Valkyrie's Sacrifice (Academy of Immortals 3)

“Marshal…” I warn. I know he’s fine with this. I see it in the glint of his eye. Maybe this is some kind of initiation into the group. Maybe they’re always bratty when a new Immortal joins their league.

“Or angel,” Elizabeth adds. “I mean, his father is a fallen angel, which means he’s not a boy but…”

Again, all eyes look down the length of the table at Luke, who shifts awkwardly.

“Not that I want to encourage Marshal,” Rupert says, “but he may be right. The wings may be a sign of maturity—an attribute once a Nephilim accomplishes a rite of passage or ascends to a higher level. Consummat—”

“Dude, I swear to god, just say the word fuck,” Marshal pleads, “just once.”

Rupert ignores him and continues, “Being with Hildi can spark strong reactions, physically and emotionally.”

Darius clears his throat and holds up his hand like he’s in class. “Can I ask something?”

I give him a warm smile. “Sure.”

His eyes dart to the others. “Does this mean I have to have sex with Hildi, too?”

“No!” Armin roars.

Marshal reaches for the blade.

I blink in disbelief. “What the—”

“I mean, I was kind of wondering the same thing?” Elizabeth interrupts, touching her chin thoughtfully. “Is this like a sex gang, because—"

“Did you say have to?” I interrupt, shooting Darius a glare. I’m trying not to be offended.

Darius holds up his hands. “N

o, no, you mis-understand.” He gives me a sympathetic look. “The Shaman work differently—our relationships—I’m just trying to understand. I just got here, remember?”

“The Nephilim is one of us,” Armin says clearly, then glances between Darius and Elizabeth. “You two are allies. Those are different things.”

I glance at Luke when Armin declares him one of the team. Although it’s clear he wants to appear stoic, he can’t hide the pride. I reach under the table and squeeze his hand.

“Personally, I don’t care how Luke got the wings. I’m just glad they appeared.” I look between my allies. “I have a feeling today is our last shot to get Agis back, and we’re going to need all the extra help we can get.”

Rupert nods. “I’ve been thinking about it, and I may have an idea.”

“Good.” I smile at the prince, “I was hoping you’d say that.”

We act before dawn, the air heavy with rain. Out on the deck, Darius says, “One thing. No matter what happens, please don’t leave me here.”

“We won’t,” I assure him. It turns out, Darius was dragged into this circle when he left the temple. He’s been caught in a battle with Agis ever since. The Shaman, although skilled warriors, are not an angry people. Pitting him against his ally, and mentor, was a specific brand of torture.

After Miya, I’m not planning on losing any more allies. Even if we didn’t need them to face the sixth circle, there’s no way I’m leaving anyone in this literal hellhole.

The plan itself isn’t that complicated. Lure Agis out of the tower. Once it’s clear, we’ll remove Fake Hildi, and I’ll take her place. The hope is that if I’m the only one there, he’ll snap out of it and I can slip the ring on his finger.

I touch the metal band in my pocket. Armin spent some time reshaping it into something resembling a circle. Hopefully this time It’ll work.

There are a few variables in the plan; the rain, the demons lurking in the water, Agis’ formidable strength and rage. But now we have three sets of wings to work with and thanks to Luke and I seeing through the haze of this place, we’re all a little more powerful.

Elizabeth and I stand under an awning, waiting for everyone to get into position. Luke speaks with Armin, going over last-minute details. I watch the two men. They interact differently. Luke is no longer a kid—or a student—he’s truly one of us. The Devil’s son looks my way and winks, sending a shiver down my spine.

“Was it weird?” Elizabeth asks, tightening the lace on her boot.

“Was what weird?”