“You have the blood of a dozen cultures in you, and one of them is probably from that region.” Religious rambling was Geraki’s specialty, and he seemed to be at ease back in familiar territory. “That, and I told you, a wise and clever god needs a priest with those same qualities.”
“I’m not his priest. I’m not even a follower.”
Geraki smiled in a way that reminded Justin of those frustrating yearly investigations. “No, but you’re about to become his student. I asked what it’d take to make you learn. A name and a face, you said. You got those things. You shouldn’t have gotten them, but you did.”
Justin faltered. He had kind of said that.
“Learning isn’t the same as serving or swearing devotion,” he told Geraki.
“No, but it’s an important step along the way—and don’t try to dodge this time.”
Justin had, of course, been trying to think of how to dodge it. How could he be so stupid? He’d been so, so careful with Mae, only to stumble into some sort of divine apprenticeship.
“You remember everything,” Geraki added. “Think back to exactly what you said. I asked if those things would get you to begin to train in our god’s wisdom and magic. You said yes.”
“No,” said Justin, still hoping he could get out of this. “My exact words were ‘you bet.’” But it’s not going to be good enough this time, he realized.
“Those words are binding. You made your bargain, and now you’ll learn what it means to embrace your calling.” Geraki’s eyes were alight with the kind of zealous fire that should have made Justin call the authorities. “Welcome to the service of Odin, brother. I look forward to working with you.”
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This story has been a long time in coming, and many people helped bring it to light. Thank you to my husband for putting up with the late nights and religious speculation; my agent, Jim McCarthy, for his constant support and therapy; and editor Jessica Horvath for letting me do “just one more revision.” Thank you also to the readers brave enough to join me on this new and very different adventure. You keep me writing, and I hope you love this series. My father, a great philosopher of religion and spirituality, passed away while I was writing this, and I hope he loves it too.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Richelle Mead is the author of the international number one bestselling Vampire Academy series. Her love of fantasy and science fiction began at an early age when her father read her Greek mythology and her brothers made her watch Flash Gordon. She went on to study folklore and religion in college, and when not writing, Richelle spends her time drinking lots of coffee, watching reality TV, and shopping for dresses. She works in her pajamas and has a passion for wacky humor—especially if the 1980s are involved. Originally from Michigan, Richelle now lives with her family in Seattle, Washington.
Visit www.RichelleMead.com to find out more.
ALSO BY RICHELLE MEAD
Bloodlines
The Golden Lily
The Indigo Spell
Vampire Academy
Frostbite
Shadow Kiss
Blood Promise
Spirit Bound
Last Sacrifice
Storm Born
Thorn Queen
Iron Crowned
Shadow Heir
Succubus Blues
Succubus on Top
Succubus Dreams
Succubus Heat
Succubus Shadows
Succubus Revealed