Valkyrie (Kate O'Hearn) - By Kate O'Hearn Page 0,68

us one more week.’

‘Why one week?’ Maya asked.

‘Because that’s when the school dance is,’ Freya explained. ‘Archie was so excited about it. All of the Geek Squad are going.’ She turned imploringly to the angel. ‘I know that it is within your power to grant Archie one more week’s life. You must do this for him. He and the Geek Squad have been denied so much already, can’t we give him this one dance?’

The angel frowned and stepped closer. ‘You, a powerful Valkyrie, would risk your own life so this boy can attend a simple dance?’

‘You don’t understand how it is for the Geek Squad,’ Freya continued. ‘They have been picked on and beaten up just because they are different. They are the outcasts of the school. But they are all wonderful, caring people. This one dance may not mean much to everyone else, but it means everything to them. They are just learning to stand up for themselves and coming to this dance will prove it. If Archie and I don’t go, they won’t. How can we deny them their triumph over their fears?’

The angel considered a moment. Then he looked at Maya. ‘One week will be but a short time in Asgard.’

‘But Loki is out for blood,’ Maya cried. ‘There is no telling what poisonous words he is feeding to Odin right now. It is too dangerous.’

‘I’m not leaving,’ Freya insisted stubbornly. ‘Please, Angel, give Archie one more week.’

The angel looked over at Archie. Then he approached Freya, rested his hands on her shoulders and leaned closer to her. ‘If I do this, you must swear that the day after the dance, when I come back for Archie, you will not stop me.’

‘Don’t do it!’ Maya cried. ‘One week is still too long. Loki has betrayed you. Odin will send the Dark Searcher, I know he will. You must come with me now before it’s too late.’

‘I can’t,’ Freya insisted. ‘I’m sorry, but you still don’t understand. I must stay. Go back to Asgard. I will return right after the dance.’

‘But the Dark Searcher will find you.’

The angel shook his head. ‘No he won’t. Not if she doesn’t wear her helmet again. That is how he will track you. When he arrives, we will do what we can to distract him.’

Freya looked at the angel in shock. ‘You would do that for me?’

‘You are risking Odin’s wrath for this human boy. How could I not? Now, do we have an agreement?’

Freya nodded. ‘I swear, after the dance, I will not stop you.’

‘It is agreed,’ said the angel.

Freya stepped aside and let the Angel of Death pass. Her heart was pounding. She knew angels could be trusted. But seeing him so close to Archie set her nerves on edge.

The Angel of Death stood beside the bed and waved his hand over Archie’s head. ‘It is not your time, child. Sleep now and heal. When you wake you will grow stronger. Go to the dance. Live your whole life within this next week.’

When he finished, he looked at Freya. ‘It is done. He is yours – for now. Use this time wisely, Valkyrie.’

The angel bowed and then vanished.

Maya faced her sister. ‘What have you done?’

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Moment by moment, Archie improved. Dr Taylor returned but remained under Maya’s spell.

‘Well?’ Freya asked.

The doctor’s dark-hazel eyes were only on Maya as he grinned. ‘It’s all good news! I’m not sure how it’s happening, but he is recovering.’

‘There are other forces at work here,’ Maya said. She focused on Freya. ‘So, the angel has done what he promised. Archie will live one more week. You are risking everything for him. Is he really worth it?’

Freya nodded. ‘He is. If you could only get to know him, you’d see that for yourself.’ She looked out of the window. ‘It’s still dark out. You’d better get going while you have the cover of night. You can’t wear your helmet again or the Dark Searcher may find you.’

Maya shook her blonde head. ‘I’m not going anywhere. If you are staying, so am I, and if the Dark Searcher comes, we’ll face him together.’

Freya was awash with gratitude to her sister. She hugged her fiercely. Together, she knew they could face whatever Odin threw at them.

They stood at Archie’s bedside while the doctor carefully removed the breathing tube and started to disconnect him from the machines.

Archie moaned softly.

Orus flew down from her shoulder and landed on Archie’s chest. He marched up to his chin. ‘Come on, Archie,’ he