CHAPTERTHIRTEEN
Munin and her men pulled up to the massive iron gates before them. The metal was both intricate and practical, keeping many creatures out while also marauding as a piece of art. The ironwork formed into vines and roses, the thorns alone the stems so realistic, Munin knew they would likely cut up anyone who dared to climb them. They sat at the gates for two minutes without moving, without pressing the button for the intercom. Aerith knew who they were, expected them, and so Muni waited until the gates began to creep open with barely a groan, revealing just how well kept they were.
“What is this place?” Brin asked, his eyes eagerly drinking everything in as the gates swung open to present the grand mansion behind it. It was better called a castle rather than a mansion. The sheer size of it alone was a feat to be celebrated but it lacked a soul that many homes had. Barely lived in anymore, Aerith only used the castle for required parties. Otherwise, she chose to leave it to be tended by the hundreds of workers tasked with its upkeep.
“The Valstina estate,” Muni supplied helpfully. “Aerith Valstina is the only living heir of the family and so when her father succumbed to the earth, it all passed down to her. We’ve been acquaintances since my past life, and I’ve always thought Aerith too good for the bloody legacy her father left behind.”
“Bloody?” Eirik studied the castle closer. “How was it bloody?”
“Althidon Valstina was a regular racer in the Games, undefeated. He was known for his brutal tactics and often times left all teams dead behind him. Because of that, watching that through her life, Aerith chose to turn her back on racing though she’s a progeny. I’ve seen her race. She would win every single race she entered if she wanted to, and she wouldn’t even need to be as brutal as her father.”
“Wow,” Brin murmured. “She sounds like a valiant acquaintance to have.”
“She is,” Muni nodded as she dropped the car into neutral and pulled the e-brake.
A beautiful elf slipped from the front door and came down the steps to meet them as they opened their car. Dressed in casual jeans and a tank top, you wouldn’t suspect her as the owner of such a large part of the supernatural world, but Aerith single-handedly ran everything. She was brilliant in more ways than one. Her skin permanently kissed by the sun that spoke of tropical islands and her hair a beautiful mess of curls around her shoulders, Muni often thought Aerith was better suited for warmer climates and drinks with tiny umbrellas. It worked in her favor, letting most underestimate her because of the tribal tattoos on her shoulder and her bright friendly eyes. Normal elves were deadly on their own. Despite her appearance, Aerith was far deadlier than any other elf Muni had ever met.
“Muni,” Aerith said kindly. “It’s been too long, friend.”
“Likewise,” Muni nodded, clasping hands. “I’m sorry I haven’t called sooner—”
Aerith waved her words away. “No harm, no foul. I’m only glad you called now. I’m sure you’ve had to hide until now. Do you think it wise to enter the Games now? The world is watching Odin’s raven.” Aerith’s eyes traced over her men, taking them each in. “Though I must say, your choice in teammates is exquisite.”
Brin straightened, not because he was showing interest, but because there was pride there in his eyes at being recognized as a desirable choice. Eirik tipped his head politely toward Aerith. Vidar still wore his permanent scowl.
Muni smiled. “This is Brin, Eirik, and Vidar. I’ve already told them about you.”
Aerith grinned and leaned closer. “Did the raven also tell you the reason we became friends?”
Muni blinked at the word she’d used, startled, but she didn’t interrupt as Eirik and Brin shook their heads in answer. It wasn’t the first time Aerith had referred to Muni as a friend, but it was certainly the first time Muni realized she meant it.
“One of my ex-boyfriends thought he was strong enough to go behind my back and cheat on me. Granted, elves are incredibly open sexually. We host orgies often, but it’s all about consent. If he’d asked, I might have joined in. Instead, he decided to keep it a secret. It didn’t help he was also attempting to embezzle money from my accounts. Rat bastard.” She winked at Muni. “Muni here helped me find out exactly what he was doing and led me right to him.”
“If I remember right, you kept him alive for weeks,” Muni commented.
