The aches from your stiff body pulls you out of a deep sleep.

You groggily turn to your side, but with your stiff rigid muscles in pain, turning was no easy feat.

You blink your eyes open, seeing that you're in the healing room. You force yourself to sit up on the bed, your legs hanging over the edge.

Looking around, you found it odd no one was in the room with you. No sign of Loki, Thor, or any healers. You gently lower yourself down, placing your feet on the floor as you hold onto the bed for support.

Your knees wobble as you adjust to standing. You wonder how long you've been asleep, your legs were so stiff that weight bearing was difficult. It must've been a while.

You let go of the bed, your body feeling tight but stable. You stretch your legs, and then your arms, loosening up your joints.

You slowly walk towards a full length mirror and look at your reflection. You were struck aghast at the sight of you.

You hair was dishevelled, your face showing scrapes and cuts. You lift the ugly 'dress' that covers your body, the hospital gown very loose and unflattering. It reminded you of a potato sack.

"Great, I'm a lumpy potato in a royal palace" you murmur to yourself feeling irked

You lift up your gown and notice bruises, even your back was littered with deep purple marks. You were struck at how many there were, the fall and harsh landing likely to blame.

You pull your shoulder free from the fabric, your deep wound from Munnin sealed but still sore and healing.

You roam the room, hoping to find some clothes, anything better than wearing a burlap sack.

You huffed in annoyance finding nothing. Giving up in defeat, you decided to grow accustom to your brown rags.

You walk to the doorway, peaking your head around the corner, looking both ways down the palace hall.

Two guards lay their back against the wall opposite, they notice your movement, suddenly becoming startled as they eye you.

They shuffle, standing upright and alert, embarrassed they were caught lounging.
You ignore them, and walk in the direction of Loki's chambers, hoping to find him.

You hear footsteps behind you as you walk, you turn around and see the two guards walking in succession with each other. Going in the same direction as you.

You continue your stride and walk ahead, this time a little faster. Their footsteps pick up pace, getting closer to you.

You start to jog, your heart racing. The noisy clank of their metal armour getting louder as they too started to run, almost catching up to you.

You stop abruptly and spin your body around.

"Why are you following me?!" you snap annoyed

The two guards halted, looking wide eyed at you, then at each other, unsure who should speak first.

"Well? I'm waiting... answer me, why are you following me?"

"Princess we have orders to watch over you, and instruct you should you wake, to make your way to the library"

"Im going to Loki's chambers, I wish for a shower and a new dress" you say sternly

"No!" they both yell in unison

You cross your arms and glare at them "and why not?"

They look at you nervously "Loki's chambers are off limits, another room is prepared for you, you'll find clothes and washing facilities within" they say sheepishly

You narrow your eyes, wondering why that room is prohibited.

"Fine, then take me to Loki'

They both exhale as though on edge, you see their hands twist around their spears as their body tenses. They're unsure how to proceed with an answer.

You look at them questioningly, getting impatient for a reply.

"Loki is....." the guard hesitates trying to think of the correct word

"He's indisposed" cuts in the other guard 

"Yes, indisposed, that's right" the first guard says, seemingly approving of that answer.

You squint your eyes unconvinced and now very eager to get to Loki.

You move your head to look behind them, you wave and smile "Hello King Odin" you say loudly.

The two guards swiftly turn around and bow, thinking their King has approached.

Your distraction worked, you turned on the ball of your feet and made a quick dash down the hall in the direction of Loki's room.

You look back grinning, they still bow awaiting a command from their king to rise. You chuckle as you dart through the hall rounding a corner where Loki's bedroom resides.

Your giggling smile subsides when you hear screaming. You abruptly stop in your tracks,
your heart leaped and panic overrode your senses.

You anxiously stepped closer to Loki's door, your arms holding on to the doorframe as you placed your ear against the door.

A sudden loud wail shot out, you didn't need to be near the door to hear it. The shrills were blaring.

You blink through tears as you recognise the voice "Loki" you utter under your trembling breath.

You suddenly hear the familiar clanking of metal, the guards have caught up and rush towards you.

"Princess please, do not go inside!" Their command sounding almost pleading.

