The room is quiet except for Aric’s moans and the lapping of water against the steps.
It was supposed to be so easy.
“Unchain him,” I demand, my heart pounding erratically at what I know I need to do. “I’ll get it.”
I glance back at Aric. His eyes are full of so much pain, I wonder if he even recognizes me anymore, recognizes the fact that each time he exhales, tiny particles of ice follow into the air, creating a path toward me—a path that the ice will never reach.
He can’t save himself.
Or me.
We can only hope that I have enough time when I find Mjölnir to use it against Odin. I start to toe off my boots.
The door to the Hall of Omrir creaks open.
“Ah, right on time.” Father seems genuinely pleased to see whoever is walking in.
I turn around. I should be surprised.
I’m not.
Chapter Seventy-Eight
Rey
All smiles, Reeve sidles up next to Father, tossing the Thurisaz cobblestone in the air. What I wouldn’t give to smash that grin off his smug little face. Preferably with that rock. Repeatedly.
He tosses the stone up and down, up and down.
If he’s holding it, does that mean he’s the one who hurt Aric?
He winks at me.
There isn’t enough ice in the world to cool the rage burning underneath my skin.
He stops in front of my father. “See? I told you I was right about the last two runes. But no, you still needed me to prove it.” He smiles at me. “Was the cow too obvious? Drastic times call for drastic measures and all that. Bonus: I got to see you half naked.”
I strain against my chains. I will kill this man if it’s the last thing I do.
“Enough!” Rowen shouts. “Odin, release Rey. She’s—”
My father holds up his hand. “Reeve, for your service, my offer does still stand, but you have to show your loyalty. I won’t tolerate anything less.”
“Not a problem.”
I lunge for him again, but Rowen holds me back. “You selfish coward,” he grits out, eyes trained on Reeve. “Odin’s going to murder you after he gets what he wants—surely you know that? Though why am I not surprised? You’re a dumbass.”
Reeve laughs and then shoots me a wink. “Gods, you’re so dramatic all the time.” Then he walks over to Odin and grabs his cane. “To prove my loyalty.”
Does he have a death wish?
Father never even letsmenear it.
Odin holds up his hand to his men. “I’ll allow it.”
Reeve pulls out the sword from inside and makes his way over to where Aric is on his knees. He pulls his brother’s head up by the hair, then lifts the sword to his neck. Excruciatingly slowly, he draws the edge lightly along Aric’s skin.
Silver blood starts to eke out. Just drops for now, but the intent is clear.
