The Runes Universe: Imperfect Souls (Kindle Worlds Novella) Read online

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  About Miranda Hardy

  Text copyright ©2018 by the Author.

  This work was made possible by a special license through the Kindle Worlds publishing program and has not necessarily been reviewed by Isabel Ednah McFarland. All characters, scenes, events, plots and related elements appearing in the original The Runes Universe remain the exclusive copyrighted and/or trademarked property of Isabel Ednah McFarland, or their affiliates or licensors.

  For more information on Kindle Worlds: http://www.amazon.com/kindleworlds

  IMPERFECT SOULS

  A Runes Universe Story

  Miranda Hardy

  Imperfect Souls

  Copyright © 2017 by Miranda Hardy

  All rights reserved.

  Imperfect Souls is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents, and dialogues are products of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  In accordance with the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means. The scanning, uploading, and electronic sharing of any part of this book without the permission of the publisher is unlawful piracy and theft of the author’s intellectual property. If you would like to use material from this book (other than for review purposes), prior written permission must be obtained by contacting the publisher. Thank you for your support of the author’s rights.

  Edited by: Kelly Hashway

  Cover by: Stephany Wallace

  Imperfect Souls/ Miranda Hardy. — First Edition

  IMPERFECT SOULS

  Set in The Runes Universe World.

  Vali, the God of Vengeance, has never ventured out of Asgard, until now. With the Valkyries increasingly spending so much time in Midgard, and the discovery of the new Vulva, Vali’s curiosity drives him to do something he’d never imagined he’d do… he wants to live among the mortals. The only way he can do it without drawing attention to himself is to solicit help from his nephew, Eirik.

  From the moment he enters the realm of Midgard, he gets far more than he bargained for.

  Reeve, a mortal girl attending University, battles her demons and is ready to give up on everything, until a mysterious stranger enters her life. His unusual ways draw them together and she soon realizes life holds more than despair and heartache, but secrets often cause devastating circumstances. She does, after all, have two Grimnirs waiting to collect her soul.

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  About Miranda Hardy

  To Ednah Walters and all The Runes Universe fans.

  Chapter 1

  If she took one more step, she’d plunge over the cliff.

  After engaging speed runes, I charged to her side. “What are you doing?” I asked.

  She screamed and lost her footing.

  I grabbed her, pulling her close enough to smell her sweet coconut scent, and placed her away from the edge. That’s when I noticed the two Grimnirs lurking near the forest side of the lot.

  She swatted me away. “What the hell do you think you’re doing? You scared me to death.”

  “Apparently, I was saving your life. Were you planning on jumping off the cliff?” I looked down the side of the mountain and saw the remnants of scattered drinking bottles. Farther down the canyon, a rushing river raged by.

  “Uh, no! I was just...looking at the view. Taking a break from studying,” she lied.

  “At 3:00 a.m. on the opposite side of the wooden security fence?” I pointed to the barrier. The two Grimnirs glared at me.

  The titian-haired young woman’s gaze followed mine. “I was pulling an all-nighter for exams, not like I need to explain myself to you. What are you looking at?” she asked. “Where is your car? How did you get here?”

  “What’s your name?” I ignored her rather obtrusive questioning. She was entirely too observant. I needed to be more careful in Midgard.

  “Uh, Reeve. What’s yours?” She placed her hands on her hips and looked out at the town of Kayville. “And why are you avoiding my questions? Did you hike up here from town?”

  “Uh Reeve, that’s an unusual name. Yes, I hiked from town. I’m Vali.” I almost bowed but remembered they had no such custom here.

  “Reeve. It’s just Reeve. You think my name’s weird, but yours is Valley?” She smirked. “Are your parents hippies? Do you have siblings named Ravine and Plain?”

  “It’s V-A-L-I, and my parents aren’t hippies.” They were gods in Asgard.

  “I’m sorry.” Reeve’s lips turned down in a frown. Her gaze shifted to the ground. “I have to go. I’m tired and have more studying to do.” She walked toward her vehicle. It looked like an odd-shaped bubble on wheels.

  Reeve took off down the road, leaving me to wonder what drove her actions tonight. What was so wrong in her life that she’d plummet off a cliff only to be taken to Hel?

  “You owe us a life,” the male Grimnir said.

  They both moved to stand in front of me. He stood a good head shorter than his partner.

  “You intervened in her death.” The female Grimnir had scars on the side of her face, as if she’d seen many battles in her former life. Her muscular physique made me think she’d be a worthy opponent.

  “Return to your realm before you anger me and Hel has two less reapers doing her bidding,” I unleashed Slagô from my arm, nocked an arrow in the stern bow, and pointed it at the female, challenging them with my eyes.

  “Making friends already, are you?” My nephew walked through a newly made portal.

  The two Grimnirs bowed and backed away. Slagô bonded with my arm, weaving itself in the crook of my elbow and wrapping around my wrist.

