I fall to my knees, collapsing to the ground, overpowered by my emotions.
Tala crouches beside me and hugs me. My body is racked with sobs as I cry until I feel like I’ll come apart. Kris and Isaac close their arms around me, encircling me in a group hug. They’re the only thing holding me together as I wail and scream. I make noises that sound more animal than human as I give into my grief, panting and shaking and trembling wildly.
It feels like every nerve ending is exposed. I’ve never felt so connected to anyone before, let alone myself. I throw my arms around the berserkir, joining in their embrace. This connection I feel is deep and raw and so, so real.
I feelfreein the wilderness.
For the first time in my life, my emotions aren’t in control of me.
Iam.
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHTAMUND
The next time I wake, Val is sitting beside my bed with her head in her hands. When I start to stir, she notices my eyes are open. “Amund?”
“Val?” My voice is rough from disuse. “How long have I been out?”
“A few days,” she says, leaning over me. “It’s Monday evening.”
“Really?” I groan. Last thing I remember, Nils gave me that medicine. It must have been really strong if it knocked me out for a few days. But as I sit up slowly, I don’t feel any more pain. Whatever it was, itworked.
“At least I feel a lot better,” I add.
Val smiles. “You’re never allowed to worry me like that again, got it?”
I laugh. “I’ll try.”
“Seriously, though, I’m glad you’re okay.” Val shifts in her seat, looking uncomfortable. “I was scared shitless I’d never get the chance to apologize to you. I’m sorry I was such an asshole. I’m still figuring out my own shit, but I shouldn’t have taken it out on you.”
“Why were you so upset about Edith?”
“I have nothing against her, other than that she’s a berserkr.” She shakes her head. “I just told you all the same things I’ve been tellingmyself. That hunters and berserkir would never work. I mean, look what happened to Idris.” Val falls quiet for a moment before continuing, “I didn’t want to see you get hurt. You’re my family now.”
I fight a smile. “This is about Tala, isn’t it?”
“What?” Val tenses. “What are you talking about?”
“You obviously like her,” I say. “At least, you can’t seem to leave her alone.”
She shrugs. “I enjoy riling her up. It’s different.”
My phone buzzes with a new text. I grin when I see who it’s from.
Val arches a brow. “Let me guess, Edith?”
I nod, distracted by her message:We were wrong about Isaac.
Seems like we’re on the same page.
I know,I type back. There’s a lot we need to catch up on. I never told her what I realized about the original berserkr, but first, I want to confirm I’m correct. This way, we can both get on the same page.
Meet at library?I add and tap send.
“Well, I’ll leave you to it, then,” Val says, standing and stretching. “I’ve been sitting here way too long. I need to grab something to eat. Glad to have you back.” She casts me a knowing look before heading out of the clinic.
Edith’s response is quick:see you there.
I climb out of bed and quickly get changed.
