“You get visions?” She didn’t hide the excitement in her voice.
“Just of you, the mysterious woman in a cloak. You were my first vision, so I can’t say I get them. I know you were outside the school, too, even though I didn’t see that in a vision, but the souls felt your presence and were drawn to you. They couldn’t see you either.”
“I hope you don’t mind that I stalked you.” She gripped my hands and studied my Druidic ring, but she didn’t ask about it. “When Eirik sent the Idun-Grimnirs home and told them they’d scare you, they’d already visited the farm and your school. I left to find the blanket, and the next day I was outside the school when you arrived. I stayed and observed you in class. I thought it was my right for having missed every school play, recital, and softball game.”
I laughed. “You didn’t miss much. I was homeschooled, so no plays, recitals, or softball games, but like Eirik, I swam.”
“I would have been on the stands with big signs, cheering you on. Are your parents proud of the young woman you’ve become?”
“I hope so.”
“Hope so? They should be. I want to hear about your life. Everything you can remember. When did you start swimming? What’s your favorite stroke?”
“Backstroke. I brought my laptop, and it has pictures and videos. I’m sorry I didn’t come sooner.”
She dismissed my words with a wave of her hand. “That’s okay. Your father needed time anyway because he had big plans for your arrival. A homecoming party worthy of our daughter.” A frown chased the smile away. “But Celestia needs us now.”
I felt a little sick to my stomach and braced myself before saying, “I am responsible for her condition.”
The goddess frowned. “Why do you say that?”
“She shared her life force with a friend of mine because of me. When she wanted to stop, I begged her to keep going. And now her life force is so low she’s sunk into a coma. It’s my fault.”
“You’re talking about Dev?”
“Yes. How did you know?”
“Celestia talked to me about him, and I thought it was a brave thing to do. But that should not have caused this problem. She is strong and powerful. Something else is stopping her from recovering. I need to figure out what it is.” Concern furrowed her brow. “Not knowing is driving me crazy.”
“Did she tell you that Dev was once a dark soul? He could have contaminated her energy.”
The goddess shook her head. “From what I’ve been told, he redeemed himself by helping others, so her reaction has nothing to do with the fact that he was once a dark soul. I saw how he protected you outside your school when he felt my presence. All the souls are very protective of you.” She peered at me. “Do not blame yourself, Einmyria. Celestia’s situation is not your fault. I’ve seen her heal many people and recover, and I’ve called every healer in the realm, but they can’t figure out what’s wrong with her.” Annoyance laced her words. “I just sent emissaries to Asgard to bring Eir today. We’ll soon have answers.”
The name was familiar. “Who is Eir?”
“The Goddess of Healing. She trained Celestia. I hope they realize how urgent the matter is. Asgardians tend to take their time when something doesn’t involve war. They love to party or find a reason to celebrate.” She shook her head. “I just want her awake. The hall always rings with laughter when she’s around, which improves your brother’s mood.”
Love and frustration tinged her voice, and my guilt increased. Despite what she’d said, I knew it was my fault Celestia was in a coma. If only I hadn’t accepted their offer. I should have said no. Stopped her when she’d become tired.
“What can I do to help?” I asked, desperate to do anything, however small.
“Not much, dyrr mín.” Then a thoughtful expression crossed her face. “Unless you can convince your brother to eat.”
“And shower,” I added.
She chuckled. “Yes, he smells worse than Garm. He went flying a couple of days ago, and I doubt he showered afterward. I’ve tried everything. I’ve threatened. Scolded. Begged, but he just stares at me, then goes back to talking to her. It’s breaking my heart.”
And that was the woman everyone had told me about, not the one I’d read about. I had a feeling the face she’d shown me before the hugs and the tears was the one she showed the world. The face of a goddess, ruler of Helheim. The one who cried while she hugged me and was now begging me to help her son was the mother goddess. She really loved Eirik.
“I’ll take care of him now.”
“Good idea. Then we can sit down and talk.” She stood, and I did, too. “You two have known each other for a long time?”
“Since elementary school,” I said as we walked toward Eirik’s bedroom. She took my arm as though she needed to be physically in contact with me to confirm I was really there. “Because my parents homeschooled me for years, I hated going to public school at first. Raine found me crying in the bathroom and took me under her wing.” I glanced at the goddess. “I don’t know if you know Raine.”
“Svana and Tristan’s daughter? Yes. I know about her friendship with Eirik and that the two of you are very close. I owe her family a lot for taking your brother in, and loving him.”
“Raine is awesome. She introduced me to Eirik the same day during lunch.” The main door opened, and Maera wheeled in a trolley with covered plates.
“Not yet, Maera. Take care of our guests first.” She waited until Maera left before asking, “Have you met Celestia’s family?”
“No, but I’ve met her best friend, Hayden, and Tammy. Are they here?”
“They arrived earlier. Richard—that’s her father, her aunt, and her cousin are also here.” She cupped my cheek and smiled. “I’m so happy you are home.”
“Me too.” Then I went on my toes despite the heels and kissed her runed cheek. I went to where Eirik sat and touched his shoulder. “Let me take over, Eirik.”
“No. I need to be here when she wakes up.”
“When she does, I’ll call you.”
“You don’t understand,” he snapped. “I have to be here. I want my face to be the first one she sees when she wakes up.”
I leaned back to escape his stale breath. “So you want her to see you looking like a hobo when she wakes up? Or should I explain to you in detail what a girl finds unattractive in a man. Believe me, she won’t think it’s hot you are not eating or bathing. She’d be disgusted.”
Eirik glared at me. “Celestia would never be disgusted by me.”
“She’s a girl, and I know how girls think. Believe me, a stinky, unshaven love of my life is not what I want to see when I wake up from a coma. I’d want my man to have his shit together and be ready to hold me and kiss me and tell me how much he’s missed me, not blow stale breath in my face.” I leaned back. “Not even a mint can save you, pal.”
Frowning, he cupped his hand, blew in it, and sniffed. He made a face.
“See what I mean? That happens when you haven’t brushed. The mouth has the most germs in your entire body. Dental hygiene 101. Celestia will not want to smell that or kiss that when she wakes up. I don’t feel her soul struggling to leave her body. She’s just resting and building up the life force she gave up. Go. I’ll watch over her.”
“If she wakes up—”
“I’ll get you. I promise.”
He hesitated.
“I have strength runes, so if you are not done, I’ll kick down the door and drag you out here, naked and wet. Since I have no interest in seeing you naked, you better hurry up.”
He glowered. “Dang, I’ve forgotten how annoying you can be.”
“You were just as annoying when you came to see me at the mansion, so call this payback. Go. You smell worse than dirty gym socks.”
“I don’t.” He lifted his arm and sniffed his armpit. “Damn.”
“Now imagine hugging Celestia.”
“I’m going.” His eyes went to Celestia and lingered. “You sure about her soul?”