Smiling, I pat her head. “More awesome, you mean.”
Somehow I’m not surprised. Bea always takes everything in stride.
“How about we head over to your dorm?” Nils asks, stifling another laugh. “I think you’ve seen enough of Skallagrim for one day.”
Before long, we’re heading into Odin Hall.
Our dorm is more modern on the inside. Bright lights illuminate the hallway, revealing two long rows of alternating doors, so at least some places here have electricity. While I walk down the hall with Bea and Emilía, Nils fumbles in his pocket before pulling out two keys.
“Looks like this is your suite, Bea,” Nils says, stopping in front of 116.
As soon as he unlocks the door, Bea rushes inside. She pouts as she looks around the empty common area. Clearly, the idea of having a berserkir suitemate doesn’t bother her as it does me. Not only that, but this will be our first time living apart. A pang of sadness hits me as I take in the room. One door is wide open, waiting for her.
Bea rolls her suitcase over. “I’m guessing this is my room?”
“Yup!” Emilía says.
Once Bea is settled in, I crouch beside her, grabbing her shoulders. “Remember what I told you, all right? Just because you’re here doesn’t mean you’re a berserkr,” I say, but I’m not sure which of us I’m really trying to convince. “Helga might be wrong. You still could be normal.”
Bea frowns. “Why would I want to benormal?”
IwishI could be. I purse my lips. “Being normal is agoodthing, Bea.”
She doesn’t look convinced.
“Jim and Patricia are normal,” I point out.
Bea leans forward, whispering conspiratorially, “And boring.”
I laugh, pulling her into a tight hug. “Just promise me you won’t go berserk, okay?”
“Promise,” Bea says, but crosses her fingers behind her back.
I roll my eyes. “I can see your hand, you know. I’m serious, Bea. It’s for your own good. Berserking is bad. It only hurts people.”
“Okay, okay.” She returns my hug briefly before wriggling free. “Bye!”
Nils is leaning in the doorway, watching the two of us.
As I join Emilía and Nils, I nibble on one of my nails, hoping I was able to get through to her. With Bea, it’s impossible to tell. She usually ends up doing whatever she wants anyway.
“Bea is lucky to have you,” Nils says once we’re in the hall.
Emilía smiles. “Definitely. I’m an only child, but I’ve always wanted a sister.”
“Th-thanks.” My face flushes. “She thinks I’m overprotective.”
“That’s how older siblingsshouldbe,” Nils says. “I wish my brother was more like you.”
I don’t know why, but that surprises me. “You have a brother?”
“We aren’t really close.” Nils hesitates before adding, “We barely talk anymore.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” I say, and mean it.
Nils gives a half shrug.
“Come on, let’s go find your room,” Emilía says excitedly. “I can’t wait to see who you’ll be living with.”
