It took a monumental effort to open your eyes since your lids feel so heavy. However, as you do so, you find that the intense light does little to ease the pain in your head.

You feel weak in the knees and begin to sway, but a strong hand on your arm keeps you from falling. As your senses sharpen, your gaze naturally drifts to the massive golden doors that stand directly in front of you.

"Where are we, Loki?" You ask, still in a daze of confusion.

When you didn't receive a response from Loki, assuming he was the one holding you, you turned to face him. But you release a high-pitched squeak and draw away when you realise it was Huggin, the lesser of the two ravens, who was clutching you so tightly.

As you staggered back from your shock, you could have sworn you heard a small laugh in response to the mouse-like sound that came out of you. But you remained focused, keeping your eyes peeled on the towering hybrid of bird and man that stood before you.

His black raven head merely observed as you cautiously retreated away, keeping your eyes on him at all times. But you're fixated on him so intently that you don't see the wall or the guard that you're backing into. You suddenly make impact with the guard's hard chest plate and quickly spin around, your heart thumping.

You freeze for an instant as the sight of an armoured guard, armed with a sword, catches your attention. The guard didn't seem to mind your powerful collision with him; he didn't flinch or lose his balance in the least. He was still standing tall and firm in his position as a guard on duty.

You approach him and whisper, "Can you help me? I don't want to be near the raven-man, I want to go to Loki." You press your face up against the guard's helmet, which covers all but his eyes. "Please take me to Loki."

Yet he doesn't answer, and he disregards your requests for assistance.

The sudden sound of a voice coming from behind you startled you, and you swung around to look. "He isn't allowed to communicate with you, and breaking protocol will have him severely punished." Huggin's voice was deep, but his tone was soft.

Your panic prevents you from responding, and you instead stare at him in stunned silence. But your curiosity about your whereabouts was piqued; you couldn't help but have a quick glance at your surroundings.

You promptly refocused your attention on Huggin after hearing him shuffle on the spot. And although you wanted nothing more than to study your environment, you were reluctant to look away for too long. You knew that Odin's ravens were fast; it would be a foolish mistake to take your focus off of him completely. So as an alternative, you discreetly peered around using your side eyes.

A wide corridor greets you, the sides of which are lined with colourful flowers in elaborate vases. All of the windows were dressed in exquisite drapery, and the walls were adorned with regal oil paintings; the hallway alone was breathtaking.

You absorb every detail and realise that it brought to mind the ornate decor that Loki had crafted specifically for the church hall; the similarities were uncanny. The beauty of it all grabbed your attention, and now your eyes have drifted entirely away from Huggin.

You feel compelled to immediately visit the expansive window, as something about the place seems familiar. You quickly make a break towards it, Huggin hot on your heels.

Just as you approached the window, he seized hold of your waist, yet his touch was surprisingly light.

Feeling annoyed at the invasion of personal space, you snap, "Oi, get off of me; I'm just looking at the view," and he surprisingly releases his grip and allows you to continue window-gazing in peace. Albeit, while remaining in tight proximity.

You stare in astonishment as you take in the breathtaking scenery of the fantastical landscape. You squint into the distance, trying to make out what it is that you recognise.

"It's the colourful bridge!" Your body practically erupts with excitement as you exclaim at the sight of the mystical setting.

You were shocked at how realistic and precise your dream was. The golden dome was so large that even in the distance it was visible to you.

A whispered "Asgard" escapes your lips, your face in awe.

"Correct mortal, you are in Asgard, Odin's Palace to be exact," Huggin was so close to your back that his breath was felt against your skin as he spoke.

"Odin?..." You repeat to yourself in a low voice of confusion, "Loki's father....he wants to speak to me..." Your memory was gradually becoming less fuzzy.

You stare outside the window for a little longer before eventually turning to face Huggin. You were under the impression that your faces would be level as you spun around, but he's a full head taller, and the line of sight from your eyes leads directly into his toned chest.

You stiffen, feeling smaller than usual in comparison to his imposing stature. And as you cautiously lift your head to meet his raven face, he remains perfectly still, sensing your anxiousness.

However, it was as if all your reservations about him vanished the moment your eyes met his. And despite his intimidating physical appearance, his dark glassy eyes revealed a soft heart—a compassionate soul—that evoked feelings of kindness.

Your body relaxed right away, and after a brief moment of locked eyes, you felt a strong want to inspect more of his majestic form.