You see them inch towards you, you push aside your apprehension, you don't want to regret not being quick enough to enter the room should you get caught by the guards.

You quickly turn the handle and push it open.

You breathed in a stuttered gasp, your hand covering your mouth as your eyes welled with more tears. You felt completely unprepared for the scene in front of you.

You stepped into the room, mindlessly moving  towards Loki who lay curled over. His arms clutch at his body tight, balled within the middle of his bed.

You come to the edge of the mattress, and see the pillows torn open, feathers scattered all around the room. The duvet ripped and discarded on the floor.

Loki has balled himself on the white sheet, stained with blood.

Your focus is solely on Loki, on the anguished state he's in. You don't notice Thor who sits in the corner of the room, slumped over with his head in his hands.

You slowly climb onto the bed, crawling towards Loki. The mattress dips, causing Loki's body to move involuntary towards you. His head snapped up, his bloodshot eyes piercing into your soul.

He was frozen in place as he stared at you wide eyed. Scared to move incase the apparition of you disappeared.

"Loki" you whisper

He gasped a breath, his brows raised.

"Mina! Get away from him!" Thor yelled in a fear stricken panic

Your head turned quickly in his direction as you remain on all fours. Looking at him in confusion.

Suddenly you feel your arms pulled, causing your body to fall flat on the mattress. Loki flips you onto you back and pulls you against his body.

He retreats against the headboard, holding you hostage in his arms. His grip tightens around your chest as Thor steps forward.

"Stay back!... don't come any closer!"

Loki's eyes narrow, glaring at his brother.

You look around the room, only just realising the utter state it was in. Loki's usually neat and tidy room looked like a tornado blew through it, the chaos of the wind leaving carnage in its wake.

The drapes in tatters, still hanging crookedly from the window. Fine oil paintings defaced, the frames broken. Books are torn from their spine, the pages covering the floor of the room.

"Loki just let her go, she's not safe with you in this state" Thor pleads

You feel Loki's chest rise and fall in spasms against your back, you claw at his arm trying to loosen his grip. His arms compress your chest more and more as he gets angry.

"Loki, I can't breath" you say, finding it harder and harder to catch a breath.

"I woke up cuffed in shackles, chained to the bed. You kept her from me!"Loki yelled at Thor, hot with anger and not hearing your voice.

"She was recovering in the ward, in a deep state of sleep. Her wounds almost killed her Loki! I explained this to you"

"And you didn't allow me near her, she needed me! I needed to be with her!" Loki growled possessed "she's not leaving me....you're not preventing me from her again!..she's mine!"

Your chest was now so tightly squeezed and deprived from air, your vision began to slowly close in. The room started to get smaller as every side dispersed into black.

You hear their voices still arguing getting further and further away as you suffocate in Loki's tight grip.

The room fades, your eyes closing as you drift into the big sleep.

———

Your eyes suddenly open, you stand in the middle of a long narrow hallway. No windows, no doors. The lights in the ceiling annoyingly flickering off and on.

You look in both directions, unsure of where you are or where to go.

"Loki" you call out warily

You ran in both directions, but no matter how much your legs move, you remain rooted in the same spot.
You were stuck in the middle, no end in sight.

You stop trying to run, it was pointless and futile.

You gaze all around, your eyes darting to every detail trying to pinpoint where you could be. The hall is so minimalist, and void of any decoration. You simply had no clue.

Panic begins to consume you, as you exhaust all ideas. Sweat started to pool on your brow, the elongated hall getting warmer.

Having no windows, and no fresh air, the large hall seemed to get smaller, making you feel claustrophobic.

You yell out continuously, your throat sore, and your voice raspy as you become dehydrated.
The only voices you hear is you own echoing back to you.

You feel yourself getting weaker, your body swaying as the warm air encompasses all around you.

You couldn't hold your weight anymore, you give up standing and sit with your legs folded, feeling irritated as even the floor underneath you was warm. It was torture, akin to being in an oven.

You rest your head in your hands, bunched over. So much sweat dripping from your forehead, it made your face slide from your hands.

