Malvor didn't just arrive.He made an entrance—loud, late, and utterly impossible to ignore.
A fanfare of trumpets—courtesy of a few enchanted instruments he'd charmed into eternal servitude—blasted through the grand hall, drowning out every conversation.
Confetti exploded from nowhere, raining down in shimmering gold and violet.Because what was an entrance without pizzazz?
He strode in, arms outstretched like a victorious emperor expecting applause.
"Ahhh, don't get up, don't get up," he called, grinning as the gods and goddesses glared at him. "Oh wait—you weren't going to. Rude."
They hated him.Good.He counted on it.
The room was already boiling. Gods bickering, voices overlapping, tension thick enough to slice.
And he hadn't caused it.
That intrigued him.
Something's got them rattled.And none of them are subtle when they want something.
He drifted toward the dais like a king surveying his court. Lavish. Lazy. Deliberate.
Then the offers started.
"I'll grant you mountains of gold—"
"I will give you the richest, most fertile lands in all of Exsos—"
"I can provide information that no one else has—"
Malvor blinked.His grin sharpened.
Oh, this was precious.
Leisurely, he strolled forward, surveying the scene like a monarch watching his subjects trip over themselves.
"Wait, wait, wait," he interrupted, waving a hand. "Let me get this straight. You're all bribing each other over a mortal?"
He let out a slow whistle.
Desperation.And not one of them hiding it well.
"Desperate times, I see."
Aerion stiffened. "This is no ordinary mortal."
Bingo.
"Oh, obviously," Malvor drawled, rolling his eyes. "I clearly see how this one insignificant creature is worth bribing other gods for. Gold? Land? Secrets?"
He snorted. "You do realize you're gods, don't you? What, is your divine portfolio running a little dry? Need to supplement your income?"
Ravina frowned. "It's about what's at stake."
Malvor clutched his chest dramatically."Oh yes, of course. How silly of me."
Then the grin returned.Slow. Insufferable.
"No, but really. Gold, Aerion? What are you even doing? You control wealth. What's next—gonna promise a few free coupons for divine blessings? Maybe throw in a punch card?"
Aerion's jaw twitched.
Noted.Tucked away.
Malvor turned to Ravina.
"And you. Land? Really? What, do you own it? Are you going to write up a little divine deed? Maybe fence off a nice plot for them?"He tsked. "At least try to be creative."
Her eyes narrowed.
Touched a nerve.She thinks land equals legacy.She's getting nervous.
Then he looked at Vitaria.
"Secrets, though?" He grinned. "I mean… marginally better. Points for effort. But honestly, darling, if your information was that valuable, you wouldn't be handing it out like candy."
She didn't flinch.
She's holding back.Interesting.
He stretched lazily, popping his neck, letting his tone drift back to bored amusement.On the outside, he was all drama and drawl.Inside?
The pieces were already clicking into place.
That's the game, then.They want her.None of them know why.
Perfect.I'll take her.And I'll be the first to find out what makes her worth bleeding for.
He dropped his hands into his pockets and strolled forward, slow and purposeful.
"I offer something far more precious."
He paused.
Let them wait.
He heard the faint rustle of fabric.Saw the flicker of interest behind their disdain.
Good.
"For the next ten years," he said, "I will not commit a single prank against any of you."
A hush.
"No tricks. No chaos. No mischief of any kind."
Dead silence.
Delicious.
Hook. Line. Sink them.
The confetti was still falling.
Then, right on cue—
"Done," Aerion bit out.The word sounded like it cracked his teeth.
Ravina sighed, already dreaming of peace.
Vitaria gave a slow, deliberate nod.Measuring. Always measuring.
Malvor spread his arms. "Wow. That was easy. You all really do need to work on your bargaining skills."
He turned on his heel, already heading for the exit.
"Enjoy the peace while it lasts, darlings."
And just like that, the mortal was his.
Let's see what's so special about you, little mystery.If they want you this badly…
Then I will be the one to find out why.
Because Malvor wasn't just playing the game.
He was rearranging the board.