Free Web NovelChapter 237: Chapter 237
Ragnar did not respond at first, but inside his mind he was already moving through possibilities with a type of calculated focus that he reserved for the battlefield and when he poured over battle strategies.
Even as she spoke, he had begun searching for solutions, combing through his mind for anything that could be of use to her. He tried recalling half-forgotten texts and obscure passages he had encountered over the years. Leather bound tomes, and old scrolls that were tucked away in dusty corners of libraries he had once visited—anything that might offer clarity to Circe’s situation, or at the very least point them in the right direction.
He was already rearranging his days in his head, considering how much time he could spare to search his personal library, how many scholars he could discreetly consult, and which old contacts might be worth calling upon. If there was even the faintest chance that knowledge existed to help Circe, he would find it.
She had only just confided in him—finally spoken aloud the strange, unsettling truths she had carried alone for so long—but Ragnar had already taken her burden upon himself as though it had always been his.
To him, it felt instinctive. As long as she was with him, she would never have to face her troubles alone again. If there was anything within his power that he could do to ease the burdens in her life, even by the smallest measure, he would do it without hesitation.
The longer his silence stretched, however, the more Circe’s unease grew. She had not looked away from him even once since she told him, watching for any flicker in his expression.
After a while, her thoughts began to spiral. Had she said too much? Would it have been better if she just kept it all to herself? She searched his face anxiously, trying to read him, her heart thudding painfully in her chest. Would he believe her at all? Or would he think that she was slowly going mad and this was all just some elaborate story she concocted in her mind?
She wouldn’t fault him if he felt that way. She would have been skeptical if someone else had told her the same thing.
Every second he remained quiet only deepened her restlessness, until it became almost unbearable. It was so bad that she wanted to grab him by the shoulders and shake him until he spoke to her.
"Everything you just said is quite unfamiliar to me," Ragnar finally said, his voice low and measured. "I don’t believe I’ve ever heard of a being capable of summoning another through dreams."
Instead of dread, relief washed through Circe. He wasn’t dismissing her.
He wasn’t mocking her or looking at her with doubt-filled eyes. He was thinking, truly considering her words and that alone steadied her trembling heart.
His response also wasn’t surprising. She didn’t expect that he would have all the answers to her problems.
"But I will do more research on it," he added immediately, as though sensing the direction her thoughts might take if he did not. "And I will make inquiries. There is bound to be someone who knows something that can help us."
He shifted slightly, his arm tightening around her.
"And if all other options fail," he continued, his tone sharpening with resolve, "we will extract the truth directly from the woman who keeps summoning you. There has to be a reason behind everything she’s done. Once we discover what she wants from you, we can use that knowledge as leverage."
The gears in his mind were already turning. Pieces that had once seemed disconnected were beginning to align, vague outlines of a plan forming even as he spoke. It was still incomplete, still rough around the edges but it was still something.
"Thank you," Circe whispered.
Gratitude shone openly in her eyes as she smiled at him, unable to stop herself. He had no obligation to do any of this, yet he had accepted her truth without resistance and claimed her problem as his own without complaint.
Each time he said we, her heart softened further. It was his quiet way of reminding her that she was no longer alone, that whatever lay ahead, they would face it together.
Ragnar’s arm remained around her as they lay beside one another. His presence was steady and reassuring. She wanted to wrap herself around him in return, to cling to him in a wordless embrace, but the exhaustion weighing down her body refused to release its hold.
Instead, she shifted slightly and rested her head against his chest, listening to the calm rhythm of his heart beating.
As she did, her gaze drifted across the room and landed on a familiar wrapped box resting atop the dresser.
Her breath caught.
It was the first time she had noticed it, and her eyes widened in surprise. freewebnøvel.com
"Mina’s gift," she said softly. "You brought it back."
She had completely forgotten about the books Mina had offered her at the ball. With the chaos of the attack and everything that followed, it had slipped entirely from her thoughts. Yet seeing it there now filled her with unexpected warmth. That he had remembered, had gone out of his way to retrieve it for her, meant more than she could put into words.
"I didn’t want you to lose it," Ragnar replied simply.
Short of bringing her the head of the man who had stabbed her, this was the least he could do.
***
Two days ago
The final notes of music faded into a gentle hush as the ball drew to its elegant close. Servants moved quietly through the grand ballroom, gathering abandoned goblets with practiced efficiency.
Guests lingered in small clusters, voices low and filled with mirth as they spoke amongst themselves, unwilling to let the night end just yet. A few of them were already heavily drunk from the multiple helpings of wine, while the others were only slightly tipsy.
Farewells were exchanged beneath the dimming chandeliers, their once-dazzling shine now softened like glowing embers from a dying fire.
