Page 164 of Fallen Gods

I change the subject slightly. “I wonder if Odin has more allies or enemies waiting on the other side.”

Aric stares down at me, something dark and steady in his eyes. “Only one way to find out.”

“First things first.” I force a shrug. “We eliminate the threats here.”

“Tomorrow,” he says, a ghost of a smile pulling at his lips.

I tug at his shirt, grinning despite myself. “At least Reeve’s good for something.”

His face clouds. “Other than being annoying and manipulative? Yes.”

I laugh. “What? We wouldn’t have Mjölnir if he hadn’t helped me. Plus, he’s good at distracting and confusing Sigurd, though I still think Sigurd knew what was going on that night. He just banked on Reeve getting the ring.”

Aric nods reluctantly, mouth twisting. “Yeah, I don’t know. He won’t ever give us a straight answer. For now, let’s just focus on tonight. We deserve at least that.”

The fire pops, the frost crystal spins once before dissolving into the air, and for the first time all day, I let myself breathe, then finally rest in my Giant’s arms.

His visions have gotten more vivid now. Sometimes I see war in them; other times, I see the edges of Asgard shining out from the deep blue sea that surrounds it, like a castle among the stars.

Other days, it’s Jötunheim before it was destroyed.

It’s snowing. I blink and open my eyes. I’m in another one of his visions, but this one is beautiful. We’re standing out in a field, staring at the snow, a blank canvas.

For a moment, it feels hopeful.Peaceful.

The word echoes in my chest as Aric’s hand closes over mine, bringing me back to the present. Ice sparks where our fingers meet. The lake groans outside, the storm simmers between us, and for one fleeting heartbeat, it feels like the world is holding its breath right alongside us. Allowing this moment.

But the silence won’t last.

It never does.

The love doesn’t end here…