I share a glance with Raven. Last night was beyond incredible, but now is not the time to t
alk about the best sex I've ever had.
"Cut it out," I say.
He makes a zipping motion with his fingers over his lips. "My lips are sealed," he says.
Another day has passed and we're still not in any position to make a jump on this Lucifer situation. Don't get me wrong, it's nice to have a mattress to sleep on, and the mead is pretty tasty. But I know that every second that passes is a detriment to our success, and Odin isn't exactly telling with his revelatory knowledge.
"Lucifer and his army is on his way," Odin says. He's nonchalant enough to not cause any worry.
But we should be worried. Right? I mean, this is the devil we're talking about. Who knows what kind of power he possesses?
When the image kicks around in my head, I know how dire the situation is. The wrinkles that line Odin's forehead weigh the skin down over his eyes. He seems to have aged 1000 years in one night, and for some reason, I have a feeling that this predicament is his last straw. If that's the case, I have no doubt in my mind he has planned for it.
But where do gods go when they die? Heaven? Valhalla? They are one and the same, I think.
There are so many questions, but they rush into my head too fast for me to act on them.
Loki is silent, but his anger has dissipated. As we talk about what's coming next, he looks defeated. "Father, we need answers. Tell us what visions you have seen," he says.
The old man walks into the living room. He latches onto the corner of the wall and huffs. "So, you can see my disconcertment? Is it really that obvious? You've always been a very observant boy," he says, adoringly. "My only regret is that we separated so fast. Before you left for that damned city, it was nice having you around. And, Thor... don't get me started on Thor."
Loki helps his father sit on the couch, near the table. He is more tender to him, acting as a son should. I note how difficult it must be, since they clearly don't have the best relationship, but we're all learning how to deal with the long lasting ramifications of our history.
Loki asks, "How strong is he?"
He - meaning, Lucifer. The big dog. The fallen one.
"My visions are just vestiges of the truth. They are but little pieces of something once whole. I am too old. I'm afraid that it will be up to you to find the angels. Whatever I see will only hinder you on your journey," Odin says.
Obviously, I understand what he means. You can dream a thousand vivid dreams, but that doesn't mean it'll be easy to explain to someone. Whatever we see in these visions are our own. They are the future, but it's almost like we own them. They are attached to the viewer. In the end, no one else can understand.
I bite down, eyes widening with excitement. My lips crease into a crooked smile. Though we share the visions, I'm not sure if it's a good or bad thing.
Awkwardly, I laugh and ask, "You see the visions, too then?"
To my surprise, Odin doesn't share the same emotion. He growls and shakes his head, angrily whipping his cane into the air, near my nose. "Laughter is the devil's medicine," he shouts.
I shut my mouth and clear my throat. "I'm sorr-"
"You're not sorry," he interrupts. "You're a damn fool. But I'm the fool that allowed you into this house without a proper screening. I should have known my predecessor was arriving."
Predecessor? Me? That can't be right.
Everyone looks at me.
"I've been waiting for you," he says. “You are one of the new gods.”
I slowly blow out the air in my lungs.
Lucky for me, Heimdall cuts into the conversation. "Odin, we admire your tenacity and are thankful for your hospitality, but we need some guidance."
He eyes all of us, so we all nod and agree accordingly, hoping that he'll give us a clear path forward. Heimdall continues. "Just know that you are respected by the group here. That being said, may I remind you that you may need our help? If Lucifer is really as powerful as you make him out to be, he will be searching for you first."
Silence as Odin shifts in his chair.
"Keep talking, son," Odin says.