Suddenly you hear a voice from behind. You quickly stand and turn to face the person who spoke. Relief overcame you, so thankful to see another person.

A women looks at you surprised, unbelieving that you're there. 

You take in her sight, tall, sleek black hair, pale skin with striking green eyes. She was beautiful, her aura that of a Goddess. You gawk at her, hoping she can help you.

Her bewildered expression morphs into a smirk, she's enjoying that you stare at her form, the awe in your eyes evident.

She struts confidently towards you, you freeze on the spot as she circles around you, her fiery gaze drinking in your curves.

"So you came here, I must admit I didn't believe you would, or could for that matter. But here you are" her voice silky smooth

You look at her questioningly, your expression puzzled.

She chuckled "you have no idea where you are do you?" She grinned

You shook your head unable to speak.

She drew in close, lifting your chin with her polished fingernail. "Welcome to Hell little Dove"

Your eyes grew wide as shock exploded within you. You stumbled back, shaking your head profusely.

"No, no.. this can't be. If I'm here then... then that means"

"You died" she smiled

Your mind replayed your last moments alive. Loki tormented with withdrawals from the potion, possessively squeezing the air from your lungs, unknowingly killing you.

Your mouth gaped open as you struggled to come to terms with it all.

You suddenly hear voices, whispers that got louder and louder coming from the direction behind you.

You turn and look, but see nothing. Another voice booms out, this time you see the vibrations of the voice rattle down the hall.

More and more loud mumbled yells come through, you watch in amazement as you visibly see the ripples move down the walls of the hall and go right through you.

With each echo that travels through your body, you feel a jolt, a beat of your heart.

You feel inclined to walk, to follow the voice that calls you, your feet moving instinctively.

Arms suddenly wrap around your waist, pulling you in softly. "Where are you going little dove, you're going the wrong way. Come it's this way"

Your confused state meant you were lured easily by her velvety voice.

She turns you around in the opposite direction, her arms hold onto your waist guiding you down the narrow hall. You're no longer stuck, moving and getting to the end with ease. A red door appearing at the very bottom of the hall.

"Mina please, come back to me! Please don't slip away, don't let this be the end!"

You spin around looking to the other side, you heard Loki's voice clearly. His hurt and anguished voice pleading for you to come back to him.

You walk a few steps heading towards his cry's but she grips your hand.

You look back at her, "let me go, I shouldn't be here, Loki calls me" you say plainly, feeling something isn't right.

Her soft expression turns to a glare, her annoyed anger showing.

"Loki killed you! ...why go back to him? Stay here with me. We can rule Hell together, me and you"

You narrow your eyes dubiously " It was an accident, and I don't even no who you are!" your tone now irked, and raised.

She walks closer, closing the gap between you both. You feel her warm sweet breath on your skin as she finally introduced herself.

"I'm Hela, ruler of the underworld. Stay with me, and be my Goddess, my Queen" her supple lips grazing lightly over yours.

You stare dumbfounded at Hela, unmoving and rooted in place as she continued trying to entice you. Her hand placed at the lower of your back.

"You mean everything to me! PLEASE! Don't leave me!" Loki's pleas so loud it vibrated the entire hall.

The walls wobbled, as though they were made from paper. His cry's desperate, full of despair.

Hela gazes into your eyes as her grip on you tightened. She felt your eagerness to leave.

You felt your determination rise up, Loki's voice filling you with will power.

You wriggled out of her embrace, darting towards Loki's voice. Sprinting as fast as you can go down the hallway, you don't look back, fearing she was right behind you.

A white door suddenly appeared at the end of the hall, you extend your arms to reach the handle twisting it.

The door swings open, your hair flowing in all directions as a vacuum like wind emanated from it.

You look back feeling her eyes on you. Fear suddenly spreading inside you like a wild fire, the sight truly terrifying.

There she stands, upright in black and green skin tight leathers. A black pointed crown sitting heavy atop her head. The surrounds no longer a hall, but a place of torment.

Her feet placed firmly on molten rock, blazing fire spitting up from the pits of Hell like a hot spring.

She smirks as deafening screams of the damned souls boom from behind her. Her eyeballs roll back, the agonising wails creating pleasureful sensations within her body.

