THIRTY-THREE
MODI
“Awake? He’s awake?” The quaking in Annabel’s voice made me want to reach for her to offer what comfort I could, but Bjarni beat me to it.
“Yes.” I scrubbed my face with both hands and looked toward the horizon where the steam from the springs surrounding Hvergelmir met the air. “Unfortunately.”
“It’s not a problem,” Bjarni said, though the dark look on his face betrayed his true feelings on the subject. “Annabel will shield us and we will make it past.”
Behind him, Loki’s eyes went wide and muffled noises of outrage spilled past the sock still firmly wedged in his mouth. Bjarni gave him an annoyed glance.
“I suggest you quiet down, old man. We’re not far out now. A few more miles and he’ll be able to hear you.”
Loki let out a scream of rage—at least I assumed it w
