Page 42 of Fallen Gods

She studies me another beat, then gives a sharp nod. “Cool. Then I’m going back to bed for fifteen minutes and pretending the world doesn’t exist.” She points her toothbrush at me again. “You need me, scream. Or just send psychic vibes. I respond to those, too.”

I wait until her door closes behind her before I retreat into myown room.

Plopping on the edge of my bed, I sigh long and low. I know he’s the enemy, but for one minute Aric almost felt like my friend as we flung mud at each other in the spring. Of course, he also threatened my lifeanddragged his teeth along my neck—but I tell myself he didn’t really mean any of that.

Is that how starved I am for attention?

Probably. I swear, at this rate I’ll never grow out of the need to be seen or heard.

Just as quickly as our little playtime started, it was over. But he can’t get away from me that easily. I say this even though he just slammed the door in my face. I’m playing the long game. It’s fine.

Jumping up, I walk over and sit at my desk, pulling out the notebook.

My fingers trace the scrap of paper from Laufey.

This—all of this—is for Laufey.

I can’t get distracted. Can’t fail. She is the one bit of leverage my father has over me, and he’ll use it. Useher.Mercilessly.

Is she safe? I wonder. Sad? She’s always been sad, even in my earliest memories. Though she’d smile as she braided my hair, and she’d look so peaceful when she’d sing me to sleep and tell me stories when I was scared.

Stories of a kingdom far far away, except this one was real. I was the princess. But the king was evil and there was no savior but myself. The people only had me to rely on, and in order to defeat the evil I had to learn how to be patient. Her stories all had a reason for them, a hidden meaning. Just like her actions, Laufey chose her words wisely and with purpose. Nothing was by accident, everything by design, and now she’s dying—or will die if I don’t find Mjölnir in time.

We don’t speak of Frigga. We don’t speak of how life was back in Asgard. Just like we don’t speak of why she would marry himhere, other than he saved the life of someone she loved for her healing power. She’s been more employee than wife ever since.

“I’ll find a way to free you,” I whisper.

I study the rune-laden note. I’ve seen one of these already at Endir. I know what the others mean, so if I come across any of them on campus… Maybe they won’t lead me to Mjölnir, but maybe they create a sort of ward or shield for me?

I pore over the notes, looking for any reference, and stop on the picture of Mjölnir again.

I read the bullet points: “Holds the history of Asgard and all the wars. Holds the power to both build and destroy worlds. Can only be wielded by those it deems worthy. Created for Thor by the dwarves Brokk and Eitri—Mjölnir helps control Thor’s power. Has a personality like any other artifact; it can feel, speak, engage. Original owner: Thor.”

I shut the notebook.

Mjölnir cancommunicate.

I wonder if it’s communicated with Aric at any point? Maybe through dreams or visions? Was Mjölnir speaking to him through the nightmares he mentioned last night? How did I miss this earlier?

Curiosity has me sending a text to my father, even though he’s the last person I want to talk to.

Me:Did Mjölnir ever talk to Thor

I wait.

Finally, the dots pop up on the screen.

Odinfather:Thor is dead. We don’t speak of the dead.

Me:We’re talking about a hammer. Did it though

Odinfather:They were inseparable before the war. Like family.

Me:And during the war?

Odinfather:You know the history. Thor died, Mjölnir was taken.

Me:So it mourns for him then?