TWENTY-FOUR
GRIM
Freya’s glade was as quiet and serene as we had left it. The trees surrounding it still wept—a trait that greatly disturbed Bjarni—but no monsters lurked nearby. There was still a mark in the grass where Annabel and I had lain together only hours ago.
I stared at it, remembering everything that had happened between us in that spot. I had sworn I would give anything to undo what I had done. Fate had taken me up on my bargain. I was going to get through this, even if it broke me.
“I love you,” Annabel said softly.
I turned around to face her, and was greeted with her beautiful face and the barest hint of a smile. She trailed her hand up my chest and cupped my cheek. “It’ll be okay. I promise.”
Silently I pressed my cheek into her palm. There was no point in answering.
