The End of Gods (A Welcome to the Underworld Novel, Book 4) by Con Template

world, mentoring the best of the best while safeguarding the values that we hold dear.”
    He raised his champagne glass an inch higher and inclined his head at Ju Won.
    “Uncle,” Tae Hyun began, noting from his peripherals that Ji Hoon was seething with aggravation. Tae Hyun was not only overshadowing Ji Hoon in terms of holding the interest of the Underworld populace, but he was also holding the undivided attention of Ju Won himself. “In a room filled with prominent leaders and fearless soldiers, I am humbled to be in your presence. You have taught me so much in the ways of our world. I couldn’t have learned it better from anyone else. If my father and mother were here, then I’d stand before them a proud man because I have everything a great King could dream of.”
    In that split second, a pained emotion gave way in Tae Hyun’s eyes. It was as though he was thinking about a particular person who took his heart with her earlier in the night. He swallowed tightly, disregarding this fleeting pain to finish his speech. He no longer had time to be a man; he had to be a God.
    “And I have you to thank for that. Sixty-five years and you’re still a living legend. Thank you for your patience, your service, and your dedication. Happy birthday. Here’s to sixty-five more years of greatness.”
    An eruption of cheers and applause rumbled throughout the rotunda ball. Below, Ju Won laughed proudly after Tae Hyun’s toast and cheered with the rest of the Underworld. In a synchronized movement, champagne glasses were raised in the air like torches. The entire room toasted to the two Underworld Kings.
    While drinking from his champagne glass, Tae Hyun looked over to Ji Hoon. The King of Skulls was staring back at him with daggers in his eyes. Tae Hyun bestowed him with the same hateful gaze. Ji Hoon’s simple existence offended him, and Tae Hyun did not trouble himself to hide that fact. He was holding on to his champagne glass with such vigor that he had to use opposing strength to keep from breaking the feeble glass. The heated glares lasted for a long minute before they became swept away.
    Unaware of the hate spewing from the two Kings, the rest of the Underworld attendees gathered around each of them, congratulating them for their well-spoken and equally powerful speeches. Throughout the next hour and a half, they were in the company of Underworld associates as they ventured down the staircase and mingled with everyone in attendance. The mundaneness of this event was only broken when they were face-to-face with the celebrated Advisor himself.
    Ju Won was the epitome of an elated host when he motioned for them to convene with him in the center of the packed ballroom. An unhappy expression settled over the two Kings’ faces when they realized they had to be in close proximity to one another. Though they were unhappy, they did not allow their emotions to dissuade them from heeding the eldest Advisor’s request.
    “Any Advisor would be honored to have two great Kings give such wonderful toasts,” said Ju Won with a warm chuckle, the champagne in his glass swaying in merriment.
    “The honor is ours,” Tae Hyun replied, purposely ignoring Ji Hoon while he kept his attention on Ju Won.
    “How is your birthday so far, uncle?” Ji Hoon asked cordially, taking a sip from his champagne glass. He also made it a point to ignore Tae Hyun. Up close, one could see the dim bruises on Ji Hoon’s face, the aftereffect of his confrontation with Yoori. She had found out that he was the one who orchestrated Lee Chae Young’s rape, and she was unforgiving with his punishment. Though it was scarcely visible, one could also see the scar on his head where she broke an alcohol bottle. The sight of these maladies brought a satisfied smile to Tae Hyun’s face.
    “Very nice,” Ju Won replied with a passive-aggressive grin that hid his true and unfiltered feelings. The shadows darkened his eyes when he was reminded of something