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)
So easy to believe, the lies I tell myself.
“Minute’s over,” she whispers.
“Good.”
Rey slowly scoots off me. I get to my feet and walk a few steps away.
I feel her step up next to me.
I wave my hand in front of the ice walls, and they melt instantly.
“Fourth rune tonight,” I whisper. “What is it? I’ll find it and text you.”
“Othala.”
I don’t cringe, but a sickness curls in my gut right along with a bit of satisfaction. “The rune of bloodline. Inheritance.” I would laugh if I didn’t want to scream into the void. “The fourth rune is one of the most powerful. Sigurd’s afraid to even speak it out loud.”
Her eyes narrow. “How do you know that?”
“Because it’s in his home office.” I rub at my neck, heat from the runes building up my back like they’re ready for more. “And out of all the stories I grew up memorizing, it’s the only one my dad insisted I learn word for word. I think it’s paranoia that Sigurd keeps it…”
“Keeps what?”
“The statue that bears the mark.” I can’t keep the bitterness out of my laugh. “Audhumla. The very cow that allegedly nourished Ymir to life and helped create the Gods. And trust me—it’s the most awkward-looking statue in the world.”
Her mouth parts like she’s about to argue, but then she actually breathes out a sigh of relief.
“It’s also at our house,” I add, “which means we get to put off rune-hunting for a few more days. Sigurd keeps it locked up tight, but he won’t be at the end-of-orientation house party. We’ll see it then.”
Her shoulders sag like maybe she’s relieved. I feel the same way.
I’ve bought us the perfect excuse to stall.
What’s a few more days?
A few more days of lying.
A few more days of believing it’s all going to be okay.
A few more days to pretend.
Chapter Fifty-Three
Aric
I’m still thinking about both my conversation with Rey and our kiss when I get back to my room. I’m not surprised to find Reeve inside, standing in front of the window, looking deep in thought. “Should I be worried?”
Damn, is it really written all over my face?
“About?” I’m exhausted, freaked out about losing control with Rey, and starving. Not in the mood for an interrogation. I toss my phone onto my bed and walk over to him. I can at least play dumb, even though yes, I know what he’s asking and yes, he should be worried.
Please, universe, let her accidentally sneak into my room again. Even if she brings the mug.
“Rey,” Reeve states blandly.
I lean against the windowsill and gaze out at the night sky. “Absolutely not. I know where we stand, and I’ve firmly drawn the line in the sand. If you think I smell like her, it’s only because she could have nearly died in my arms just now. I lost more control than I expected to.” I hope it’s enough information to satisfy him without wanting more details.
Reeve jerks his head in my direction. “What?” His eyes are wild. “Care to repeat that?”
“We were out by the lake. You know my job is to get close to her.” It’s a half-truth. “So I created an ice wall and we…argued.” Made out. “You have nothing to worry about.” Total lie.
“You went by the water and created some ice walls?” Reeve repeats. “You showed her your power…just decided to bust it out right in front of her?”
“It’s not like she doesn’t already know.” I leave out the part about how intense the kiss really was. “I know what I’m doing.” I’m downplaying it, which, by the way he’s reacting, is probably a good call on my part. Besides, I barely understand it myself. Reeve may not have any of his own abilities awakened, but he knows how powerful, how dangerous mine can be.
Reeve starts pacing in front of me. “You do realize what that place is, right—or any place near this godforsaken water?”
“A large lake that Sigurd thinks carries the souls of the fallen. Honestly, it really wasn’t a big deal at first—”
“Are you serious right now? It’s a fucking tomb, you dumbass!”
I slowly lift my head. “The graves, you mean?”
“They call it the riverbed of tombs, leading to the lake, remember? You’ve heard the stories. Or do you just tune everything out if it doesn’t interest you?” Reeve runs his hands through his hair. “The river of tombs reflects those who have fallen in honor of the Gods. It’s sacred ground. Just like the mirror at the Hall of Omrir reflects the souls of the Gods. The riverbed pathway is what carries souls into the lake, trapping them until Ragnarök.”
I almost laugh. “I saw nothing but strong currents and murky water and a stark little reminder of what Odin did to our kind.”
“You need to wake the fuck up,” Reeve grumbles. “Not the point. The point is, someone like you”—he stops himself—“someone like her shouldn’t be in a place that powerful, that meaningful. The last thing you want is to trip into the water, have an accident, or Gods forbid have a weak moment and she uses it against you!”