Page 33 of The Viking in the Vault
“But what if I can help him?” I ask quietly, my voice barely above a whisper. “What if being there for him is what he needs?”
Ves chews on their lip. “Don’t give into the savior complex, Elena,” they say quietly.
I scowl. “I wouldn’t–”
“You’ve got that oldest sister thing going on,” they say. “And remember you’re on a deadline. I just…I’m worried about you and I don’t want you to get distracted with this, okay?”
Dang it.
They’ve hit on something that cuts right to the core of me.
“I know my priorities,” I try to argue. “I’m not going to abandon my research just because some ancient guy showed up and said I’m his destiny.”
Ves gives me a sidelong look, skeptical. “I’m not saying you would. But you have to admit, it’s not exactly easy to juggle everything right now. Your work, Ragnar, Fenrik, your family back home…and Dr. Kallipso isn’t the most forgiving supervisor. You’ve got a lot on your plate.”
I sigh, unable to tear my eyes away from Ragnar. Fenrik has dropped the stick at his feet, tail wagging furiously as Ragnar ruffles the fur behind his ears. The sight tugs at something deep in my chest, a mix of affection and something heavier.
I’ve known him for a matter of days…and I’ve never felt this way about someone.
What if fate is real?
“I don’t know,” I admit, my voice quieter now. “Maybe you’re right. Maybe I am getting in over my head. But…” I hesitate, searching for the right words. “I can’t just leave him to figurethis out on his own. He doesn’t know this world, Ves. He doesn’t have anyone else.”
“And that’s the problem,” Ves says gently. “You’re taking on all of that for him. I get it—you’re kind, and you want to help. But you can’t pour from an empty cup, Elena. You’ve got to take care of yourself, too.”
I glance at them, their gaze steady but not unkind. “You think I should push him away?”
“I think you should set boundaries,” Ves replies. “Help him, sure, but don’t let him consume your life. You’ve got your own path to follow. You’re not responsible for his happiness, no matter what he thinks.”
I chew on that for a moment, the words sitting heavy in my chest. “It’s just…hard,” I admit finally. “He’s not what I expected, Ves. He’s not just some ancient warrior out of a storybook. He’s real. He’s vulnerable in ways I didn’t think he could be. And I don’t think I’m ready to just…walk away from that.”
Ves watches me for a long moment, their expression softening. “I know. And I’m not telling you to walk away. Just…be careful, okay? You’ve got a big heart, Elena. Don’t let it get you into trouble.”
I nod, my grip tightening on the tea. “I’ll try.”
Ragnar stands as a light snow starts to fall, looking up toward the sky. Fenrik drops a stick at his feet, tail wagging frantically.
“You know,” Ves says after a moment. “For what it’s worth, I think Ragnar is really lucky to have you. There isn’t a better person to find when you need a friend. I mean…when I showed up in Snowveil, you were the one who showed me the ropes, too.”
I glance over at them, smiling. “That means a lot to me, Ves.”
They shrug. “Just don’t let it go to your head.”
I laugh quietly, the tension in my chest easing just a little. Ves may be blunt, but they mean well. And as much as I hate toadmit it, they’re probably right. Ragnar’s world may be tangled up with mine right now, but I can’t lose sight of my own path. Even if it means finding a way to untangle the threads between us.
For now, though, I let myself enjoy the moment—the warmth of the tea in my hands, the quiet hum of the park, and the sound of Ragnar’s laughter and Fenrik’s barks ringing through the air.
14
RAGNAR
Somehow, I’m starting to feel at home in this alien world.
I sit by the fire, the warmth of the flames sinking into my muscles. We purchased clothes for rest as well, and I’m comfortable in long pants and a robe. My hair and beard are damp from bathing–even though the strange sprinkling bath was far too small for me–and my skin smells of soap and Elena. Fenrik sprawls on the rug near the hearth, snoring softly.
It’s quiet, peaceful…save for the sound of Elena’s voice from her bedroom.
She’s speaking with her family, I think.
