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That night, my room felt too big. Too empty. I kept expecting to hear the pacing of guards. Some arrogant quip from Loki. I tossed and turned in my large bed.

It was the early hours of the morning when finally I pushed myself up out of bed, and began to make my way down to the dungeon. I kept telling myself how stupid I was being the whole way down. What was I expecting to do anyways?

But at the back of my head, I knew it was Loki I wanted to see. All that past day, I couldn't get our almost-kiss out of my head. But thinking of that, I couldn't help but also think about Natasha, the Avengers, New York. Could those old feelings I'd once had for Loki really be coming back after everything? I shook my head. No, I'd never had any real 'feelings' for him. It had all just been harmless fun. But, then, how come the only time I'd felt truly safe in these last months had been when his arms were around me?

I made it to the dungeon, the chill seeping through my thin nightgown and racking my body. I folded my arms, and stuck to the shadows as Loki's cell came into view. Like usual, he was awake, flipping through some book.

I watched him silently, words like glue in my mouth. What could I say?

Eventually, the corner of his mouth turned up as he lifted his head slightly.

"How long are you going to hide there, pet?" he asked, without looking in my direction.

I swallowed back the lump in my throat and stepped into the light. Only then did he turn his gaze on me. His eyes travelled slowly up the length of my body as I approached his cell. I prayed he didn't see the heat colouring my cheeks.

"Homesick for your old cage?" he asked, quirking a brow and leaning forward, "Or, perhaps, for me?"

"You—"

"Are my enemy," Loki finished for me, "Yes you've made that clear. Then why, tell me, did you come here tonight?"

"I—" my jaw tightened when I couldn't think of words to form. Why the hell was I here? I knew why, but I couldn't tell him.

"Ah," he smirked, "So you are missing me, are you?"

"I miss the man you were," I said suddenly. Surprise flickered momentarily across his face but he hid it.

"The man I was died that day on the Bifrost."

"I know," I said darkly, meeting his eye, "Why?"

"I should think you of all people would know what it is to be lied to your entire life," he spat, "To crave use of power."

"I would give anything to be rid of my power."

He shook his head. "No. I've seen the way you look when you use your powers. You crave it."

As we talked, we each neared each other, until the glass was all that kept us apart. I looked up into Loki's eyes. Tried not to think about what he was saying. Midgard is still in danger of people like me, and you. The memory clawed at the back of my mind. I wanted to forget it. There was so much I wanted to forget.

"Why are you here?" Loki repeated.

"I want—" You. My mouth wouldn't let the words out. "I want answers."

"I've given you answers, my dear. You simply don't like them."

I balled my fists, dropping his gaze. Behind me, the sounds of several sets of footsteps sounded. Then, guards entered into the dungeon, escorting a group of prisoners.

Loki watched them over my shoulder. "Odin continues to bring me new friends." He smiled. "How thoughtful."

I chewed my lip, staring at the ground. He was right. I didn't like the answers he'd given. I wanted so desperately for him to be someone he wasn't. For him to show some ounce of remorse.

Without another word, I whirled around and went from the dungeon. I heard Loki call my name only once, quietly, as though he was afraid of what I might do if I heard him. And then I was gone.

╟╫╢

"I see your time spent locked away has ill-effected your skill with a blade," Bersi jested, as he returned one of my clumsy blows.

I glared at him, though my lips curled into a smile. "I wouldn't speak too soon, Bersi," I shot back, trying to use some of the martial arts I'd been taught by Gale and Nat. He lost his footing, and I came at him with my blade, disarming him.

He laughed, raising his hands in defeat.

"There you have it," I said, bowing to Sigrid and Bodil, who watched us on the sidelines, "Midgardians aren't so small and weak as everyone thinks."

They applauded, and I gave Bersi a pat on the back.

We duelled well into the afternoon, the four of us swapping partners as the sun crested overhead.

While I traded blows with Sigrid, I saw a tall head of blonde hair out of the corner of my eye. I turned. Thor and Jane were strolling the cobbled arcade, deep in conversation. I told Sigrid I would catch up with them later, making for the pair.

"Alivia," Thor smiled when he saw me approaching, and they turned to face me.

"The Firebyrd," Jane breathed out, extending a hand, "It's such a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for what you did in New York."

It was a little odd speaking with her. She seemed star-struck, like she was talking to some celebrity.

"Oh, um, you're welcome?" I couldn't help the question in my voice as I shook her hand. "How are you finding Asgard?"

"It's—" she chuckled, looking around, "It's a lot."

"Definitely," I smiled, "I was in your shoes once, having all this thrust onto me all at once. Asgard takes a while to get used to."

She matched my smile and nodded in agreement.

"Your powers... Are they like the ones inside of me?"

"We don't know the source of Alivia's powers, but we know they aren't like yours," Thor answered.

"I've had them ever since I was small. When I use them, they drain energy, just the same as running drains energy. I always come back from it with rest. But the power inside you... The Aether, the way Odin described it sounded like a parasite. It will drain your life force until there's nothing left."

Jane's smile faded. She gripped Thor's arm and looked up at him. "What's going to happen to me.?"

"I'll find a way to save you, Jane—"

"Your father said there was—"

"My father doesn't know everything," Thor cut her off.

Suddenly, a voice came from behind us. "Don't let him hear you say that," Frigga warned playfully, as she joined us.

Both Thor and I broke out into a smile. "Jane Foster, please meet Frigga, Queen of Asgard. And my mother."

Jane let a surprised gasp escape, shyly mumbling a "Hi."

Frigga smiled and bowed her head, before looking to me. "It's good to see you out, Alivia."

I opened my mouth to answer, when the low hum of a horn being sounded interrupted me. We looked to its source.

"The prisons," Frigga said, frowning.

"Loki—" Thor began worriedly.

"Go," Frigga answered. "I will look after her."

Thor looked back at me expectantly. He wanted me to go with him, I realized. Loki's words lingered at the back of my mind. Midgard is in danger. You crave power. I bit back a scowl, taking a step back towards Jane and Frigga.

"I'll stay with them."

Thor nodded stiffly, before charging off in the direction of the commotion. As Jane, Frigga, and I fled for the inner palace, there was only one thought in my mind.

Loki.

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