Collapsing onto the couch in front of my favorite fireplace in the library, my head sinks into the pillow and my eyes are trained on the ceiling.
Lachlan lifts my legs and settles onto the couch before unceremoniously dropping my legs back onto his lap. His hand gently rubs circles around my shins while the other works the tension out of my calves.
“We have to tell the others,” I mumble. Tears trickle out of the corner of my eyes and I squeeze them shut.
A moment or two passes and he doesn’t respond. Blinking my eyes open, I stare at the profile of his face.
“You don’t think we should?”
Lachlan looks up from my legs and to the fireplace. “Will it change anything? They already ken that Odin is gone.”
“No, it won’t change anything, but they should know the odds are wildly stacked against us.”
Lachlan nods as he contemplates. “I’ll round everyone up then.”
I pull my legs out of his way. He groans as he stands, the tattoos around his arms flex and ripple in the light as he heaves himself upright. I return my gaze to the ceiling.
“Are ye alright?” he asks, standing by the door.
“I will be…”
Lachlan leaves the room, leaving me to my thoughts. I twirl my medallion between my fingers, and flex my toes against the arm of the couch. We’re going to be outnumbered. We’ve already lost Elowen, and now there’s a prophecy that says I will seal the fate of the universe.
The pressure keeps chipping me away.
I turn my head to the side, watching the light stream through the windows. I huff a breath and watch the dust motes scatter. The scent of parchment and leather fills my nose with each inhale.
As laughter trills down the hall, I close my eyes, sending up a prayer of thanks to Odin. Here I am surrounded by friends, in a place that feels like home. I have everything I’ve ever wanted.
Please don’t let me lose it now.
Wings flutter as they are vanished away, and boots clomp on the stone before the sound is muffled on the ornate rug. A throat clears and I pull myself up into a seated position.
Evander, Mina, Mathilda, Tane, Luna, and Lachlan all stare at me.
Ready and waiting.
I waste zero time with formalities. “Two things. First, there’s a prophecy that Freya and Luna think is tied to me. That my fate will decide the survival of our worlds.” Luna opens her mouth and I hold up a hand. “No, I don’t know what the fate is. Second, it’s not just Odin and Odessa that are missing, but all of our gods and goddesses.”
I’m met with open mouths, and silent blinking. Lachlan takes a few steps to stand at my side.
“Do you understand what this means?” I ask, when still there is no response.
“It means we’re doomed,” Mina replies, crossing her arms over her chest as a shiver shudders her small frame.
I grimace, turning to look up at Lachlan. “Not necessarily…”
“What do we do now?” Mathilda whispers, looking at Tane.
“We continue on. This changes nothing. We will still fight for the survival of our world.”
“And our deaths,” Tane mumbles, crossing his arm over the remainder of his other before wincing and dropping them to his side.
“We need to take a vote on if we convey this information to the districts,” Lachlan supplies.
“So we can cause mass chaos?” Luna snorts. “No.”
“Anybody else agree?” I ask and am met with nods of agreement. “Well, that settles it then.”
