Heroes (Eirik Book 2) (43 page)

“Like hell she did. I saw her eyes. She enjoyed hurting Celestia. I lost my mother today, and I will not lose my best friend and pretend the person responsible is also a victim. Get out!”

“Hayden,” I snapped.

Hayden flew at Einmyria, knocking her down, and yanked her hair while screaming, “You bitch!”

I pulled the two girls apart and hauled them into the hallway. “Talk this shit out here and don’t come back inside until you agree to behave. Helping Celestia is more important now, not what my sister did or why.”

“But—”

“Hayden!”

She stopped, her eyes locked on Einmyria with so much hatred I wondered what exactly had happened out there. The answers would have to wait.

“My sister is not a monster. She’s a victim of my grandmother’s craziness. Talk this over.” I slammed the door in their faces and hurried to Celestia’s side.

“Oh,
stjärna mín,
” I whispered, touching her face. My throat closed. Her lip was busted and her cheek swollen. One eye was completely shut and was turning purple. Chances were she had broken facial bones and much more. This time, I wasn’t being careless and missing a thing.

My hand shook with rage as I ran the artavus across her clothes, cutting them off her and leaving only her panties and bra. She had so many bruises covering her skin. Her rib cage was twisted at an odd angle, telling me she’d broken a few ribs. Her right arm was broken and her legs had more bruises. I touched a half-moon scar on her thigh and frowned. That was old. Had my grandmother bitten her thigh, too? How had she used my sister to hurt Celestia? Einmyria couldn’t be strong enough to hurt her like this. Rage coursed through me. I should have killed that crazy dragon instead of imprisoning her.

“Forgive me for bringing you into my violent world.” I dropped a kiss on her good eye. “For not being here to stop her, and for letting her walk away.” I dropped a kiss on the corner of her nose. “But most important of all, forgive me for what I’m about to do. It’s the only way to save you. Hate me later if you like, but it will be nothing compared to how I feel about what I let her do to you.”

I etched runes on her arms and legs, her stomach and face, and watched them disappear. Healing. Pain. Endurance. Anything to speed up her healing. I noticed another half-moon scar on her chest. What in Hel’s Mist? Frowning, I checked her back. Something didn’t add up. My grandmother must have bitten her more than once. I should have killed her. I should have crushed her with my mace. I pulled the covers over her, checked on the wounds every few minutes, and added more runes.

Someone knocked on the door, and Hayden stuck her head inside the room. “Can I come in?”

I nodded. “Where’s Einmyria?”

“I don’t know.”

“Did you two iron out your differences?”

“Yes. We agreed we’d never be friends.” Hayden’s voice was uncompromising. I knew why, but decided not to bring it up. Celestia would tell me what happened once she regained consciousness.

“As long as Celestia is not caught between the two of you, I’m fine.”

“Oh, she won’t be. And I hope she’ll tell you
everything
that happened to her, because I can’t or I will kill that bitch.”

I didn’t give a rat’s ass whether “that bitch” was my sister or my grandmother. Only one thing mattered now. Celestia. We kept vigil.

The swelling, the redness, and the cuts slowly healed, but Celestia remained unconscious. I gave her more runes. Nothing changed. Einmyria came to visit and Hayden left. They must have agreed not to be in the room at the same time. I didn’t care what their issues were. Only one person was important, and she wasn’t waking up.

I started talking to her, telling her what I’d thought and felt from the moment we’d met four months ago to now.

“I’m crazy about you, Celestia Deveraux, and if you decide not to wake up, let me know exactly where your soul is so I can join you. If you are on the astral plane, I want to be there. Do you hear me? I can’t be here if you’re not here too.”

The others came and left. Someone even brought me sandwiches, but for once, I didn’t care about food, even though I was starving after shifting and flying. Hours later, I sent for Niorun.

“Can I borrow something for her to wear? Her clothes are bloodied.”

Her lips tightened and her eyes went to Einmyria, who was asleep on the second bed. I was done telling them my sister was not to blame for whatever had happened before I arrived. She was a victim of my grandmother’s manipulation. She had to be. What reason could she have to hate Celestia and hurt her like she had?

“We should be heading home, too.”

“Are you sure you want to move her? You could leave her here until she recovers.”

“Of course he’d not leave her here,” Einmyria said, getting up and stretching. “Celestia belongs with Eirik. Let’s go home. I can’t wait to meet Mom and Dad.”

“I think I’m going to throw up,” Trudy said, and annoyance flashed through me. She, like everyone else, would have to understand that my sister had been a victim too. Had they forgotten the life she’d led as an orphan on Earth?

“Thanks for the offer, Niorun, but Celestia needs to be with me. And like Einmyria said, she needs to meet our parents. Then there are the other orphans.”

