“There’s a third option,” I retorted. “Maybe I’m smart enough not to be afraid of little boys running around playing commando.”

“Because suddenly I knew that Graham could boss me around only if I let him. No one has power over me unless I surrender it.”

“Can I help it if I’m the only one keeping my eyes on the big picture?” Loki flashed a condescending smile. “The best poker players are patient. They wait until it’s a hand they know they can win.”

“It was a grave tactical error that Astrid had been so focused on collecting boys, when the girls in this town were more than twice as worthy.”

“It’s funny you bring that up,” I said. “In some countries, red hair was considered a sign of witchcraft. They actually burned people at the stake for it. Can you imagine? Just goes to show that a little ignorance can go a long way—if you let it go unchallenged, that is.”

“I thought about the way I felt in Astrid’s presence, the unity. I was a part of something that was larger than myself, a network of shared energy and camaraderie that flowed between the Valkyries.”

“I didn’t pick this fight, gentlemen. The first move is yours,” Grandmother growled. “And the final one, I assure you, will be mine.”