Page 15 of Fallen Gods

Of course, we both know we need to keep up some semblance of politeness just in case people are watching, which I can guarantee they are, popcorn in hand. With two rich heirs to their parents’ thrones, who wouldn’t be invested? But we haven’t said a word to each other in two years, and after all that time, I can’t help a part of me wondering if it even happened or if I just imagined the whole thing, so desperate to connect withsomeone. Anyone. Even an Erikson.

He turns back, and his burnished eyes linger a moment too long before he rasps, “That makes one of us.”

There it is. The tick in his jaw. That flicker of something raw under the ice. Ah, always good to be reminded that you mean nothing.

Something twists deep in my chest—sharp and cold and shameful. Like I’ve been sucker punched and have to pretend it didn’t hurt.

I don’t know why I bothered hoping Aric was different. He’s not like me. He’s likehim. The kind of person who wounds carelessly—until the knife is buried too deep for you to even scream.

Knowing he’s capable of that kind of cruelty will only make it easier when he ends up on the other side of my blade. This man is only out for himself; the rest of the world can burn. Unlucky for him, I was raised to handle men exactly like that. Another of my father’s gifts.

Reeve breaks the silence by dragging my bag onto the elevator, louder than necessary. I follow without giving Aric a backward glance.

“Good talk!” Reeve calls to his brother as the elevator doors slide shut.

My stomach flutters a bit. Which makes no sense. Aric’s just proven exactly what kind of an ass he is. And yet…

One thingisclear. If I’m going to be successful in this mission, I need to kill every flicker of emotion…and inconvenient attraction…Aric inspires in me.Still.

“At least his moods have gotten better,” I mutter.

Reeve ignores me and stares down at the iPad. “Room 209, and yes, my brother has perfected the fine art of assholery. Also, he has no soul.” He taps the screen. “And unfortunately for you…” He makes a face. “You’re right next door.”

“To what?”

Please say the bathroom.

A balcony.

The laundry room.

I need at least one place of solitude.

Reeve hits the second-floor button and smiles at his own reflection in the shiny elevator doors. “Him.”

Chapter Seven

Rey

Tension builds in my shoulders as I wait for Reeve to step out of the elevator first. I keep my expression neutral, forcing myself to take in my surroundings like I actually care about whatever hallway decor they have going on.

My stomach drops.

Son of a bitch.

Legends humans call “Norse” line the dorm walls like a shrine to revisionist history…but the truth is older than language. These weren’t myths. They were beings. And they weren’t born from story—theybirthed the stories.

I almost punch the wall when I see the centerpiece of it all: Odinfather, flanked by Thor, regal and untouchable.

Worshipped.

Revered.

Ah, yes. So benevolent. A father for the ages.

My father was clearly behind this. I’d bet money that part of his generous “donations” to the university went into this ridiculous display. Back when he was interested in peace with the Eriksons.

A reminder? Possibly.