Page 43 of Valhalla is Full of Hunks
This is not funny!
“Do not think for one moment you will become a permanent fixture around here.” I advanced on the bed, pointing an accusatory finger her way. “We have existed just fine without you, and do not need to form additional bonds.”
Jör released a threatening sound while Iola wrapped the shawl around herself and observed me coldly. “Yes. Why would you when you already have a consort?”
Ah, fuck.
“You met Sinmara,” I stated as the fight bled out of me, recognizing the shawl and knowing what this meant. “And you were denied the sword.”
Iola made a derisive sound that was so similar to my old companion, I flinched. “No one denied me shit.” She laughed humorlessly. “I used a godsdamn rooster feather to unlock nine chests, only to find the last one empty.”
Empty?!
“Perhaps Laevateinn was destroyed during Ragnarok,” Fen mused, gesturing for Jör to join him on the bed again.
“Mmm… I dunno,” Iola murmured, as she made room, and once again, I was irrationally annoyed by how comfortable the three of them already were with each other. “Sinmara seemed just as surprised as I was that it was missing.” Her gaze fixed on my face, amber eyes narrowing. “She asked mewhyyou wanted it, Surt, and I realized I didn’t know the answer to that.”
That meddling giantess…
“Because it’s none of your concern,” I grumbled, already scheming on how to create a replacement sword.
And find a replacement seer.
“Actually, itismy concern,” Iola retorted. “Since I’m the one putting my life on the line, traveling all over the—”
“What do you mean?” Fen interrupted, looking frantic. “How is your life in danger when it’s merely a vision?”
Iola sighed and dropped her gaze. “I-I’m not sure. I’ve never been injured during a vision before, or been able to bring objects back and forth. Sinmara fed me stew, and Itastedit. I don’t know how it’s possible, but with these last two experiences, I’vebeenthere. Not just my spirit or whatever, butme.”
“That’s it.” Fen abruptly stood. “We will not continue with something that puts Iola in danger.”
Since when do wecareabout mortals?
“So we’re giving up, then?” I hissed. “When we’re so close to victory?”
Fen didn’t answer at first. Instead, his gaze flickered between Iola and Jör before coming to rest on my face. My breath caught at thehelplessnessin his expression, but he quickly buried it beneath his signature calm exterior.
“Of course not, Surt,” he evenly replied. “We will continue to explore our optionswithoutIola’s visions.” He turned to face the girl in question. “Which means you are free to go.”
What?!
“No!” Jör shouted, dramatically wrapping himself around Iola again.
“No,” she echoed, in a much steadier tone. When we all looked at her in surprise, she elaborated, “Even though you’ve barely given me any information and roped me into this mess against my will, I feel oddly compelled to see this through. Morbidly curious, even. So you’re stuck with me until the end, assholes.”
Until the end.
How ironic.
“I’m never letting you go,” Jör whispered, burying his face in the crook of her neck.
Something interesting passed over Iola’s face as she glanced between Fen and me—almost like she was refusing to react to his declaration. “So what's next?”
Fen sighed heavily and ran a hand over his face. “It’s time to pay a visit to our sister.”
Oh, no.
Jör glanced at Fen in alarm, while Iola gaped. “You want us to go to…hell?”she hesitantly asked.