  “You’re late, Eirik.” I pursed my lips together.

  “Looks like I’m perfectly on time, Uncle.” Eirik waved, and the two Grimnirs disappeared through a new portal. He stared at my arm. “You’re here, what, two minutes and already causing trouble? I love the fact that you always have unlimited arrows at your disposal.”

  “Like your Gunnlögi”—I pointed to the mace bonded on his arm—“Slagô’s magic serves me.”

  “What’s the meaning behind the name?” he asked.

  “Slagô means slayer,” I said. “The name became attached to me after avenging your father’s murder.”

  “We never talked much in Asgard. You were always busy training warriors and never attended any of the parties,” Eirik said. “So, I was surprised to receive your message. Dad sends his regards.”

  I’d never met Baldur, my brother, but everyone loved him. His death was the only reason for my existence. Odin followed the advice of a seer and sought relations with the giantess, Rindr, my mother, to bare the son who would avenge Baldur’s demise. He died before I was born, and I punished his murderer with the same fa
te. “Send him my regards as well.”

  “I will.” Eirik examined me. “It’s hard to believe you’re here.”

  “You said Kayville Point would be empty at this time, but clearly you were mistaken,” I said.

  Eirik looked around the deserted parking area. “Am I missing something?”

  “There was a girl here—the reason your two Grimnirs showed up, I’m assuming.” I stepped up to the overlook point and surveyed the town.

  “Oh, I thought Trudy had sent the Grimnirs to tell you I was held up,” he said. “Did you save the Mortal’s life, Uncle?”

  “It was an accident,” I said. “She clearly wanted to die, and I interrupted her. Anyway, why are you late?”

  He blushed and grinned. “Celestia needed my help with something.”

  “Indeed. How is your lovely wife?” I asked. “Frigg speaks of her often and would love the chance to see her again soon.”

  “She’s good. Busy with her patients. Half the time, I have to drag her away from the sick needing her help. Looking after her is a full-time job,” Eirik said. “How did you get Grandfather to let one of his best warriors leave Asgard?”

  “He wasn’t too pleased,” I said.

  Eirik studied me, a tiny smile on his lips.

  “What?” I asked.

  “Do you ever smile? It goes a long way in smoothing things over,” he said. “Every time I see you, you have this serious expression. Here, you can get away with anything when you smile.”

  I didn’t reply. No use in explaining my countenance. I didn’t have an answer.

  Eirik shrugged. “I took care of everything you asked for and then some.” He opened a portal to reveal the inside of a small house...tiny in comparison to the great halls of Asgard.

  I followed him through.

  “Are you going to tell me why you want to do this?” he asked.

  “You and the Vulva were raised here. She remains in Midgard with her Valkyrie husband. Several Valkyries choose to live here, so it’s time for me to learn the reasoning.” I picked up the cellular device from the kitchen table.

  “That’s a phone to call others in this realm, and you probably shouldn’t refer to it as Midgard here.” Eirik took the phone from me and placed it on the counter. “This isn’t a good idea, is it?”

  “I’ve studied their ways, so I’m not ignorant of this society, Eirik,” I said.

  “Valkyries, Immortals, and Grimnirs are from here. They were once Mortals, but you’ve never stepped foot in this realm,” he said.

  “Which brings me to why I’m here,” I said.

  “This is your house.” He waved his hand in the air. “It’s a half mile from Walkersville University, so within walking distance. You’re successfully registered for next semester. Here’s your schedule.” He gave me the sheet detailing the four classes. “Your books.” He pointed to the pile on the coffee table.

  “Thank you for setting this up,” I said.

  “Your fridge and freezer is stocked with easy-to-fix meals, since I know you’ve never prepared your own food. New clothes are in your drawers so you can fit in with the college kids.”

  I nodded.

  “Here’s a wallet that contains cash and a debit card that’s connected to the account you asked me to set up. You won’t run out of money. I didn’t realize gold was worth that much these days.”

  He paced through the living room and tapped his head.

  “I think that’s it,” he said. “Why didn’t you get Torin or another Valkyrie to help you with this transition?”

  “If they knew I was here, they’d never give me peace. You will go back to your lovely wife and continue your training in Hel. That is why I asked you,” I said. “Thank you for setting me up here. You can be on your way now.”

  Eirik sighed. “Asgard is a portal away, I know, but I have a feeling you’re going to be using many forgetful runes on the people you encounter. Good luck to you, Uncle.” He opened a portal, and a cold draft swept the room. He disappeared into Hel, leaving me alone in my new home.

  Doubt formed in my head with the realization that I’d come to Kayville.

  Chapter 2

  A Norse god taking Intro to Greek Mythology must have given Eirik a good laugh. Didn’t he realize I’m the god of vengeance?

  Eirik scheduled me for two classes today that met on Monday and Wednesday, and two that met on Tuesday and Thursday. Each lasted a couple hours with a break at lunchtime.

