Page 19 of Fallen Gods

I catch my reflection in the glass paneling—drawn features, jaw tight, something hollow behind the eyes. I almost don’t recognize the man staring back at me.

I remember when I first arrived at Endir my freshman year. I was never what you would call an easygoing kind of guy like my brother, but I at least knew how to smile. Now I can’t remember the last time my lips tilted up in anything even close to joy.

I look down and wait for my floor. I’ve lost my appetite entirely, my anxiety at her nearness making the blood in my veins turn to ice.

Back in my dorm room, I quickly send a text to Reeve to let him know I’ll join him later and he should go on without me.

I sit on the edge of the bed, fists clenched against my knees.

Something’s wrong.

Not in the building. Not out there.

In me.

I’ve felt it since the elevator. Since her.

I close my eyes, but the tension doesn’t fade. It’s not just in mymuscles. It’s under my skin.

And whatever it is—

It’s waking up.

Chapter Nine

Rey

The moment I’m alone in the room, I slide a hand into my jeans pocket. My fingers shake as I pull out Laufey’s note.

It’s crumpled and warm, and my heart races as I open the paper and spread it flat on my desk.

There are no words. No messages of love or encouragement, no mantra to persevere.

Just five runes.

? ? ? ? ?

Raido, Dagaz, Hagalaz, Othala, and Thurisaz.

Thurisaz was the rune I saw carved into the cobblestone not far from where Odinfather left me at the entrance of the university. The same one I tripped on and wanted to curse.

What does it all mean? There has to be some sort of connection to my mission. She wouldn’t risk Odin’s wrath to pass me this note for no reason.

The sound of Aric’s door shutting has me jumping. I walk over to the wall and give it a soft knock. The echo I get in return nearly makes me jump. Great, so not soundproof. My mind suddenly fills with all the things I might hear coming from the other side of this wall, but I quickly shake the thoughts away.

When a tap sounds on the door, I freeze. Then I sweep the note off the desk and shove it in the back pocket of my jeans.

He wouldn’t knock. Would he?

Before I can overthink it, I swing the door open. And it’s not Aric standing there.

A tall girl—verytall—with thick, curly brown hair, the tips dyed electric blue, strides in like she owns the place, giant greenbasket balanced on one hip.

As I take in her outfit, I have to blink twice: flannel pajama shorts covered in chain-smoking cartoon cats, vintage Metallica tee that looks like it’s survived actual battle, knee-high purple socks, and oversize shark slippers. It’s…a lot.

Her dark brown eyes widen. “Please tell me you’re not a morning person.”

“I— What?”