Page 135 of Fallen Gods

He shifts in my hold, and it’s almost like the scars falter and shimmer. I do a double take. For the first time since I’ve known him, it almost looks like two runes intertwined. How have I never noticed it before? Or is it because he’s never let me look this close?

“Your scars,” I murmur, and he goes still. “They almost look like a combination of Laguz and Berkano, the ones you have on your door back home.” I smile. “I guess I never noticed before?”

Rowen slowly pulls his sleeves down. “You know your father—he thinks using the power of runes is beneath him, but theseserve our purpose. You’re part God, so you see me clearly. But these runes…they make me look different to the outside world.”

He rakes back the strands of hair that fell out of his bun. “Speaking of runes, though.” Rowen shifts away and lifts the bag. “I was going to give you this on your birthday,” he says quietly. “Then everything happened, and it just…” His eyes flick to mine. “Now feels right.”

When I don’t immediately grab it, maybe because I’m surprised and not used to gifts, he digs in and pulls out a thin chain, the silver catching the dim light in the room. Dangling from the chain is a small carved rune.

“Tiwaz,” he explains, pressing it into my palm. “The warrior’s rune. It means honor, sacrifice, victory bought with blood. Tyr’s rune. I figured you’d appreciate that—fighting battles you didn’t ask for, carrying more than anyone should.”

My throat tightens. It’s in the shape of an upward arrow. The metal is cool against my skin. “I don’t get gifts a lot.” He knows that.

“You’ve felt alone,” he continues, “but you’re not. Not anymore. I’ll be by your side, Rey—always. Even if it means watching you hold hands with a Giant.”

A burst of laughter escapes me. “Dramatic much?”

“Maybe,” he admits with a small smile. He clasps the chain behind my neck, fingers brushing the back of my skin. “But you deserve someone who doesn’t walk away. Not ever.”

I think of Aric. “Thank you.”

He nods. “Maybe I’ll see you for dinner. Keep it on. It makes me feel better. Runes are powerful, and tonight, the ones at Endir will be down.”

“Right.” I nod. “All the wards are gone tonight.”

“Except yours.” He smiles. “So basically, don’t die.”

I give him another small hug. “I’ll do my best.”

Chapter Sixty-Nine

Aric

It took longer than I thought it would, setting up for the Wild Hunt. Between the buffet tables, candles, and chopping wood for all the mini bonfires, I’m exhausted.

Reeve left Rey’s costume with me and bounced on account that he had to meet the DJ in the stadium. I call bullshit. He just got tired of stacking firewood. What is with the guy and physical labor?

It’s not like I wanted to leave Rey, but I still answered Sigurd’s call. He and Reeve are the only family I have left. I chalk it up to loyalty, maybe a sense of obligation, but the truth is I also needed a minute to myself.

So much is at stake tonight, and it’s impossible to focus with Rey in my arms. When I’m with her, all I can think about is touching her. And one touch is never enough.

A few girls pass me in the dorm lobby. They’re already dressed up in silver fairy costumes, the guys trailing behind them wearing horned helmets and leather vests. Some people like to dress early and hit the local pubs and restaurants to pregame before the Hunt. The fraternities on the other side of campus have been at it since breakfast. Any excuse to party, I guess.

I hope Rey’s going to be okay with hers having so many layers. I peeked inside the garment bag because it was heavier than I expected. It looks like Sigurd had it commissioned specifically, which makes me wonder just how long Sigurd’s had this planned. And does he actually know what an authentic Valkyrie used to dress like? Did he fight them? He holds vast memories of the war and our people, but he seldom shares his stories with me. My parents didn’t like to talk about the past, either. I thinkit pained them too much.

Sigurd isn’t as sentimental. He’s just selfish.

But for once, the pain my family has caused me doesn’t sting to think about. Because Rey’s my future now. If we can just get through tonight…maybe we can truly be together.

I jog the stairs and shoulder open the door to our floor, then head straight to her room. I’ve just lifted my hand to knock when I hear muffled voices inside. Is she with someone? I press my ear to the door.

“You can’t just pop into my room unannounced!” she growls. Now that my powers are almost completely awakened, my hearing is so good it sounds like she’s right beside me.

“Get over it.”

I jerk my head away from the door. Reeve is here. Not at the stadium. Something dark edges along my spine. I press against the door again.

“I want Mjölnir, Rey.”