Page 3 of About Love and Revenge

Our plan started when I moved to Athens. There, I started playing basketball, and it wasn’t difficult to stand out, given my height.

My grades have always been excellent too.

I had nothing else to do but study, play basketball, and fuel my hate.

Even so, I returned to the island every weekend. Always watchful. Always with both eyes on that damn bastard.

“All I have will be yours.”

I don’t thank him or say I don’t need his help. I always knew I would be his heir. It’s not the first time we’re talking about it. As he toldme, he has no living relatives, and naturally, receiving this initial sponsorship will facilitate my plans.

“But you must promise me that you will never back down. Don’t feel sorry for anyone, Odin. They didn’t feel sorry for you.”

I stare at the gaunt-skinned man. “Why are you like this?”There is no accusation in my question, just curiosity. I know why I’m empty. I know why there’s so much hate inside me, but now I can see that he also has a story behind his desire to help me.

“It doesn’t matter. I don’t have much time left. Just promise me you won’t give up.”

“I couldn’t give up, even if I wanted to. I need to be able to go back to sleep, and that will only happen when it’s all over.”

“You must be merciless.”

“There is no room for pity inside me.”

“Great, now I can die in peace.”

“But I want answers. So far I've followed your lead, but there’s a reason you hate him too. Why is that?”

“How do you know I hate him?”

I don’t bother to answer. I just stare at him, and after a while, he finally gives in.

“At the right moment, you will know everything. Along with my will, you shall receive a letter. Give me your word that you won't read it until your revenge is complete.”

“Why?”

“You’ve trusted me until now. I just need you to have a little more faith. Don’t try to find out my motives beforehand. When it’s all over, I promise you’ll find the answers you want.”

“You have my word.”

GREECE

I don’t usually walk around the island.

I can’t draw attention, even though I’m sure he doesn’t know who I am.

Lucky for me, despite being half-Scandinavian, my appearance is Greek. There’s nothing that betrays my Nordic ancestry, other than the name.

Still, I don't trust myself not to try and kill him right away, so I keep myself out of the spotlight.

Death is not enough for him.

There has to be public humiliation, the loss of everything he has built, his honor, and, finally, his life.

Today, however, I had to walk.

It’s the anniversary of my rebirth.

The date I lost my family and was rescued to avenge them.

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