Niorun brought a flowing gown and I sent everyone out of the room, except Hayden. I lowered  the blanket to bare the half-moon scar. “Have you seen this before?”

Hayden studied me, and I had a feeling she was trying to decide whether to discuss it or not. “Spit it out. Is this new or old?”

“Old.”

“She bit her twice?”

“Someone else bit her. Someone who was holding her in his mouth four months ago, trying to save her life. She wasn’t sure who bit her first.”

Something cold settled in my chest. Getting up, I kicked the chest at the foot of the bed and the wood cracked. The things I’d put her through. There was no way she’d ever love me. No way. I sat and scrubbed my face.

“It’s okay,” Hayden said. “She didn’t blame you. In fact, she was sure you didn’t know you’d bitten her.”

“I didn’t. How could I have been so careless and so stupid not to have checked her wounds? She must have hated me.”

“That’s in the past, Eirik. Just promise to protect her from now on against all your crazy relatives. ALL of them. No exception. I’ll tell the others we’re ready to go.”

I wrapped the cloak around Celestia and picked her up. For a brief moment, I studied her face. “If you give me another chance, I will go all out to show you what you mean to me. Please, don’t give up on me.”

~*~

EIRIK

The black cloths covering the murals were gone when we arrived home. My parents were in the foyer, and from my mother’s excited expression, my father had told her about Einmyria. They hurried over the second they realized the unconscious person in my arms was Celestia.

“What happened?” Mother asked.

“Angrboda attacked her. I healed her wounds, but she remains unconscious. I don’t know why.”

Mother studied her and placed the back of her hand on Celestia’s forehead. It was such a human and motherly gesture I stared at her in amazement.

“Her color is good and her temperature is normal. Come along. Trudy, send for your mother.” She opened a portal to the rotunda and hurried to my room to pull back the covers. Then she stayed while Maera checked on Celestia. “Do we need to worry, Maera?”

“No. She’s healed physically, but her soul is lost and needs to find its way back home.”

I frowned. “You mean she’s in the astral plane?”

“Yes. She’s wandering around dealing with whatever she experienced just before she became unconscious. If it’s bothering her, it will be a while before she comes back. If it’s not and she knows what to do about it, she’ll be back with us sooner. It all depends on her.”

“Maybe she needs a visit from her protector,” I said, and Maera and Mother exchanged a glance. “I don’t know who she is, but she always appears whenever Celestia is in mortal danger. Her mother said she is a redhead.”

“There are way too many redheaded goddesses,” Mother said. “We’ll take care of her and give her a chance to come back to us. Let her rest. I have some news.”

I followed her back to the rotunda and wondered why she hadn’t mentioned Einmyria. Father hadn’t followed us, so he must be with her.

“What are you going to do with the orphans?” she asked.

“Take them back home, and if they want to meet their birth parents, give them a chance to find them. Don’t ask me how. Right now, my concern is Celestia.”

Mother sighed. “You should have told me what my mother was doing and that she’d bitten Celestia. You can’t tell your father things and leave me out of the loop. We are a family now, and we should not keep secrets from each other. They fester and poison relationships.”

We entered the Throne Room, but since we were behind her throne, the others couldn’t see us yet. However, their voice reached us. I recognized Father’s mixing with Einmyria’s. But Mother seemed oblivious.

She stopped and gripped her staff with both hands, her eyes twinkling with excitement. “Now for my news. The Norns are asking for a meeting. Whatever you did has them so scared they want to know when they can stop by for a visit.” She laughed. “This is huge. No one has ever made those hags sit up and take notice.”

“Screw them.”

“Eirik!”

“Let them wait.”

“Wait? I even uncovered the murals because I thought you’d want to meet with them. You can sit on my chair and force them to look up at you.” She grinned. “They’re going to hate that.”

I knew how much this meant to her, but I wasn’t ready. Besides, I had an idea why they were so eager to meet.

“No, let them squirm.” I still had a few more piss-off-the-Norns moves ahead. “After all the things they’ve put you through, making them worry about what I’ll do next is in order.”

She chuckled. “Okay.”

“Besides, I think they’re probably worried about the person I want you to meet right now.”

“Oh, no. Not the orphans. I avoided the Earth children, and I hope you take them back first thing in the morning before I wake up. Echo mentioned Celestia’s cousin and best friend staying here for a week. I can meet them tomorrow. Tonight, your father and I are celebrating your victory over the Norns. ‘Let them squirm.’” She pinched my cheek. “You are funny.”

I caught her arm when she would have walked away. “Mom, there’s one more thing. I want you to listen with an open mind. Then you can decide whether you want to meet her now or not.”

She studied me with narrowed eyes. “You went to Jötunheim tonight. Is this some childhood hag I grew up with?”

