Page 44 of Fallen Gods

I know part of what keeps me from feeling that way is the medicine I’m on. It makes me feel numb. It used to work better before Rey showed up at Endir. No question, I prefer numbness to the out-of-control feelings I have around her, the constant threat that at any moment, I’m going to snap.

And just like conjuring up Beelzebub, she joins the crowd, moving through it until she’s right in front of me with a big, knowing grin. She’s in baggy jeans and tennis shoes, a crop top black sweatshirt, and has her hair pulled back into a high ponytail.

She’s effortlessly pretty.

Annoyingly so.

I don’t trust pretty things. There’s always something lurking beneath the surface, or, in Rey’s case, a hell of a lot of somethings, just waiting to pop out and slit your throat.

She smiles at me.

I ignore her and join Reeve.

“Welcome.” Reeve holds his flag high. “Make sure to follow the green flag, aka me, at all times.” A few girls around us giggle. Of course they do. “And know that my brother and I are so honored to be giving you a tour of the university. Most of you have seen the dorms and dining hall already, so we’ll be taking you through the science building, business building, arts, and music.” He pauses, and I know it’s for dramatic effect. “Then, to end the tour, we’ll make a stop at the Hall of Ormir!”

Everyone starts talking at once. The Hall of Ormir is legendary. Theories abound about the temple. It’s been called the product of an eccentric billionaire. A meeting house for a pagan cult. Others believe it really is of Norse origin. Ghost-hunting shows consider it one of the most haunted places in the Northwest.

It’s not. Haunted, that is, though some scary shit has been rumored to go down there.

The whispers people hear in that hall are nothing more than the wind moving between the ancient building and the water that surrounds it, but people still believe.

Because people are stupid.

Reeve holds his flag high and waves it. “Shhh. We’ll go over the rules once we’re there. Let’s start with the boring stuff first.” He turns and starts walking. I follow and suddenly feel Rey at my side.

I smell her, too.

“What?” I don’t turn. “What do you want?”

“Nothing,” she says quickly. “I’m just walking. Is that okay?”

I grunt.

She keeps pace with me—which I have to admit is impressive, since my legs are at least six inches longer—but at least she’s not talking to me or touching me.

After we visit the science building and move on to arts, I’m a bit perplexed about why she hasn’t tried to charm me at all.

An hour later, we’re at the last building—business. Reeve isspouting off about Sigurd and other donors whose contributions landed their names on each wing. I turn to finally say something to Rey, only to realize she’s wandered off. I scan the crowds and finally spot her next to Reeve. Figures.

I feel my frown deepen. Why the hell do I even care?

Reeve starts laughing at something Rey says, and irritation burns through my veins. He knows she’s the enemy. He shouldn’t be laughing with her even if she were the funniest person on the planet.

I cough into my hand to get his attention.

Reeve doesn’t look up.

“Reeve,” I finally snap.

His eyes lock on mine. He knows exactly what he’s doing. “Yeah?”

“We should go to the Hall of Ormir before it gets too late.”

It’s a valid excuse. People aren’t allowed to pass through the gates after dark; too many students have either drowned or gone missing over the years. Some think the drowning has to do with the way the current runs in the spring-fed pool that the hall was built over, while others say people drown because they stay too long in the water, thinking it’s going to give them special powers. Nobody really knows anything except it’s not smart to be here at night. And it’s never safe to swim.

“The university is liable for everyone we take past those gates,” I remind Reeve.

He nods. “True. True.” To the freshmen, he says, “All right, Endir fam, let’s get moving!”