Traitors of the Sun
(Ok I changed it a couple times because I got a better idea, so sorry for the confusion!)
Every thousand years, a god must die.
The pantheon of Eltana loses one seat every millennium, and every deity must fight to keep their immortality and influence. For a period of one hundred days, each god is cast down to the mortal world for a globe-spanning death tournament in which one is permanently eliminated.
With this Godless era approaching, temples and convents prepare to offer protection to their soon-to-be mortal patron deities.
Except for the Renatai Temple of the Sun.
Nineteen year old Altan Erakos, with the help of assassinations, bribery, and oration expertise, has managed to convince the temple’s leaders to shut its doors to their god, Eluxem—who also happens to be Altan’s father. Made bitter by his mother, Altan resents the distant deity that’s his blood and is convinced that a new era—one without the sun—is the destined, prosperous future for humanity.
Ilyia Sandri, a priestess with the gift of prophecy, owes her life to Eluxem and her love to Altan. She finds herself torn between the two when the Godless Era begins, and makes a bold decision that saves her from tarnishing any of her loyalties—but also could change the course of history forever.
Elio Raela, a former prince, was made Eluxem’s slave after his family disrespected the god. He resides in Renatai Temple until Eluxem calls for his service, and while the majority of other residents have been turned against their sun god, Elio remains firmly loyal to his immortal master. He is disgusted with the Temple’s actions and vows to leave to protect Eluxem during the Godless Era in the hopes of gaining his freedom.
The Renatai Temple of the Sun has turned traitor. Now Altan, Ilyia, and Elio must grapple with the consequences and fight to preserve—or destroy—the world in which they live.
(Convoluted, but I think it might be really fun….)
Next: The Glass Clock or Fallen Saints