My stomach rumbles. I realize I’m starving. But I put on a brave face, for Eidunn.
“So, how do you feel?” I ask.
How can I even look her in the eye, after all I’ve done? How many died in the night because of my mistakes? Opdal burns. I don’t deserve forgiveness. I’m surprised she doesn’t attack me again. Eidunn’s brow furrows and her shoulders sink. A dark cloud takes shape in her head. Her lips tremble before she forces a smile. A mask I know too well.
“I… I’m good,” she says, her voice cracking.
She’s lying to herself. It hurts to see her pretending. Eidunn is proud. Refuses to show weakness. Her gaze flickers to the doorway, like she’s expecting someone to charge in. Her voice is brave, but her eyes betray her.
“Are you happy?”
She laughs. The dry laugh of a woman with a lot of weight in her chest.
“Other than that—giants are real, wolf-shifters exist, and we’re runaway slaves?”
I snort. It is a lot to take in. If it’s a lot for me, it’s definitely a lot for Eidunn.
“Yeah, other than that.”
“Then I’m just fine.”
“And… and Vidar?” I ask carefully.
Her expression darkens.
“Fuck that bastard.”
“Fuck him. You know, I kicked his teeth in?”
Her face lights up. Like a man getting a mouth full of teeth is cause for celebration.
“You did?”
“His smile will forever be crooked.”
She laughs.
“I hope it’s true,” she says before hesitating. “Kilda, with Njord, I want to say?—”
“Don’t,” I interrupt her. “Iwant to say sorry.”
Her eyes tear up. She nods at me.
“Well, I know someone who is dying to see you.”
“I need water,” I complain, “and food.”
“There’s a bucket by the hearth, and the stew is soon ready,” she says as she wipes her eyes.
“Bless you, Eidunn.”
“I feel blessed, Kilda.”
I rise out of the bed. My legs almost give in. It’s like I’ve been buried and brought back from the dead. Swaying like a child learning to walk, I stumble into the main room.
It’s enormous. There’s a lit hearth. Several beds. Two massive tables. The air, even if filled with the smell of smoke, feels still. Waiting.
“Where are we?” I whisper.
