Page 37 of Wild Hunt
The innocent gesture sparked in unnatural response, making my cheeks flush and my heart flutter. I resented myself for taking even that the wrong way. It was all the more confirmation that I had to talk to him soon.
We took our place on stage alongside the other contestants and I found myself studying the various groups, trying to figure out what we were up against. Each year’s students competed against each other in the early rounds, but the final event was a battle royale between those who emerged victorious among all groups.
Hades and his posse had made history by being the second first years to take the Games in a clean sweep, and as the three of them came out last among the third years, I could tell they thought this year was going to be a repeat performance.
There they were. Hades, Loki and Fenrir. They looked like the young, cocky gods they were, clothed in white and casually wearing crowns of laurels on their heads. This day was not so different for them than any other. They were worshiped wherever they went, so the Games were just another chance to lap up attention, honor and praise.
More than anything else, I was going to enjoy beating them if only to put them in their place.
Once all the contestants were onstage, Odin stepped up and took the microphone. “Welcome, students, parents and alumni,” he called in a booming voice that echoed well beyond the arena. “We are honored by how far some of you have traveled to witness this year’s festivities. Tomorrow, these students will begin to compete for the title of ultimate victor, and only one group will emerge supreme. However, tonight, we celebrate.”
He raised a glass to toast the crowd. “Let the Games begin!”
The arena erupted in gleeful cheers and it became obvious that a few of the spectators were already drunk. The band continue to play as we were allowed to venture offstage and over to the refreshments tables. It was more like an outdoor buffet, complete with chocolate fountains and ice sculptures. The Academy really went all out.
“Well, this is it,” Dionysus said, watching as some people swept onto the dance floor while others mingled and gossiped. “The biggest party of the year. What do you think?”
I shrugged. “Feels like an overrated New York fundraiser to me.”
He just laughed. “So I suppose a dance is out of the question.”
I blushed, surprised at his remark. Was he asking me? Before I could figure it out, he grabbed my hand and pulled me out onto the floor.
“Isn’t there someone you’d rather be dancing with?” I asked, still flustered. He was a good dancer, which shouldn’t have come as any surprise. I wasn’t usually too bad myself, but his hands on my waist were distracting me, make it hard to keep up.
Dionysus gave me a devastating smile. “No, there isn’t.”
The certainty in his voice left me sure of absolutely nothing. As we danced and I found myself trapped in his gaze, I realized this whole sorting through my feelings thing was going to be easier said than done. I had halfway worked up the nerve to talk to him when someone appeared behind him, tapping him on the shoulder.
“Mind if I cut in?”
Fenrir’s familiar voice made me bristle. I turned to face him, noticing that he looked good in his formal toga even though it hardly seemed like his style. It revealed his thick arms and sturdy legs, as if his uniform left any doubts.
“That depends on her,” Dionysus said, searching my gaze.
“It’s fine,” I said, forcing a smile. “Go enjoy yourself.”
He seemed reluctant, but he slipped away and let Fenrir take his place.
“What do you want?” I asked in a clipped tone. He wasn’t quite as flashy of a dancer as Dionysus, but he held his own.
He smirked, his golden eyes glimmering. “And here I thought you’d be in a good mood. You finally made it to the end of the semester.”
“Not yet,” I reminded him. “There’s still plenty of time for your little game to fuck it up.”
He chuckled unapologetically. “Nothing you can’t handle, I’m sure.”
“Since you’re here, maybe you can answer a question.”
“Yes?”
“Why did you and Hades duke it out in front of everyone in the cafeteria?” I asked. “The real reason.”
He grew somber at the mention of his friend. “I think you already know the answer to that.”
“I know what Loki told me.”
“And what is that?” he asked.