I grinned. “I met one. I mean, damn you’re old.” I ducked a knock on the head with her staff. “Okay, jokes aside. Listen.”

I watched her eyes as I told her what Angrboda had done and where Einmyria had been all these years. Then I continued with what Father had told me about sending Rhys and Nara to search for her and how I found out about her. I couldn’t tell whether she was excited or worried about meeting Einmyria.

“Don’t be angry with Father. He was trying to spare you—”

“I know. I know,” she said impatiently. “He knows I don’t like it and promised never to do it again. Where is she?”

“She’s here,” Father said, and we turned.

Einmyria stood by his arm, her expression uncertain. Mom closed the gap between them and studied her, searching her features. Her reaction reminded me of the first night we’d met. Now I understood her. She carried a lot of hurt, and the barriers she erected were for self-preservation. Mother took a step back, her eyes volleying between Einmyria and Father as though comparing them, but my sister didn’t give her time to speak. She threw herself at Mother and wrapped her arms around her, her body shaking as she cried.

Mother’s expression was hard to read. Her eyes grew teary, but she also looked like she wanted to be rescued. Father would be there for her. I waved and went back to my quarters.

Food was waiting. I ate, showered, changed, and crawled into bed beside Celestia. She was still unconscious. I studied her face and listen to her breathe.

My grandmother had soul-napped and bit her. I had bit her, ignored her for months, and brought her back for my grandmother to hurt her again. Her father was going to hunt me down and he’d be justified.

“Just come back to me,
stjärna mín.
I don’t care what the future holds for us. Come back to me and give me a chance. I promise to do better. I love you.”

CELESTIA

I wasn’t exactly sure where I was, but I loved it. I loved the sunny fields and lush gardens, the meadows and giant house on top of the hill. I made my way past the guards without them seeing me because of my cloak. I found the redhead reclining on a sofa while her three handmaidens sat at her feet. Usually, we ate sweet tarts, sipped chilled apple juice, and watched her spin yarn that floated away. Sometimes the yarn was white and fluffy, and other times gray or wispy. It all depended on her mood and the stories her maidens shared.

“Can I hear more stories?” I asked, sitting down on a cushion at her feet.

“Not anymore, child. It’s time for you to go back,” she said.

“I don’t want to go back. There’s too much pain back there.”

“But you cause more by being here. It’s not your time. Your father needs you. Eirik needs you. Hayden needs you. Even the goddess needs you.”

“To do what? Every time I try to help, I end up getting hurt. It doesn’t hurt here.”

She sighed, lifted the hem of her white gown out of the way, and sat up. Her spindle disappeared. “It’s our fault for keeping things from you. Close your eyes and listen.”

I leaned back and closed my eyes. Eirik’s voice filled the air.

“I miss you, Dimples,” Eirik said. “Come back to me. You belong here with me. Today, I visited Doctor B and he sent me into the astral plane several times, but I couldn’t find you. I’ve searched all over. Met a few amazing Witches and a few crazies, but none of them was you. Please come back.”

I opened my teary eyes. The women chuckled.

“Close your eyes. There’s more.”

“I know I vowed I’d never rune you without discussing the consequences with you first. Please, don’t hate me for this. I had to save your life. I gave you runes and when you didn’t wake up, I added more. That means you’re an Immortal now. I’m sorry. If you already know about it and that’s why you’re not waking up, then I’ll accept whatever punishment you choose to heap on my poor head. Just don’t send me away. If you do, I will stalk you until you give me another chance.”

Tears raced down my face.

“Do you want to hear more?”

I nodded.

“Hayden did something crazy. She used Grandmother’s spell to bring back her mother. Because Tammy’s soul was right there, it went back into her body, and then Hayden healed her. The Grimnirs let her get away with it. Personally, I think it’s crazy. But the spell is holding and Tammy is alive. However, she lost most of her recent memories.”

When I’d connected with Tammy’s soul and muttered that spell, my concern had been for Hayden, giving her a few moments with her mother so she could find closure. I didn’t know how I felt about Tammy being alive or why Hayden had taken credit for something I’d done. It didn’t matter. I just wanted to listen to Eirik’s voice.

“I have to go now. I have a meeting with the Guild. I’ve been telling them a lot about Immortals and the gods. Did I tell you that the Norns have been demanding we meet? I’m still refusing to meet with them. I’ll be back later.”

I was happy Eirik was talking with the Witches. Eff the Norns. They didn’t deserve a break from him. I asked for more and Eirik’s voice filled the silence again.