"See you again, Little Dove" her twisted smile matched her darkened eyes, relishing your look of absolute horror.

Your body is suddenly sucked though the white door.

Your vision filled with a bright white light.

———-

You dart up gasping for air, your chest hurting as you struggle to take a breath. You flutter your lashes and see Loki coming into focus.

"Breathe sweetheart, short steady breaths" Loki says, his voice full of relief.

"Don't crowd her Loki, give her space" Thor says

"She should be fine son, but that was very close"

You recognise the female voice, your gaze travels in the direction of the sound. You see Queen Frigga standing tall. Her hand planted firmly on Loki's shoulder.

Loki kneels down next to you, his hands gripping yours, not wanting to let go.

"I'm sorry my love, please forgive me" Loki begs, holding your hands and kissing them all over.

His face was tired, worn, and pained. His hair dishevelled and scraggly. His eyes displaying dark bags under them.

"What happened?" you ask, your voice hoarse and dry.

"You don't remember?" Thor says skeptically

You look at Thor, pondering your last memory.

You had no recollection of Hela, and the underworld. Your memory completely erased once you came back to the living. The last thing you remember was collapsing in Thor's arms after Munnin's escape.

"I, I was wounded by Munnin. I remember feeling weak from blood loss. Loki was exhausted and asleep after saving Fenrir..."

"You're right, you was injured by Munnin. Your blood loss nearly costing you your life. My mother had to put you into a deep sleep in order for you to heal well" Thor says

You look at Frigga "how long was I asleep?"

"Almost a week" Frigga replies

"A very long week without you, I was going crazy with worry" Loki admits

You cup Loki's face and smile "I'm here now love"

Loki's eyes filled with tears, his body hunched over, collapsing his head into your lap.

You feel his body shake as he weeps, his arms wrapped around your waist pulling his upper body into your lap.

You smooth his hair "sssh, it's okay love, I'm here now. I won't ever be away from you"

"Mina, you died. Your heart stopped. Loki with the help of my mother brought you back"

Your head snapped to Thor, Loki still buried his head into your lap. Not wanting to hear or see your reaction.

"But you said I was put into a sleep to heal, I survived Munnin's affliction" you say confused

Loki sits up, his eyes red and raw from his weeping.

He cups your face talking frantically, "I didn't mean it, I swear. I'm sick, I admit that now. It was the Potion, it made me detached and disorientated. I didn't no my own strength, couldn't feel myself doing it, I'm sorry sweetheart, forgive me please, please!"

You look at Loki's pleading eyes full of shame and guilt.

"What did you do Loki?" you ask wearily, afraid of the answer.

Loki swallows hard, his mouth parched, his lips cracked and dry. "I didn't mean to" his stomach in knots, too afraid to admit what he did.

"Didn't mean to do what?!" your voice now louder, your heart rate rising in fear and anticipation you wasn't entirely sure which one.

Loki looked at you full of dread, anguish evident on his face " To kill you"

You gasp, shock overcoming you. Your mind begins to swirl, suddenly feeling sick.

"You stopped my heart, you killed me" you say stunned, choking back tears.

You needed fresh air. Time alone to think, to process everything.

You pull away from Loki, Thor helping you stand up.

Loki looks up at you from his knee's, suddenly curling his arms around your waist. Not wanting to let you go.

"I healed you, I brought you back after realising what I did. I'm sorry, please Kitten, don't leave me"

His grip on you tightened.

"Loki please I just want some air" you say feeling crowded.

His hands refused to detach, he doesn't listen to your pleas, your voice going on deaf ears again.

You pull on his arms, "I just need to go outside, I need some space...  please Loki" your tone showing your upset and getting ruffled.

"Leave her go Loki" Frigga says, pulling on Loki's shoulder.

Loki brushes his mothers arm off, continuing to grip you, convinced if he lets go you'll never come back.

Thor see's your frustrated glazed eyes, your anxiousness, finding it hard to take in a breath.

He quickly rips Loki away, forcefully detaching him from your body. Queen Frigga guiding you outside the room as Thor subdues a frantic Loki.

