Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Six
The flickering blue glow of the dimensional rift pulsed gently in the background, casting ghostly shadows across the obsidian stone. Crow stood calmly, scanning a series of incoming reports from his deployed scouts, unaware that behind him, Liana had already made her move.
She stepped silently across the polished floor, her aura elegant yet laced with a hint of mischief. Without a word, she slipped beside him—closer than usual.
"Crow," she whispered, her voice warm and melodic.
Before he could respond, she leaned in, her lips brushing softly against his cheek—then pressing more firmly against his lips in a bold kiss. Crow blinked, surprised, as her hands gently gripped the front of his cloak.
"I don't care how many goddesses or dragon queens try to take your time," she murmured. "I was first."
A sharp intake of breath came from the side.
Valeria—Primordial of Eternal Balance—stood frozen mid-step, her silver-blonde hair catching the ambient glow. Her golden eyes narrowed, and her aura fluctuated with barely restrained jealousy. She had watched from afar, offering him loyalty, respect, and silent affection. But this?
This was a declaration.
Liana smirked slightly as she pulled back, fully aware Valeria had seen everything.
Crow let out a small sigh, glancing between the two. "...This is going to be a problem, isn't it?"
Valeria crossed her arms. "You think?"
Liana only smiled and slid her arm into his.
Behind them, the ancient rift pulsed again—growing unstable. But neither goddess nor tactician moved to address it yet.
Tension was rising—and not from the battlefield.