Page 27 of Fallen Gods

I race through my memory of Marvel movies, which were about half right, according to my father. What the hell can Giants do? Make shit cold? Or is it that they like tolivein a cold place? I shake my head. If they scared Odinfather enough that he wiped their memories, theydefinitelyhad more going for them than excellent body heat and the ability to make a snowman.

My breath catches in the back of my throat when the door to his room opens, and the wind carries his scent through the open window I forgot about.

Shit. He’ll know I was in here. First things first…I pray he doesn’t realize I’mstillin here.

Floorboards creak as he slowly makes his way toward the edge of the bed.

“Reeve, I swear, if this is another prank you put a freshman up to, I’m going to murder you.” He sniffs the air. “I mean it. You know I haven’t been able to sleep for two days; stop messingwith my head. You got me. Can we please go eat now?”

The floor creaks with each step Aric takes across the room until he’s leaning over to close the window.

He fishes something out of a dish by the door, muttering about dumb-shit brothers under his breath, then heads out again, pulling the door closed behind him.

My heart is lodged so far up my throat at the near miss, I just lie under his bed for a full five minutes. Not smelling his T-shirt. Just catching my breath.

When I’m sure he’s not coming right back, I slide out from under the bed, pausing just long enough to smooth the comforter.

The next five minutes are spent moving through drawers—methodical, fast. I pretend not to notice the tight pull in my stomach after confirming what I already suspected: black boxer briefs. Of course.

My face is still warm when I open the drawer beneath his sink and three pill bottles rattle against one another. I lift each one, read the labels. Nothing I recognize.

I slip out my phone and snap a photo.

I tell myself it’s for his own good. That maybe this will help free him.

But the justification lands hollow in my chest.

Ten minutes later, I’ve searched everywhere and, other than the mystery medication, know absolutely nothing useful.

My stomach grumbles, reminding me yet again I still haven’t eaten.

I glance at the closed window but dismiss it. I never really planned to climb back out that way. Not when the dorm room door will lock behind me just fine.

After hustling back into my room and trading my black leggings for joggers, I head to the dining hall, taking my time to avoid any more unwanted run-ins.

It’s crowded and noisy, and I’m bombarded with smells—cheap cologne, tikka masala, chocolate chip cookies, and all things greasy. I grab a tray and follow the line along the buffet, piling on fries, a sad-looking turkey sandwich, and a salad I don’t plan to eat. Then I find a table tucked near the corner—out of reach, just how I like it.

The first fry is glorious. I’m halfway to forgetting the day thus far when Aric walks in, and I nearly choke. They should have already been here and left by now.

He’s alone. Not with Reeve. And he’s scanning the room.

Don’t sit here…

Don’t sit here…

I’m not ready.

The place is packed, but the two empty chairs beside me haven’t been touched—thanks to my Aethercall. I’ve been pushing out waves of silent threat since I walked in, but only so I can plot. Apparently, it’s working.

Usually, I like that.

But I can only assume the Eriksons are immune to my gift. Otherwise, all those years ago, Aric would have reacted to it in some way. He would have felt it, right? The way I couldn’t hide the rejection or my heart dropping in my chest? And the way they’ve behaved today confirms it. Needling me. Approaching me, leaving too abruptly. Getting under my skin.

I glance around, debating whether to reverse the effect and pull someone into the open seat. But the students nearby are too busy filming themselves or scrolling mindlessly to notice an invitation.

I lower my gaze and keep eating—slow, mechanical, like that might somehow make me disappear.

A chair scrapes beside me.