Page 134 of Fallen Gods
Chapter Sixty-Eight
Rey
When I get back from the dining hall later, Aric is gone. But he tucked a handwritten note underneath my door.
Sigurd has me helping set up for the Hunt. Be back as soon as I can.
I shoot him a quick text.
Me:Hope it’s going well
Giant Asshole:I’m forced to work alongside a clown who keeps juggling hammers. My brother’s an idiot.
My stomach clenches.
Me:That he is. See you soon?
I debate saying more. It doesn’t seem fair to deliver the kind of news I need to via text.
Giant Asshole:Yeah, got your costume, I’ll bring it over later.
Me:Cool
I want to typeI love you. I don’t. Instead I just stare at my terrible “Cool” response and let out a groan.
I glance at the clock beside my bed. Almost two p.m. The Hunt doesn’t begin until sundown, but I feel like I’m running out of time. This is it.
Tonight…it ends.
There’s a sharp knock at my door, and I open it to find Rowen there. His hair’s a mess, and his ever-present suit jacket is gone. He still wears a dress shirt, but a few buttons are open at the top and his sleeves are rolled up.
“Hey,” he starts, lingering in the hallway.
“You obviously came here for a reason, Rowen. You might as well come in.”
His face says it all—I’m angry, I’m sorry, I don’t know what to say.
Yeah. Same.
Though I’m not really angry with him. He’s just another victim in this war. Same as me. Another pawn in Odin’s game.
Rowen comes in and closes my door. He’s carrying a small red gift bag.
“Where’s Eira?” I ask.
“Getting ready for the Hunt. Something about smoky makeup and a proper blowout. She’s been at it for hours.” He shrugs. “At least she ignores me enough that I can do what I prefer doing when I’m on campus.”
“What’s that?”
His eyes flicker to mine. “Watch you. Protect you. Keep my only friend safe.” His smile’s warm. “Take your pick.”
I walk toward him, and he envelops me in a hug that I can tell we both sorely need.
“I’ll always be here for you,” he whispers. “You can trust me.”
I want to believe that.
I frown and stare down at his arm. The pain there radiates off his skin and into mine. The anger is there, too, only dimmer now, the rage seemingly replaced by a new, crushing emotion: regret.
