Valkyrie's Harem (Academy of Immortals 1)

“Would you like me to leave?” I ask after Agis exits the room.

“No,” Dylan says. “I’d like your insight. You spend the most time with them. Is what he’s saying true?”

“There’s no doubt they’re restless and without direction. They train a lot, and a few have made attempts to learn about modern culture. Agis and Rupert are the most strategic; their sense of survival is more about brains than brawn. Armin has a kind heart. Marshal is an arrogant dick.”

Morgan snorts. “And a pervert. I’ve seen him watching you.”

Yeah, I want to tell her, I’ve seen him watching her, too, but I don’t need Dylan telling the others and then having his eyeballs removed and hands lopped off. Personally, I need those hands attached since they know how to make me feel really, really good. “They don’t know how to deal with women. Not appropriately at least, although they’ve left me alone for the most part.”

“That’s because Clinton threatened to castrate anyone that touches you.” Morgan laughs. When my eyes pop open in surprise, she adds, “You didn’t know?”

“No.” But I think about how they tend to give me a wide berth and a smidge of respect. “I thought it was because they think I’m a lesbian.”

Dylan laughs and it’s a nice sound to hear. “You think that would stop pillaging barbarians?”

No. But Clinton’s wrath would. I file that information away to consider later, especially with the knowledge Marshal doesn’t seem to care. He may be more reckless than I realized.

“What about Roland and Miya?” Morgan asks.

“Roland spends a lot of time in the gym, training. He has a lot of anger and pent-up rage. If Agis is talking about him being a concern, I can see it. It’s could be a problem, especially if you guys aren’t around to keep things in check.” Dylan nods in understanding. “And Miya? I like him. He’s quiet but has also admitted he struggles with the sins of their past. That’s what this comes down to with them, I think. Camulus stripped them of their souls when they were in his army, but then gave it back when he sent them to the Shaman. Those centuries of guilt are weighing on them, and they each handle it differently.”

Morgan frowns. “And adding to that in the Crusade will make it better?”

“Maybe it will if, for once, they’re fighting for good,” I say. “They’ve never had that chance before, other than helping us against the Morrigan.”

Dylan’s blue eyes stare at the book on the table. It’s the one Professor Christensen brought to the house. His fingers run down the ancient leather. Finally, he says, “It doesn’t feel right to step away from this task, but maybe there’s a greater calling here, if you truly think it’s better for the Legion to go than stay here.”

Morgan reaches out and lays her hand over his and squeezes. He looks at her with such love and respect it makes my heart hurt. Morgan has four other men that feel the same way. I swallow the lump of grief building in my throat.

“It’s okay to sit this one out,” she says to Dylan. “But take it to the others. Together, you’ll make a decision.”

They look at me, like I’m part of the equation. It’s a ridiculous thought, but I nod in agreement and add, “Let me feel this out a little bit more.”

“Thank you, Hildi.”

“Of course,” I reply, knowing that one way or the other, things in the house are going to change drastically in the next two days and I don’t know how I feel about it.

9

Hildi

With two biscuits in one hand, Agis holds the door to the basement open for me with his other.

“Can I ask you a question?”

Through a mouthful of bread, Agis replies, “Go ahead.”

I frown at his manners. “Were you speaking for everyone before or just yourself?”

The corners of his dark eyes narrow. “Why would you think that?”

“They don’t call you the God of Death for nothing. I think maybe you’re the one craving bloodied hands.” I jerk my head down the hall, where the other guys are in the gym. “Did they vote for you to speak for them?”

“We have no leader,” he says. “We were equals in Camulus’ army, but our strengths are different. Assessing the motivations of my men is something I’m good at. It’s why I was a skilled general. But no, they don’t know I went up there.” He crosses his arms. “Is it so hard to believe I’d like to help?”

We stand toe to toe. “You’ve asked my friends for a lot. Yes, it’s helpful, but it’s also a massive risk. If you’re not ready to win the Crusade, then back out now. The fate of the realms depends on it. It’s not a game.”

“Isn’t it?” He smirks. “Aren’t we all just pawns in the hands of the gods?”