In contrast to Munnin, he did not appear to be decaying or repulsive in any way. His feathers were looked after and glossy and he had a general air of neatness about him. Not only did he not have Munnin's putrid odour; but his vile characteristics did not come across as being present in Huggin as well. He was overall, way less terrifying, which gave you a sense of admiration for the mythical creature, and a sudden compulsion to touch something so rare.

Feeling bold, you cautiously place your hand on his chest, surprised at how soft he felt. Closer inspection of his form revealed chiselled muscles and a six-pack hidden beneath not feathers, but dark bird fuzz. You smiled in surprise at the unexpected revelation. He did not resemble a bird nearly as much as was initially believed; rather, he hid a whole muscular human body beneath his feathers and plush avian fuzz.

Moving your hands absentmindedly over his torso, you marvel at his shape and size and note that his huge claws for feet are as powerful as they are terrifying.

It was clear that he took pride in his appearance and kept himself robust and fit. Munnin, on the other hand, was a sloth monster; his behaviour was the exact opposite. He didn't give a hoot about his ghastly appearance, which resembled decay, or his deathly stench.

"Have you had your fill of gawking and groping at my body, mortal?"

You jump at the sound of his voice, and immediately draw your hands away from his body; you keep forgetting he can talk.

You stare up at his raven face, "I am not...I was just.... Umm," you mumble feeling embarrassed. Taking a deep breath you composed yourself, "I was simply admiring your beauty."

Huggin shifts uncomfortably as if he were embarrassed by your compliment, and quickly diverted the subject of his body.

"Wherever I speak, you startle, why?"

"Forgive me, I forget that you can talk—given your beak and lack of lips — I'm sorry." you waffle, your face stained with embarrassment.

In an instant, his raven head abruptly morphed into that of a dashing man. You're in a state of disbelief and amazement at the remarkable metamorphosis, your gaze fixed on his human face as you try to make sense of the miraculous change.

You take a good look at him and are struck by his striking features: pale skin, long black hair that transitions into feathers halfway down, and deep amber eyes.

You murmur, "Beautiful," and a grin spreads across your face as you watch Huggin's cheeks begin to flush with a radiant glow.

After you had both remained staring at each other's face for a brief moment, he emits a small laugh and says, "As you can see, I have lips," adding, "and it is you that is beautiful, mortal."

Now you were the one to turn a bright pink, yet despite your bashfulness, you found yourself completely at ease in his company.

"A short while ago, we were at the church, where the atmosphere was charged with hostility, and despite my initial fear of you and your brother, I now find myself at peace with you," your lips curve up into a smile, "you're not nearly as scary as first led to believe."

Huggin's expression changed; his smile faded and he took on a sad, almost sorrowful, air. He remembered that you had lost your recent memories and that, as a result, you believed you had gone directly from the church to Asgard without stopping for a moment of agony at the hands of Munnin.

Although he was relieved that you had no recollection of the torture, he now felt regret that he had not questioned Munnin's motives. Not truly knowing the full extent of his depravity.

"I must say, I'm glad it was you who took me and not your brother, Munnin, he is clearly in need of help"

Huggin looked at you with even more remorse, "Help? ... You'd wish him to receive assistance after what he—" he paused, realising again that you were not aware of the atrocities Munnin committed against you. "You have a pure heart, mortal, I sense an unparalleled kindness from you." He adds.

"That's funny, I sensed the same about you," you admit with a smile, "a stark difference to how I feel about your brother, Munnin."

"You keep referring to him as my brother, but he is not."

You furrow your brows in confusion, "I'm sorry, I just assumed—"

"Ravens died out along time ago, and we are what is left. He is not my brother by blood, although, there was once a time we were close. Not anymore. He and I are indifferent"

"I'm truly sorry for the loss of your regal species," you look at him saddened, "It is a shame Munnin is not more like you. You have a goodness, a grandeur about you"

"He wasn't always...bad... he was once someone I looked up to. But ravens are not meant to live in solitude; we can die of such debilitating loneliness, and I firmly believe our extinction, and the loneliness that came with it changed him," he said lowly, before adding, "But I am neither good nor bad. I just follow orders. Hence, I do not interject with Munnin's choices. I only follow that of Odin, and I live to serve my master."

You wonder how his species had died out, but the look of misery and despair on his face makes you reluctant to ask. And not being able to make any decisions for himself and being alive just to serve another, painted a terrible picture of his existence.

It made you so sad to know this mythical being was nothing more than a slave to Odin. And despite having never met him, you have a negative impression about Odin as a ruler.