“I told Torin what was going on with the Immortals and made him swear not to tell Raine. It took some serious threats to make him keep the secret. Then I infiltrated Worthington’s group and sabotaged them from within. Oh, I thought you’d find this interesting. It turned out the Earl of Worthington is actually Torin’s father. Remember how I told you my berserker powers didn’t work on him? He had the soul of Torin’s mother tethered to him. The Witches saved her soul. When I realized he and his followers were determined to use Raine, I rallied our usual Grimnirs and they joined the Witches and the Valkyries. I made sure they didn’t dress like Grimnirs. Bottom line, the Witches protected Raine. You did it, Dimples. The Call worked. We killed most of his followers, and got him. We lost a few Witches. I did everything I could to protect them. I even gave them the choice to quit, but they didn’t. They didn’t want to fail her or you. Please, come back to me, Celestia. I love you and need you.”

I opened my eyes and jumped up. “I’m ready to go home.”

“You sure you don’t want to hear more? He talks about his sister, Trudy, Olea, and Karle. Even Niorun.”

“Aah, we love that girl,” one of the maidens said.

I shook my head. “No, I’ll find out everything when I talk to him. I love him and can’t wait to tell him. I only have one last question. Who are you?”

The redhead laughed. “We’ll meet again. Sooner than you think. Come here.” I moved to her side. She pressed a kiss on my forehead and touched my cheek. Then she whispered, “Wake up now.”

I turned my head and slowly opened my eyes. An IV was hooked to my hand, yet I was in my bedroom. It looked like my bedroom, except for the full-length mirror. Dad must have bought it while I was unconscious.

I sat up and winced at the tag on my hand. Damn IV. Worse, I’d sat up too quickly and my head started spinning. I plopped back on the bed just as the door opened and Hayden entered.

“You’re awake? Finally. I have to tell Eirik.” She turned to leave.

“No, don’t,” I whispered, my throat hoarse from lack of use. I tried to remember my visions while unconscious. I’d visited the redheaded lady often and lost track of time. “Not yet. How long was I out?”

“A little over three weeks. Eirik will want to know you’re finally awake. You were at his place all this time. We just brought you back today. Eirik and your father didn’t want you back here until your mother left town.”

That must have been tough on my poor father. “My dad—”

“Came to see you several times a week.”

“My father went to Hel?”

“Oh yes.”

“And your mother?” I asked and braced myself.

She went a little pale. “She’s okay, thanks to you.” She glanced toward the door and lowered her voice. “I told everyone I brought her back to life, but I didn’t. You did, Celestia. It’s the only thing she remembers from that night. She said her life force was draining away and her soul was separating from her physical form when you appeared beside her. You must have tranced because she said both of you were in the astral plane. She didn’t tell me how you did it, but you made her soul stay and her life force grew stronger.” Hayden grinned. “Sounds like you have a new ability, which is totally cool. Resurgance ability is rare.”

I didn’t know how to respond, so I shrugged. She called it resurgence, but I knew what it was. Necromancy, and it was evil.

“Anyway, she and I are working on our issues. It’s slow going, but we have time, thanks to you. You don’t have to talk to her unless you’re ready, but she really wants to see you. She owes you.” She squeezed my arm. “Now, can I get Eirik? He’s been going a little crazy,
and
I want to see Einmyria’s face when I tell them you’re awake. What a bitch. She’s already ticked off that Eirik seemed to care more about your recovery than her. ”

Tears rushed to my eyes, the memories of the last moments before I lost consciousness coming back to haunt me.

“What is it? Are you in pain? Do you want me to call your aunt? She’s in the other room.”

“I don’t know how to tell Eirik the truth, Hayden,” I whispered. “It’s going to break his heart.”

“What are you talking about?”

“That girl he rescued and took with him might not be Einmyria. I think she’s a plant by his grandmother. When I tranced, Angrboda looked staright at me and told me to disappear because if I came back I’d have to deal with my little sister in Eljudnir. I don’t have a sister.”

Hayden frowned. “Weird. You sure she didn’t say
his
little sister or maybe your sister-in-law because Einmyria will be that when you and Eirik marry?”

Marry? I hadn’t even thought that far. “No. Her exact words were ‘Float away and never return, because if you do, your little sister will be waiting in Eljudnir.’ The look on their faces said this was something Angrboda had planned and Einmyria was in on it.” I pulled the IV from my hand. “What if my mother raised that girl and poisoned her against me?”

“It might explain why Einmyria attacked you. She was vicious. It felt personal.”

“She said she’d suffered because of Eirik and planned to destroy everything he’s built. What if she meant she’d suffered because of me and meant to hurt me?”

“Man, that’s evil. You have to tell Eirik,” she whispered.

The words had barely left her mouth when the mirror grew grainy then smooth and shimmery like a water surface. It peeled back into a portal, and a blast of cold air followed. Then Eirik entered my room.

My heart stopped, and suddenly I knew exactly what I had to do. I had to find my mother. It was my turn to protect Eirik.

THE END