Valkyrie's Claim (Academy of Immortals 2)

I say something I’ve been holding onto for weeks, maybe even before the night Garland was killed. “Not only do I think he believes in it, I think he feels it.”

Miya nods.

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nbsp; “Yep,” I reply, thinking of the building tension between the two. “But there’s not much we can do, they have to figure it out on their own.”

A group of students cross through the doorway. Luke, Darius, and the others. I point to them. “Until then, we have an army to build.”

35

Agis

I storm through the building, pissed at my brothers.

How could they be so dumb?

Everything they do is just putting one target after the other on Hildi’s back. There’s no discretion, no consideration, no long-term plan.

Roland was right. They’re distracted and thinking with their cocks. And frankly, I feel like if I can get a handle on my emotions and desires, so can they. Especially with everyone fucking like rabbits.

I saw the look from Armin when I left the room. He knows I sense the bond—that I feel it wrapping around me like an invasive vine, choking out any and all other life. Why do I keep resisting it?

I’d told them.

They’re putting a gods-damned target on her back. They’re inciting the punishments. They’re keeping her in their sights. Every touch, every kiss, every fuck…it encourages them to harass her more.

I won’t be a part of that.

It’s probably the simple fact that I’m thinking about the traitor that I end up in front of his quarters. I don’t knock. Roland has no superiority on me. I just walk through the door of his office. He’s behind his desk with two females hovering nearby. One rubs his shoulders. Another stands with a tray of food in her hands. A wide book is open in front of him.

“Agis, my old friend. What brings you here?”

I walk toward the desk and rest my palms on the surface. “It’s time for you to stop.”

“Stop what?” he asks innocently.

“Harassing the Valkyrie.”

Roland’s blazing eyes hold mine. “Finally caved to her seductions? I’ve heard your brothers have.”

“Heard or felt?”

A dark cloud crosses his expression. It’s a fair question. Does Roland feel the same connection that we do? Does Marshal?

Are we really done with one another?

Regardless, he doesn’t answer.

“Hildi knows our conditions. If she hands over the key, we’ll stop everything.”

“That’s impossible.”

“Is it?” He stands, revealing his size. He’s almost as big as I am—and on the battlefield as terrifying. He towers over the girls, who have taken a tentative step back. “This ends one way, Agis, with the opening of the gate. We can play petty school games as long as you want, but eventually, we’ll find it and this battle will truly begin.”

He sits back down and gestures the girl with the tray to move closer. He picks up a red, ripe berry and pops it in his mouth. “You and I both know Victorine has barely scratched the surface of what she’s capable of. These punishments, although amusing, are child’s play. Something to entertain the students before she unleashes her wrath.”

“Why are you doing this?” I ask, barely restraining my anger.