Chapter One Hundred and Sixty-Two
Ardyn stood silently at the edge of the floating citadel's overlook, arms folded, eyes narrowed at the trio of goddesses surrounding Crow. Liana was leaning close, whispering something with a soft smile. Sylvanna lingered beside him with a book she clearly wasn't reading. Valeria had claimed his other arm, clinging like it was hers by right.
Ardyn's chest tightened. She bit her lip and turned away, but not before Crow noticed.
He walked over.
"Something wrong?" he asked, voice quiet.
Ardyn didn't respond at first, then mumbled, "You're always with them lately…"
Crow tilted his head. "You're important to me too."
That stopped her.
Ardyn looked up, eyes wide as he gently placed his hand on her head.
"You don't have to fight for my attention. You already have it."
Behind him, the three goddesses stiffened.
And Ardyn smiled for the first time in hours.