Page 88 of Fallen Gods

“I might have nightmares about that.” He says it jokingly, but it feels off, like his head is still back in that office. Still going over the horrible things Professor Higgins said.

He turns away and rakes a hand through his hair, giving me a clear view of his back through the shredded remains of his shirt.

My breath catches.

Runes.

And this time, there are most definitely two. In the caves, the second looked faded, or like it hadn’t taken shape yet, but they’re clear as day now, faintly glowing down his spine.

Raido and Dagaz in all their splendor.

They look angry.

They look new.

Chapter Forty-Two

Rey

The world goes completely still around me.

My hands shake as I think back on the note.

Raido first. Then Dagaz.

That leaves Hagalaz, Othala, and Thurisaz.

It’s time Aric and I had a chat. Laid our cards on the table.

And since we just bled, burned, kissed, and shielded each other in the wreckage of a tree, maybe—just maybe—now’s as good a time as any.

“C’mon,” he says. “Let’s get out of this rain.”

As we slowly start making our way back toward campus, I wonder: Does he know what the runes mean? Are these tattoos my path to Mjölnir? I mean, I’m not entirely sure how I activated them, but…

It can’t be that easy.

The lack of information from my father makes me think he doesn’t have all the answers, either. He probably never did. Doesn’t change anything, though—I need the hammer. Aric’s the key to finding it. And I have to trust that Laufey’s note will guide me.

I lengthen my stride to try and keep pace with the Giant. Aside from the scent of woodsmoke in the air and that faint smell of ozone that comes after a storm, the woods are calm.

The noise increases as we draw closer to campus, though, and I make out whistles and bullhorns, hollers and… Is that music? By the time we make it out to the field, it’s like we never left. Students are still screaming and cheering, their wet hair and clothes the only indication they got caught in the same storm as we did.

Reeve’s team is celebrating in the middle of the field. Guess they managed to capture the flag. They stop when they see us approach. “Was there another battle we weren’t aware of?” he asks.

“Why are you wearing half a shirt?” Eira tilts her head at Aric. “Did you set yourself on fire?”

Everyone laughs.

I join in because, well, kind of?

I probably look just as bad, with dirt and pine needles in my hair. Honestly, I’m surprised Ziva hasn’t asked how our romp in the woods went. Save for his shirt, that’s exactly what we look like, guilt and all.

Aric’s still lightly trembling next to me. I can’t tell if he’s traumatized, pissed, or both. Eira grabs at Reeve’s arm. “Eriksons like it rough, huh?”

Ziva makes a face. “Dude, he looks hurt, read the room.”

Aric shrugs, but his eyes are wild, like he’s daring anyone to say another word. “We’re fine. Looks like we won. Go blue.”