Valkyrie's Sacrifice (Academy of Immortals 3)

Luke’s fingers tap on the table. “I admit that sometimes the pull of darkness is strong, but my father made it clear that he doesn’t respect me because I’m a half-breed. He obviously didn’t think I’d make it this far—trust me, it’s not the demon in me that gives me strength. It’s the humanity that pulses through my veins.”

“Humans are notoriously stubborn,” I admit.

“I was human once.” Armin shrugs, and a small grin tugs at his perfect lips. “Camulus saw something in me that inspired confidence.”

A shudder ripples through the ground and Elizabeth and Luke glance at one another.

“It’s time to move,” Luke says.

Armin nods at me. “Hildi has some intel. She can share it on the road. One way or the other, I suspect we’ll stumble upon Marshal again—hopefully by then he’ll have made the right decision.”

A dark feeling spreads in my chest. I was given leadership of the Immortals for one reason—to keep them in line and command them through the apocalypse. One day in, and I’m separated from all but one, have one that I’ve possibly pushed back into enemy arms, and now we’ve got to save four of our allies before we can even get a shot at ending this.

Until now, I’d felt confident in my position, but as we gather our things and head back into the streets of Hell, the feeling of inadequacy is strong. Maybe Morgan was wrong, and I’m not the person for the job. Maybe Odin was right to kick me from the Valkyrie and remove my immortality.

Maybe Marshal chose the right side.

My biggest fear of all, though, isn’t one single thing, it’s that the realms will fall because of me--and that is a burden too big to bear.

11

Luke

I listen as Hildi explains the information written in the book from Dylan. Unfortunately, I’m not surprised that the Legion got sucked into different circles when they entered Hell. My father loves mind games and tormenting the souls that wander into his realm. The Legion, although impressive warriors, are filled with guilt and baggage from their years as soldiers and even more from their enslavement to Camulus. I’m sure my fath

er was quite pleased when they walked through the temple doors.

“What’s the next circle?” Elizabeth asks. Her hair is a bright pink and her eyes shine despite the dull sky overhead.

“Ah, one of my father’s favorites: lust.”

Armin stops in his tracks. “Lust. What does that even mean?”

“Orgies? Threesomes? Stripper poles?” Hildi asks with a smile on her face. “Lust can be good, you know.”

“As with everything, lust affects everyone differently. Some people give in to their desires yet have control. It’s not a big thing. Others struggle with it—are consumed by it. My father will choose the Immortal with the biggest weakness for the flesh and figure out how to torment him with it.”

Her mouth turns into a frown as she ponders this and walks ahead. I watch her go, trying to keep my expression level. It’s constant and continuous work. If anyone is going to be exposed for their weakness for lust, I’m a prime target. Why? Because the Valkyrie is getting to me—she’s gotten to me already. I’ve spent the last few months nursing a crush on Hildi. Too bad she only views me as a kid. It started during that damned childish game with Marielle when Hildi arrived at the Academy. I’d kissed her, and it’d sparked something I hadn’t been able to quench. Something I desperately tried to suppress. It’s obvious that she wasn’t interested and was being fulfilled, sexually and emotionally, by the greatest warriors in history. Beyond that? The last thing I need is one of the Legion coming after me.

Night falls quickly—too quickly, for a day that has just begun. As the sun vanished, the trees in the nearby forests shake with a powerful wind. Up ahead is a village—maybe bigger. Lights twinkle but it’s not inviting. Not when they’re behind an imposing wall, built like a fortress.

“Is that a storm coming?” Hildi asks, looking toward the sky. The faint outline of the sun can be seen beyond the clouds. Maybe it’s still daylight and the weather has shifted. But a strange feeling runs down my spine. Another gust blasts from the tree, this time followed by a howl. Wind or animal, I’m not sure.

“Any idea what we’re stepping into?” Armin asks, eyes on alert.

“No, but we should probably stick close.”

My father has quite the menagerie of beasts that could be combing the woods, ready to snatch someone when they are least expecting it.

The wind pushes at our back, blustering and cold, this time bringing dirt and debris swirling in the air. I squint, trying to keep an eye on my allies, but it’s hard in the faint, muddied light. Another gust knocks me backwards, then from the side. Soon I’m spun around, protecting my eyes and face, but completely disoriented.

“Armin! Hildi!” I shout, but my voice flies back in my face.

I’m pretty sure I’m lost—maybe for good. A body bangs into me, followed by a yelp. Whoever it was is gone.

“Hildi?” I ask, voice swallowed by the wind. I drive forward, inch by inch, foot by foot, as I make my way toward the direction of the village. Or at least where I think it is.

Another hand reaches for me, this time strong and forceful. I’m thrown forward, landing on the ground, face hitting the dirt.