Sun's Tear (The Valkyrie's Passion Book 2): A Valkyrie/Shifter Romance by Renee Jordan Page B

burns inside of you. He's stolen a piece of it. The world seems cold to you.”
    “No, I felt the cold not long after Sol was swallowed by Skoll,” I answered, rubbing at my goosebump-covered arms. “That's why I have to find her Tear and restore it.”
    “Is that what he told you?” Loki asked, raising an eyebrow. “Because Odin is as honest as I am, right?”
    My cheeks flushed. “I guess...he's not.”
    “Your fire comes from Odin. That was the pact your ancestor made. Servitude in exchange for the fire, for the power to restore the man she loved back to life. She's been his slave ever since. Her and all her descendants.
    “But Odin can take back his gift. That's how he keeps his Valkyrie in line.” Loki paused. “Has he threatened you?”
    My blood grew chillier. “Yes. After the Fenrir attack. He told me...he would discard me if he had to.”
    “He would steal your fire. And what does your fire sustain?”
    “Magnus?” My voice was hoarse.
    “You are a bright girl, Raven.” Loki's hand caressed my cheek. His touch was so warm. My skin drank it in. Heat rushed through me. The goosebumps vanished from my arms. The chill that had seeped into my bones was driven back. “Odin has underestimated your intelligence. You have seen past his lies and understood who he really is.”
    “A petty tyrant,” I whispered. “A slave master.”
    “Exactly.”
    “But it doesn't matter. Not if he can take my fire and let Magnus die. I have to get the Sun's Tear back and restore Sol's life.”
    “He hasn't told you the prophecy either, has he?”
    “No. He just mentioned I was special.”
    Loki shook his head. “Odin always hoarded knowledge like a miser with his coins, too scared to let even a single coin escape his greedy grasp. That was why he has his little pets watching and observing.”
    “Is Muninn and Huninn watching us?”
    “Yes,” Loki answered, his eyes flicking up at the perching ravens, “but they only see you stewing, leaning against the truck.”
    “How?” I asked.
    “I'm a liar,” Loki laughed. “Who do you think covered up Odin's mess in Seattle? I thought the tornadoes worked perfectly.”
    “You work with Odin?”
    “Of course. I am one of the Aesir. But I am tired of his petty tyranny. You have him pegged.”
    A pleased flush ran through me.
    “What is the prophecy?” I asked.
    “It was made a long time ago by the Volva. The prophecy was originally in Old Norse, so excuse the poor translation. It loses some of its...poetry:
    “Wolf-orphaned daughter
    Hair black as night
    Odin's sword of fire
    Sol shall cry
    A tear of purity
    A weapon of power
    The hope of the Gods
    Or cause of their Doom
    What shall she choose?
    “Wolf-orphaned daughter
    Hair black as night
    Sacrifices her fire
    To restore Odin's might
    Or shall selfish love
    take hold in her heart
    and thrust the tear
    and blind Odin's eye.
    “Wolf-orphaned daughter
    Hair black as night
    To restore Sol's life
    Death must be paid
    The Valkyrie's heart
    Slain once again
    Or will she choose
    to save her love
    and slay her Master?”
    I blinked when he finished reciting that. “It sounds like...only I can grab the Sun's Tear?”
    Loki nodded.
    “And...I have to make a choice. To restore Sol's life by...killing the...” My eyes widened. “No.”
    “To restore the Sun's Tear, you will need to sacrifice your fire,” Loki told me. “And then...”
    “Magnus dies.” I trembled. “And if I don't find the Sun's Tear, Odin will steal my fire from me anyways.” Tears filled my eyes.
    “I am sorry.” Loki's voice was so tender. His finger brushed away a falling tear.
    I hugged him. I pressed my face into his chest. I couldn't help it. My body shook. How was I getting out of this? How could I save the man I loved? Loki's arms wrapped around me, cradling me with his strength.
    “What do I do?” I croaked. “I can't let him die. Not again. I can't bare to see his body lying on the ground, staring sightlessly up at the sky. It