  Several students lingered in the yard in front of Founders Hall. Since it didn’t take long to walk the short distance, I was fifteen minutes early before the start of my first class. As I entered the doorway, several heads turned in my direction. Two girls walking my way smiled.

  “Hey,” the blonde-haired one said, whirling around to look at me as I passed. “He’s cute,” she whispered to her friend. “I need to take whatever classes he’s taking.”

  The brunette with her laughed. “I’d change my major again if it meant seeing the back of him every day.”

  My sensitive hearing picked up every whisper and conversation I crossed. I needed to do a better job of tuning people out in this realm. On the battlefield, such distractions didn’t exist. It was fight to win or suffer defeat. Here, I ran across an entirely different type of struggle, one that was, by far, more challenging—fitting in.

  Having spent the last couple of weeks familiarizing myself with the town, it felt good to get started on something that would keep my mind busy. Now that I knew where everything was located, it became easier to use portals to get places. I’d spent much of my time reading the textbooks for my classes, which didn’t help my social skill set at all.

  The classroom door stood ajar with the professor sitting behind the desk. He had straggly hair and a bushy mustache. He nodded at me, as well as each student who entered after. I chose one of the desks in the back of the classroom, considering my hearing and seeing skills far outstood those of Mortals.

  When the class began, I noticed only women occupied the seats surrounding me. The few men were forced up front. It could have been worse. Eirik could have stuck me in a sewing class. Then I’d really have to get my revenge on him.

  Walking to the cafeteria, I realized I hadn’t spoken to anyone. Even in Midgard my disposition hadn’t changed. Maybe I expected a change to have developed in my behavior, but I’d found no one who remotely interested me.

  Many students and some teachers flocked to the cafeteria the same time I did, causing a growing line in the hot food section. Another counter nearby served sandwiches, and the line quickly grew there as well. The scent of fried food overwhelmed my senses, and my stomach growled.

  After requesting a double serving of chicken parmigiana as well as a burger and fries, I paid for the items and chose an empty table next to one of the tall glass barriers that covered the side of the building looking out over the front lawn of the university.

  “That’s a mighty big meal.” A tall, stocky man dropped his tray on the table next to me. A couple of guys stood behind him. “I’m Mack. This is Tate and Liam.”

  Tate jerked his head up and sat across from me. He was also tall but less stocky than Mack. I pegged him as a runner. Liam was a head shorter than the others but equally built. Two of them wore the Walkersville University jersey.

  “Are you a ball player?” Mack asked. “You definitely have the appetite of one.”

  Their plates all contained multiple burgers for each of them.

  “I look forward to Taco Tuesday. There’s a chance this guy will out eat even you, Mack,” Liam said.

  They all looked at me, awaiting an answer. “What type of ball?” I asked.

  “The only ball that counts,” Tate said and then high-fived Mack.

  “Football, of course. All other ballgames are for pansies.” Mack bit into his burger, filling his mouth with a huge chunk of meat.

  “I’ve played.” Although, the games in Asgard often became bloody affairs. Our competitions would make the M
ortals look like “pansies,” as Mack had called them. They’d find out eventually, if they remained athletes or died as one.

  “I knew it.” Mack held out his hand toward Liam.

  “Oh, man.” Liam slapped five dollars onto it. “That sucks.”

  “Come on, man. He doesn’t look like a swimmer,” Tate said.

  “He has a lot of carbs on his plate,” Liam said defensively.

  “What’s your story?” Mack asked. “Everyone’s been staring at you since you walked in the damn cafeteria.”

  Glancing at the other tables, I noticed several people occasionally glancing our way. “I’m a transfer.”

  “He’s got a fucking accent, too,” Liam said.

  Tate and Mack laughed, although I didn’t see the humor in Liam’s comment.

  “Better keep Ashley away, or she’s a goner,” Mack said. “Does the transfer have a name?”

  “Vali,” I said.

  “Hippy parents, huh?” Tate smirked.

  That was the second time I’d heard that about my name, and I needed to learn more about this reference.

  The way the men consumed their food reminded me of lions feasting on a carcass when they weren’t sure when their next meal will come. They shoveled it in without taking the time to enjoy it.

  “Where are you from?” Liam asked.

  “The Netherlands,” I lied.

  “That’s cool.” Mack nodded toward the door. “Better watch out, Liam. Looks like Ashley spotted us and she’s headed our way.”

  “Fuck.” Liam moved fast enough to cut her and two of her friends off halfway to our table.

  Mack snickered. “He’s in a new relationship.”

  “And whipped,” Tate said. “I mean, she’s okay, but not hot or anything.”

  “Not as hot as your last conquest, huh Tate?” Mack wiggled his eyebrows.

  Tate threw the top of one of his discarded buns at Mack. “Speaking of, I need to leave.” Tate lifted his tray and grabbed Liam’s. “Good to meet you, bro.”