "It's alright. Just don't make a habit of tackling me next to a volcano forge."
Ardyn chuckled and gave him a playful salute, returning to her anvil. But the air shifted.
Behind Crow stood the three primordial god-ranked beings—Liana, Sylvanna, and Valeria. None of them said a word, but the pressure they gave off was enough to make the temperature drop ten degrees, even next to molten metal.
Sylvanna's arms were crossed, her golden eyes narrowed. "So… smiths hug now?" Her voice was sharp, barely masking her jealousy.
Valeria's hair shimmered with divine energy, a crackle of static flickering along her frame. "Interesting. He lets her hug him… but brushes us off when we get close."
Liana stepped forward, smile thin. "Is that how it is now, Crow? Anyone can throw themselves at you and get affection?"
Crow turned to face them, hands up in surrender. "It's not like that. Ardyn just… caught me off guard."
They didn't look convinced. Even Xar'Zenth shifted in its sleep in the distance, a low rumble echoing like thunder—clearly aware of the tension.
Liana stepped closer, eyes glowing faintly. "Then prove it's not like that."
Crow blinked. "How?"
She extended her hand. "Give us the attention you gave her."
Sylvanna raised a brow. "At least equal treatment."
Valeria nodded. "Or we riot."
Crow sighed again, the weight of divine affection pressing down on him more than any battle ever had. He stepped forward… and offered a head pat to each of them.
Three smiles bloomed instantly.
To be continued.