Total pages in book: 124
Estimated words: 121534 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 608(@200wpm)___ 486(@250wpm)___ 405(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 121534 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 608(@200wpm)___ 486(@250wpm)___ 405(@300wpm)
Could that temple tie to Mjölnir? I feel like he would have said something if it did, but then again, he only ever speaks to me in half-truths.
I chew my lower lip as I riffle through my purse, looking for my key card. None of the runes outside the temple matched Laufey’s note. But the one on the mirror did. Raido’s a powerful rune, one associated with journeys and pilgrimages. So, not surprising to find it in a place of worship.
The campus, from what I’ve seen so far, is littered with runes, from the pathways to the buildings themselves. Sigurd Erikson has clearly set up wards of protection. To keep people out? Or to keep people in?
Hell, maybe they’re inactive. I stepped on Thurisaz when I first got to Endir, and the rock just stared up at me mockingly, no magic, nothing. If there’s any connection between the note from Laufey and the runes, it’s something I’ll have to investigate later. First things first. I need to focus on the new task at hand as my fingers close around my key card.
Finding my syllabus.
I quickly grab the printed schedule off my desk and shove it into my bag, snag my phone and tuck it into my jeans pocket, then pull open my door. Reeve is already standing on the other side, hand up and ready to knock.
“I was coming to make sure you survived the night after going through the Hall of Ormir,” he says, giving me an eyebrow waggle for good measure. Why are all the good-looking ones complete psychopaths?
“It was touch and go there for a few minutes.” I shrug and click my door shut behind me. “But I made it.”
“Damn.” Reeve makes a face.
I flip him off in response.
I can’t hear Aric in his room. Did he already leave? Am I that late? Reeve said yesterday that every student would be attending a brief opening ceremony today before our first classes.
I have the sudden urge to check on him. He seemed pretty shaken last night, too. Except…why am I worrying about my enemy? Why did it matter? “Um—” I point at Reeve. “You should just go without me. I have to use the restroom.”
He frowns. “Are you sure? I can wait.”
“Yup! Save me a seat.”
“In hell? Absolutely. Front row.”
I roll my eyes at him as the elevator doors open, then shove him inside. “You’re a nuisance, Reeve.”
He grins. “You have no idea.”
The minute the elevator closes again, I bolt over to Aric’s door and press my ear up against it. I don’t hear anything.
I lean in harder, until suddenly the door yanks open. I tumble forward and crash into him. “Sorry, I was just—” Just what, Rey? There’s no answer that can hide the cringe at being caught eavesdropping.
His chest is solid and warm. I try to pull away, but he drives me backward, pinning me against the wall. Nostrils flaring, he leans in, his mouth brushing close to my skin like he’s seconds away from breathing me in. “What do you think you’re doing?”
Worrying about you? Stalking? A little of both? “I was getting ready to go to the opening ceremony. Reeve already left, and I figured I’d knock just in case you were sleeping and missed your alarm.”
Because I care? Damn it, like he’s really going to buy that.
His lips curl into a cruel smile. “Yes, because we’re close enough that you’d be looking out for me.” His eyes search mine in a cold, unfeeling manner. At least he’s made it painfully known where we stand.
“Like you were looking out for me last night?” I counter.
“That was different,” he growls. “You had a goddamn head wound.”
I cross my arms with a huff. “Well, I feel fine now.” I tilt my head. “And why can’t I look out for you? We’re all in this semester together. Plus, it’s not like we’re strangers. We’ve known each other a long time, and we’ve already skinny-dipped together, so that basically bonds us for life.” I just had to bring it up, didn’t I? Like my brain needs a solid excuse to remember what his naked skin looked like. My cheeks flush hot.
“That was a mistake.” His words are low and menacing.
“Huge mistake,” I agree, but my voice is barely a whisper.
“You should go. You don’t want to be late.”
I blink up at him. “You’re too tall to climb over, and you’re crowding me against the wall. I’ll leave once you back off.”
“This isn’t crowding.” He presses closer. “This is.” His body is hard and hot against mine. He’s so close I can feel his heartbeat like it’s my own.
My breath catches in my chest. I’m supposed to be the one hunting him, not the other way around.
For a few seconds, I falter, panicking at my own weakness—because while he’s supposed to be this unfeeling zombie, I have to admit I like the way he feels this close to me. I think back to last night, to his hands on my face.