"Drink?" A crystal flute appears under my nose, Baldr's fingers wrapped around the stem. The servant who delivered it melts back into the crowd like a ghost.
The drink sparkles like liquid diamonds, the scent of frosted cherries and something stronger tickling my nose. Sweet with a bite—like everything else in this realm. I take a swig, letting the bubbles dance on my tongue.
"Thank you." The words taste less bitter than expected, probably thanks to the drink.
Across the hall, a crowd swarms around Dani. Their excited chatter rises and falls, individual words lost in the general din of the celebration. My mate handles it like she was born to it, her laugh carrying over the noise.
"They're quite fascinated by her victory over the Einherjar." Baldr's voice slices through my thoughts. "Defeating them is quite the accomplishment, even for the prophesied savior."
Another sip of that sweet fire as my eyes sweep the room. Heimdall's impossible to miss—the giant stands like a mountain made of flesh beside a marble column, his ceremonial armor gleaming. Those unsettling green eyes never stop moving, watching, analyzing.
"Tell me, Rhyland." Baldr swirls his drink, the liquid catching the light. "The guardian's name—you never mentioned it."
"Vidar." The name drops like a stone between us. Across the room, Dani's laughter rings out again, drawing my gaze. She's radiant, holding court, while I'm stuck here playing twenty questions with Golden Boy.
"Ah, yes. Vidar." Baldr's eyes gleam with recognition. "Thor's right hand during the great war. They say his strength rivaled the AllFather himself—the silent god who could match Fenrir's fury blow for blow." He takes a measured sip of his drink. "When Ragnarök came, he fought until his last breath, taking down scores of Moretemis's shadow warriors before falling. His sacrifice bought precious time for the evacuation of the lower realm."
The prick actually shows a hint of genuine respect. "After his death, Odin himself chose Vidar to guard the Zephyrite stone. His spirit became one with the trials, testing those who would claim its power. A fitting role for one who died protecting the realm."
My jaw clenches at the reminder of what Dani faced. "And now he rests in Valhalla, having deemed her worthy."
"Indeed." Baldr's perfect features arrange themselves into something like admiration. "The silent god's final judgment. Quite poetic, don't you think?"
I grunt, downing the rest of my drink. Poetic isn't the word I'd use for watching my mate fight for her life, but these gods do love their fucking drama.
"Another drink?" Baldr's hand lifts, and a servant appears like he conjured her from thin air. He selects one, offering it to me. "From Odin's personal reserves. A thousand years of perfection."
I accept the glass and take a drink.
"Magni's son." A woman glides closer, her elaborate gown whispering across marble. Gold threads catch the light as she moves, matched by the lustfilled gleam in her eyes. "The lightning wielder. Commander of Dark Skies."
"Mm." I take a strategic sip of the sparkly liquid, gaze fixed on where Dani charms a group of warriors across the hall.
"Such power in your blood." She steps into my line of sight, blocking my view. "Tell me, grandson of Thor—how does it feel? Standing in the halls of your ancestors?"
"Fine." Another sip. Longer this time.
"Lady Sigrid asks a fascinating question." Baldr adds. "Surely you must feelsomething, walking these sacred halls. Your grandfather's legacy surrounds us."
Fucking perfect. Now I'm trapped between this Aesir woman and Ásgard's golden boy.
"The architecture's nice." I drain my glass, already planning escape routes.
"Oh, you simplymustsee the Great Hall's eastern wing then." Lady Sigrid's hand hovers near my arm. "The murals there depict Thor's greatest victories. Perhaps I could give you a... private tour?"
"Indeed." Baldr's smile widens. "Lady Sigrid is quite knowledgeable about our history. And given your connection to Thor's bloodline..."
I catch Dani's eye across the room. Her raised eyebrow says she's caught this whole clusterfuck—fuck me. Blood rushes south so fast I'm dizzy."Another time." I step back, already feeling Dani's concern pulse through our bond. "If you'll excuse me."
"But surely—" Lady Sigrid starts.
"My mate needs me."
I don't wait for a response, already moving toward Dani. Their voices fade behind me, but I catch Baldr's too-smooth laugh. "Ah, young love. So... consuming."
Each step closer reveals new tortures. Smoky shadow makes those honey-gold eyes burn brighter, and her glossed lips beg to be claimed. My hands itch to touch, to possess.
My arm snakes around her waist before I'm even conscious of moving, pulling her against me. The heat of her body soaks through the delicate fabric of her gown, making my beast purr.
