“Please,” I cry. “Please wake up.”
A flash of brilliant blue. Otherworldly and full of lightning, cracks from Odin’s eyes as they open. A strong brow, and bushy beard frame a weathered and tan face.
“Lena,” he rasps. His voice is like a thousand thundering hooves.
My heart pounds roughly against my ribs. His voice thunders with such power and command. My knees buckle— before I realize what has happened.
“Father,” I bow my head in supplication. Odessa stays standing, a smirk tugging up the corner of her lips.
“Come on, old man. We need you,” she says hastily. My mouth drops open, and choking sounds squeak out of me.
“Odessa, my dear,” he grumbles. “Remove the chains.”
He sits up slowly. A body carved from ancient, everlasting stone rises off the amethyst slab. The chains clatter against the stone as he shakes them impatiently. Odessa looks at me and gestures to him.
“You hold the axe.” She nudges me and I grimace before standing.
“Um, if you’ll just?—”
“Hold still,” he offers. His eyes soften, and a tender smile curls his lips. He’s kind, and even understanding of my hesitancy.
“Yes,” I whisper, holding my axe out in front of me. He grins at it before his eyes flick back to my face.
“I’m glad it was you.”
I start at his ankles.
A mighty heave, sparks fly, and chains rattle as they fall.
He holds his hands still as I strike each one. Slinging his legs over the side, the earth quakes when his feet touch the ground. He’s tall, easily towering over anyone I’ve ever met before. Freya and Odr included.
A wooden staff appears in his hand as he strides over to the opening of the cave.
“Wake the others one at a time and send them up.” Shadows darken the lines of his weathered face. Gone is the kind face of an understanding god, and his place is utterly terrifying destruction incarnate.
He stalks from the room and a breath slips from my lips.
We reach Danu, resplendent in a sea-foam gown and golden skin. Thick black braids reach her waist, a serene smile on her lips. I look at Odessa, who smiles down at her softly, before swiping her thumb across the rune.
Chocolate brown eyes spring open. The color of fertile soil. She is earth,she is life.
“Danu,” Odessa breathes, dropping into a low curtsy.
Her eyes settle on Odessa first before sliding to me. The feel of a thousand stares couldn’t compare to the weight of hers.
“Remove these chains,” she spits. Fury coats every word. A raging hurricane.
I nod quickly, raising my axe, but she holds out a hand, halting me.
“Lena?” she asks, her voice missing the violent edge it held before.
“Yes,” I breathe. She reaches out gently, stroking my chin. It feels like the sun’s caress. A shiver crawls down my spine, and I shudder.
“I was calling for you. And you heard me,” she whispers.
I nod again, biting my lip.
“Set me free, child,” she orders. Her gaze hardens again.