"Darling girl please, come back, stay with me, forgive me. My love, I need you. PLEASE!!" his wails loud and rambling once again.

His deep hurt seeing you leave the room triggering his darkness, he grabs at Thor, trying to squeeze his neck, an evil grin plastered on his face.

Thor breaks away, Loki being too weak made him no match for Thor.

Thor threw loki back on the bed, placing the magic binding bracelet back on his ankle. He restrained his wrists in cuffs, the long chains fastened to the wall above the bed.

"Let me go you bloody Oaf, you imbecile, go run to father, bow down and kiss his boots, you lackey! you complete fool of a slave god!"

Loki pulls on his restraints causing his skin to tear, his warm blood splattering the already bloodied white sheet.

He screamed in anger once more before a sudden strike of pain shot through his body. His back arched in an unnatural pose, the intense pain paralysing his ability to talk, only agonising shrieks escaped him.

Your head snapped towards the palace, hearing Loki's pained wails from the garden.

You shot up, standing. Ready to get back to Loki.

"Sit please, calm your mind before going back to him dear. It will be no easy task, being around him while he goes through physical and mental torture"

Frigga's eyes scrunched closed, her face saddened and hurt as yet another shrill echoes out into the garden.

You knew she was right, you had to be more prepared. Your naivety literally got you killed.

You shouldn't have wandered so mindlessly towards Loki, berating yourself for not giving thought to the messy surrounds, Loki's unkept and tormented appearance. You missed the red flags, letting your emotions for Loki cloud your focus. You were partially to blame for your own death, with your lack of awareness.

"Will he recover?" your voice wary, afraid of the answer.

"I hope so..." Queen Frigga says lowly, her hand grasping yours, squeezing it firmly "He needs you, if he feels he's lost you, his will to fight will diminish. Please.....save my son" she gazes at you, her eyes filled with pleading.

Your heart dropped, at that moment you knew it was a high chance of Loki never recovering. If Queen Frigga, a Goddess of healing was asking a mere mortal to help save her son. It meant things were bad, you needed to be strong for Loki. You needed to forgive him, making sure he feels it's genuine.

"He will get though this, his mind will not succumb to the dark insanity. I won't allow it!" you say adamantly.

Queen frigga gently cups your face with her palm. Her thumb smoothing over your cheekbone. She forces a sad smile, praying deep down you were right.

"You truly are his fated one, I wish it would have been easier for you both. But it never comes easy for Loki, it never has. My poor son, cursed with bad luck. I do not wish his end to be this way, not when he's only just started to live.....you, you make him alive. What a life he would have with you by his side. The happiness he deserves, the love he's always craved. Given freely by you"

Frigga leaned her forehead against yours and sighed. "What ever happens, thank you for letting him feel truly loved"

You feel Frigga's body shake as she weeps, her sobs becoming uncontrollable.
She pulls away from you, her eyes red, soaked with tears and heavily pained.

She looks at your body wiping her tears "oh dear I'm sorry, how I allowed you to stay in this awful looking sack. Allow me" she waved her hand over your hospital gown transforming it into a beautiful dress. She even styled your messy hair, half in intricate braids, while leaving the rest cascade down in waves.

"Your beauty can indeed pull off that awful burlap sack, but your beauty also demands the finer things in life. I hope you like this dress dear"

She blinked away her tears before quickly kissing your cheek. Moving with haste back into the palace.

You admired your dress then sighed. You know the Queen left quickly because she didn't want you to witness her cry.

You felt sorry for the Queen, never able to fully express herself, to cry and show emotion for fear of being called weak. She was the Allfathers wife, the Queen of Asgard, she had a reputation to uphold. 
She was a strong Queen, and had to always be seen as such.

You were tasked with keeping Loki's spirits alive, while trying to remain positive. Knowing he may never recover to how he was. The steady ache of doubt built inside you, questioning your self.

How am I supposed to hide my own apprehension. My own sadness and grief. I need support too, I'm not strong enough. You think to yourself, your mind and heart filled with self doubt.

"I need Fenrir, I need my son" you mutter underneath your breath.