"I suppose the saying, 'free as a bird' doesn't apply to you" you instantly regret your dark humour.

At your remarks, a smile spread across his face. And With a gentle grasp on your chin, he says, "you're humorous, I see why Loki loves you."

"Oh yes, I'm just a bucket full of giggles most times"

He continues to smile at you, but this time he looks directly into your eyes and says, "A tortured soul needs laughter; it is the sound that draws them out of their own darkness."

You suddenly get the weird impression that he is about to kiss you. But knowing it was unlikely, you dismiss your feeling and awkwardly continue grinning, but,

Oh gods, he's moving closer...

Fuck, what do I do?

You hastily attempt to remove yourself from the vicinity of his dreamy gaze. However, Huggin was enjoying your timidness and decided to playfully box you in, making it more difficult for you to escape without touching him.

Realising that he was trying to play a game with you, you narrowed your eyes and flashed him a devious grin, determined to locate an exit without disturbing a single feather.

Huggin found it amusing to watch as you skilfully contort your body and shimmy away, smiling when you finally succeed in getting past him without so much as a single brush against his feathers.

You raise your arms in the air in a show of triumph and jubilation, and he couldn't help but grin at your victory.

Just then the guard makes an announcement, "King Odin will see her now."

You immediately feel terrified as though fear has grasped you with both hands. You look at Huggin, your eyes showing your anxiousness.

"It is not just a pure heart I see in you, but great strength too. Zap into that courage, and do not be scared," Huggin's sweet words surprisingly eased your nervousness. "Now, let us make haste, Odin does not like to be kept waiting." He added.

Huggin remains close to your side as he guided you guides you towards the large golden doors, the entrance to Odin's throne room.

As you stop and wait for them to open, Huggin turns to face you, "Remember, I have lips, so do not be startled should I be ordered to talk" Huggin's handsome face fades and his raven mask resides once more.

You force a smile but the thought of Odin exerting control over his every action and word has left you feeling sorrowful. He was really a caged bird.

"You should never be commanded when to speak or not to speak. You always have a voice, one I hope to hear more often"

"Thank you....Mina" he said your name in an upbeat tone, "perhaps you are here to pull more than one tortured soul from the darkness"

You smile genuinely this time and even though your can't see his mouth, you can sense he's grinning underneath his raven exterior too.

"Thank you for using my name, and not simply mortal this time."

At catching a whiff of a vile odour, you were overcome with a wave of nauseating disgust. It was followed by the sound of a familiar voice which made your body stiffen up.

"What is this, then, bonding? Oh, Huggin, had I known you took interest in females, I'd have shared all of mine with you. Granted at first they were hesitant to lay with me, but a little persuasion does wonders, and they soon spread their legs wide, like the pretty little slut slaves they were."

Munnin's words dripped from his mouth like hot vomit, and the sight of him sent chills down your spine.

"Enough, Munnin!" Huggin scolds.

Munnin inched closer to your side, and you reacted by moving nearer to Huggin in order to avoid him. He glared at you when he witnessed your reaction, and in a fit of rage, he gripped your arm and squeezed it tight. You tensed your body, holding in a pained wail as you didn't want to give him the satisfaction of hearing you scream.

His nails dug in and pierced your skin just before Huggin promptly swung you away from his firm grasp, positioning you on his other side instead.

Just before the doors opened, Munnin peered over to you and said, "I have an opening for another slut slave; I have reserved it just for you, dear." Your face grimaced at the thought, and Huggin quickly took hold of your hand and gave you a reassuring squeeze. The exchange further aggravated Munnin.

"Open the damn doors now!" He snarled angrily.

Slowly, the massive ornate doors opened, and a rush of anxiety washed over you again, prompting you to start picking at your fingernails. However, another one of Huggin's gentle squeezes stopped you, and now, as the doors swing open all the way, you're standing tall with your arms at your sides.

You feel the slight sting of the minor wound Munnin gave you, and now blood trickles down your arm as the three of you enter the hall. When you walk, tiny drops of blood fall on the ground behind you, but it goes unnoticed.

In spite of the temptation to gaze around and bask in the opulence of the royal hall, you force yourself to keep your gaze fixed ahead and move with robotic precision.

You halt at the sight of the magnificent staircase that ascends to the king's throne. Your gaze rises to the luxurious seat of power and sees Odin proudly perched atop it, his manner displaying wealth and authority.

He rises silently from his opulent throne, and with his one eye narrowing in on you, he booms, "So this is the mortal who has taken Loki's heart."