“I did! He begged for mercy by the end of it. Unfortunately for him, being the heir of the Valstina clan means I can’t forgive slights or else others would move in.” Aerith shrugged. “I haven’t dated a man since.” Her eyes glanced at the others. “Though, perhaps I’ve just been looking in the wrong places.”
Brin shot his own grin at her. “You should find you a warrior worthy of your greatness, my lady.”
Aerith brightened. “Are you offering yourself?”
“I’m already spoken for,” Brin bowed his head respectfully. “The Lady Raven claims my heart.”
Muni frowned. “I haven’t claimed you.”
“Not yet.” Brin winked at Aerith. “She will though.”
Tinkling laughter tumbled from Aerith’s lips. “I like him. Keep that one around, Muni.” She pulled out a phone from her pocket and frowned. “I’m sorry to greet and run but I have to attend a meeting with some execs. You’re welcome to anything on the property. The garage has been stocked with whatever you need. Just avoid the ballroom. It’s been cleaned but no matter how much bleach one uses, the scent of sex never seems to lift.” Aerith wrinkled her nose in distaste. “I’ll be rooting for you four in the Games!”
And then Aerith Valstina bowed her head and turned away, heading deeper into the compound, no doubt to board the family helicopter. Muni could hear rotors gearing up in the distance.
Vidar shook his head and took it upon himself to walk toward the house, leaving them behind in favor of exploring. He didn’t spare them a single word.
“We’ll meet when the moon is high,” Muni called after him, but he ignored her. She wasn’t surprised.
To the others, she said, “We should see what’s being prepared for dinner. Aerith assured me that the staff would cater to whatever needs we may have. There should be plenty of protein for the three of you.”
When they walked inside the same doors Vidar had disappeared inside, Eirik whistled at the décor. It was ornate, exactly what an elven castle should appear like. Priceless art that made Muni itch with need hung on the walls, some of it recognizable, some from artists long since dust but still no less talented than the greats. Interspacing throughout were newer artworks, modern ones that Aerith had added. While most elves preferred the old and priceless art, Aerith valued all art, the same as Muni did. It was one of the reasons they’d bonded.
Friends. . .
Muni had never considered Aerith a true friend before, mostly because people tended to avoid the secret keeper. Why get close to someone and risk your secrets? But Muni realized with a start that Aerith had never tried to hide anything from her, had never stoked her need to weasel out information. She was forth coming and trusted Muni.
Friend. Aerith was indeed her friend.
“You have fancy friends,” Eirik commented, staring up at the masterpiece of the mosaic that made up the ceiling.
“One friend,” Muni corrected. “The others are connections and favors.”
Eirik smiled. “Well, you have at least two friends.”
She turned to him with a frown. “Who is the second?”
“Me,” he replied proudly, and something inside of her twisted with need.
When he threaded his fingers through hers without hesitation, she squeezed his and accepted the comfort, something she had never realized she needed before. Now, she was beginning to crave that connection with Eirik, the same that she began to wonder toward Brin and he clear interest. How long had she been touch starved that Eirik holding her hand felt like a lighthouse in a storm?
Brin took her other hand when he saw Eirik had done so and cheekily added, “make that three. Though this friend might just come with benefits.”
Muni snorted at him. “Centuries between your life and present day and you’re still just a man.”
“Excuse me,” he teased. “This man is perfectly fine with walking behind you. A warrior like you doesn’t walk behind. I only offer what I’m able to.”
“What about beside me?” Muni asked, her face serious. “Could you walk beside me?”
Brin’s face softened just the barest hint. “Whatever the Lady Raven wishes.” He inclined his head and moved beside her as she wished.
Eirik squeezed her hand on the other side. “We’re both beside you, Muni.”
Brin clicked his tongue as they walked into the dining hall and saw the heaping piles of food on the table. “Now we just have to get ole grumpy pants to agree.”
And Vidar was the toughest one to crack. If only Muni knew exactly the words to say to help, but Hugin was the smooth talker. Muni dealt better with the shadows.