You suddenly wondered where he was, finding it odd he wasn't waiting outside the healing rooms for you. He usually never leaves your side when healing.

You whistle, the loud audible call that makes him alerted. It beckons him to come immediately.

You stand and wait, listening for his loud thumping paws. You furrow your brows, walking around the gardens continuing to whistle.

"Fenrir!" you yell out, your tone now worried

You whistle again.

"Hello Flower"

You turn around startled by the sudden voice.

Huggin looks at you, his raven head replaced with his beautiful human face.

You smile, running up to Huggin and jumping into his hug. You missed your friend.

You feel Huggin wrap his arms around your waist, pulling you into his body.
You pull your face from him, gazing in his amber eyes.

"I've missed you, how are you? When did you get back?"

Huggin was sent to help Queen frigga, to ease the friction with the realms.

He looked at you surprised.. "you missed me?"
You roll your eyes smiling "of course! my dear friend"

Huggin beamed, cupping your cheek. "I came as soon as I heard Munnin was found. Im sorry I wasn't here when he hurt you" he said with shame

You place your hand over his that still rests on your face "hey, it's okay. Munnin is dead. It's over now. But Loki needs help. I need to help him"

Huggin looks at you confused. You see his apprehension, a sudden feeling of dread filling you.

"He is dead isn't he?...he was caught, Thor got him. He was killed surely? Right?" your voice anxious

"Odin would never allow him to be killed flower, Munnin's knowlegde is vast, he's learned a lot of things over the years. Secrets and locations of rare items that Odin desperately wants. He's bargained for his life, he'll remain in the dungeons guarded until the end of his days"

You look at Huggin shocked "he's here? within the palace!" your breathing becoming fast 

"He's heavily guarded, you don't need to worry. Focus on Loki, he needs to be well"

You breathe out, "you're right. Loki is priority right now"

You whistle again, irritated and worried that Fenrir isn't with you.

"Don't you know?" Huggin says gripping your wrist

You look at him afraid "no what?!"

"Odin locked Fenrir away, Loki kept whistling, calling him to set him free from his restraints. Fenrir injured many guards, almost coming to a full on battle with Thor. Loki ordering Fenrir to hurt anyone who gets in his way"

"No!" you yell in shock

"Loki was wicked and deranged, you were asleep healing, I'm truly glad you didn't witness it. Fenrir had to be taken away flower, it was the only way to stop Loki using Fenrir's strength to continue to break free"

"Loki broke free from his restraints?" you gasp

Huggin looked at you surprised "how much have they not told you? ... you've missed a lot. Yes with Fenrir's help he certainly did escape, many times in fact. We had to move you to another healing ward, which made Loki believe you were dead. You can imagine his outrage and fury, the palace had to be evacuated as he went on a dark menacing spree, but then came his grief and depression. Thinking you were gone made him a danger to himself, Thor found him digging two graves, completely lost in his grief. Placing himself in the grave, a dagger at the ready. A note left to Thor instructing him to bury your body next to his, under the pink blossom tree"

Your eyes grew wide like saucers, your expression horrified. "My Poor Loki!"

"Spare some sympathy for us who had to track the raving madman down, along with an equally charged up wolf!" Huggin said unamused

"Where is Fenrir now? he'll stay by my side and listen to me, I can explain clearly" you say desperation in your voice.

Huggin noticed your eagerness  "Follow me"

He grips your hand, walking fast with you inside the palace.

"Be warned Flower, he's not the loveable full bellied pup who likes tickles anymore. He's enraged"

You walk nervously down long steps, heading towards a make shift dungeon. The original palace dungeon not wide enough to house a large wolf.

Huggin explained odin's vault was the only place big enough to fit a large electrified cage.

Huggin cleared you past the guards, the guards not allowing you down without him.

"Why am I not allowed in the vault?" you question

"No one is, bar a few. I'm only allowed because I've been placed in charge of Fenrir. Although I'm not allowed to venture further than his cage. So be wary, don't go past the red line. Odins treasures are beyond that point"

You nod your head in agreement, yet couldn't help but feel curious, wanting to know what he keeps locked up away from prying eyes.