I curl my lips between my teeth to stop from laughing. The thought really did slip out, but it’s true. There are bags under his eyes, his hair is messier than normal, and his shoulders are a fraction slouched.
So shit probably wasn’t the right word, but exhausted would’ve worked.
“Why were you late?” Riven asks before shoving a piece of bread in his mouth.
“It’s been a pretty busy twenty-four hours. Would one of you pass me that roast? It smells divine.”
He loads his plate up like we all aren’t staring at him, waiting for some explanation on that. He doesn’t answer. Instead, Ellian clears his throat.
“I know you’ve waited patiently, so I won’t drag this out. I’ll be making changes within the Godsdawn, and I need your support when I do. The last transfer of power wasn’t smooth. This won’t be either.”
“You have our support,” Amick says. “We’ve already discussed changes we hoped you’d make.”
Ellian nods. “I’m sure many will align with that. Some, I’m not sure you’ll all be happy with.”
That’s…un-fucking-fortunate to hear.
“Like?” I ask.
“The boys know many of my stances. For some of you, tonight is our first real conversation.” His gaze flicks briefly to Yemi’s Valtrue.
“So I’ll be clear. I’ve always disagreed with how the division between Godsden and the Abandon is handled. The God of Obliteration can send his Oblirians and Dark Gods to attack our people, then walk through our gates untouched. I don’t have the power to refuse him entry, though. I also disagree with how the gods in Valveilious continue to play loyalist to whichever side benefits them most.”
His eyes lock on Nero. Something tight crosses Nero’s face before he looks away and straight at Yemi. She doesn’t return his smile.
Interesting.
“I have no intention of pandering to the Domain Gods or the Beginning,” Ellian continues. “My focus is the Godsdawn. Godsden. Our people.”
My fingers flex when his gaze settles on Creed.
“I’m adding a rotation to Gladian’s schedule. He’ll train Defenders at the barrier. I need you back in Court. Sevryn will rotate with you as a way of integrating into the Godsdawn.”
Creed and Sevryn exchange a look.
Honestly? Good. Sevryn needs somewhere to bleed that rage out properly.
“Fine,” Creed grunts after Sevryn gives a clipped nod.
“Not only you.”
Kyzen stiffens as Ellian turns to him.
“I’m reducing your Mediator role. You’ll spend time in the Court as well.”
Kyzen frowns. “Why?”
“I’m restructuring how the Attendants are viewed. They’ll have defined roles and dignified responsibilities. As well as proper training. Not everyone will welcome that.”
“Hell no, they won’t,” Yemi says. “Gods who see us as lesser will make sure we remember it.”
I snap toward her. “They won’t do that to you. Or Rose.”
“We aren’t the only Attendants.”
I grit my teeth. She’s right.
“That’s where Kyzen comes in,” Ellian says. “No offence, Creed—”
