Two more runes.
I nod my head slowly. “It might kill him. You don’t see what happens when I start waking him. It looks like it’s painful. Every single time, his eyes turn white, like he can barely control the power bursting from inside of him.”
I notice Rowen moving from one foot to the other. He’s restless. He wants to fight but can’t. Why? A chill runs down my spine.
His cruelty was trained into him. Same as mine.
Rowen prefers to watch his enemies die slowly as the life leaves their bodies—Odin has always said that to watch a life leave for Valhalla is a God’s greatest honor. A reminder that true life only comes from one’s very breath.
But this is my closest friend in the world. I have no reason not to trust him.
“Look…” Rowen starts, then heaves a sigh. “Aric seems like a nice enough guy right now. I’m sorry he’s suffering, but you’ve got to understand: he’s not the only one. Your father…”
Rowen stops himself, looks unsure whether he should continue. But then the words just seem to flow out of him.
“He’s losing not just his power, Rey, but his grip on reality. He’s your father—and whether you believe he’s a monster or not, he’s dying here in this realm. He can’t afford to wait another year. He needs Mjölnir to go back, to restore his power. Period. The only way for this continuous war between Gods and Giants to end is to get the hammer. The Giants hid it because it’s the only thing powerful enough to destroy Odin and they can’t figure out how to use it. They broke the Bifrost—trapping who knows how many of us here—and for what? Power? Position? They say it was to protect the worlds, but at what cost when Odinfather, despite all his faults, the creator of worlds, is here?”
I open my mouth, but it’s near impossible to know what to say. “I wish Thor was alive,” I try. “He’d know what to do. Because do you really think Odin’s only plan is to go back to Asgard and pretend like none of this happened? Do you really think he won’t destroy the last Giants, then go after whoever defies him next?”
“So what…if they deserve it,” Rowen whispers. “Gods will always reign, and it’s your time to decide whose side you’re really on.” A smile flashes across his face. “I hate Odin as much as you do. I know it’s choosing the lesser of two evils, but don’t let yourself be distracted.” He glances at the wall separating Aric and me. “You know what you need to do. Awaken the Giant. He’ll guide you to Mjölnir. The minute he’s fully awake, not only will it call to him, but he’ll feel compelled to give it to you no matter what.”
Could it really be that easy? My heart races. “Why’s that?”
“Your blood sings to it. Mjölnir was always meant to be with Thor, with you. It would even respond to Hela if she were in this realm.”
I frown. I haven’t heard my sister’s name in years. I’ve never met her, nor the birth mother I can’t even picture. Sometimes itfeels like a distant dream.
“I miss home,” Rowen says.
My mouth opens to ask him more about that, but he’s already walking toward the door.
“Rowen, wait.”
He pauses, and I grab his hand. His scars light up again, burning my fingers. “Have you decided where you stand at the end of this?”
He smiles and grips my hand tighter. “I’m always on your side.”
“Even if Odin forces you to choose?”
“Even if I lose the very life he breathed into me.” He winks.
I tilt my head. “Oh. So he created you and your family?”
“Bye, Rey.” He salutes me and walks off. “Try not to sleep with the Giant tonight.”
“It was an accident!” I call after him and lie back down on my bed.
Family. Sacrifice. Betrayal. Love. Impossible choices.
It all swirls around in my brain until I’m tired, suddenlytootired. I need to get ready for bed before I crash on top of it.
But instead, I eye my phone. It’s Wednesday, which means Laufey’s probably out grabbing more flowers for the greenhouse—the one hobby she’s allowed.
I don’t think. I just dial. I need her.
She picks up on the second ring. “Rey?”
“Hi!” I say it too quickly. “I mean, I’m glad to hear your voice.” My own cracks. “Are you doing well?”
