THIRTY-ONE
ANNABEL
The winding path up the mountain was utterly silent as we made our way to Valhalla’s gates. Not a single soul met us, and this high up, even the battle for Asgard could no longer be heard. Not so much as a c***k of thunder broke the eerie stillness.
“I guess everyone’s busy fighting,” Saga said as he looked over the edge of the path and down onto the battlefield in the distance.
“Without Níðhöggr and Hel’s forces, it shouldn’t be this evenly matched,” Modi said, a deep frown forming on his forehead as he stopped to watch the battle as well. “Why aren’t Hel’s forces here?”
“It was part of the bargain I made,” I said. “She will not join the battle.”
They all turned to stare at me. But if I’d hoped for admiration or praise, I’d have been sorely disappointed.
“What di
