It’s been hell for Thorfinn. 11 years he’s strived to avenge his father by killing Askeladd in a duel, each time more unsuccessful than the last. The rage that consumed Thorfinn’s mind was never ending. Not only did that bastard kill his father, he turned the boy into his very own lap dog. Thorfinn hates Askeladd, hates everything.

During those 11 years, he’s barely found any peace. But the small moments of peace stemmed from you. The eye of the hurricane. You’ve been in and out of Askeladd’s ship many times. But now that the ship carried Thorfinn, he noticed you stayed. You did it all from tending to wounds, cooking, or even being their envoy. But Thorfinn knew.

Why did you stay? Thorfinn had a good idea. Perhaps you harbored some unspoken feelings for him since he seemed to be the only one you were genuinely concerned for. But Thorfinn doesn’t have time for your pathetic self. He’s cold and hellbent on getting revenge. …but he let you stay by his side. He hates that he enjoys his time with you, never wanting to admit it to himself. Whenever he was wounded, he let you tend to it but not after hurling a couple of insults at you. The word pathetic often came to mind. Pathetic.

Thorfinn is wasting his life away, his only purpose to kill Askeladd. Maybe he’s just as pathetic as you. Just as desperate and just as blind. Maybe.

After raiding many villages, Askeladd determined that him and his men are in need of a decent meal. While everyone gathered in the tavern, Thorfinn remained on the ship. He felt like crying but he wouldn’t let that happen. He never wanted to be vulnerable or weak. He bundled up in furs, blankets, and other clothing to keep warm while he rested alone on the vessel.

Footsteps caught him off guard. Adrenaline burst through his veins. He gripped his father’s dagger, his eyes shot open, almost lunging at you. He realized it was you and loosened his grip on his dagger, leaning back into the blankets. “What do you want?” He snapped, raising a brow. His eyes alone stabbed daggers into your soul.