Trapped

Fifty-Two

Even as other deities spoke their praise for Loki's actions, for the way he'd 'mastered' the fight despite getting that severely injured, Loki found himself shutting down. He hated the praise, hated it because they still didn't seem to realise that he'd managed only because he'd been used to being broken, never this severe, but severe enough to work through the pain, to ignore it, embrace it, to the point of such complete exhaustion that the attacks won over his ability to handle them.

Mira stayed with him, unsure it seemed of Thor's new role just as he was, watching the former God of Thunder, now leader of two pantheons, melt into the role with such terrifying ease it was concerning. More so when it went with the bursts of anger he recognised from Odin.

Gently he turned Mira to face him, "I know you blame him... but he tried, he blocked most of the attack from hitting me directly, I don't think either of us expected Odin to come for me as hard as he did, but if Thor hadn't stepped in... I don't think there would've been a body for me to reconnect to. Don't be too mad, he didn't fail me, he did the best he could."

It mattered to him, it mattered that she knew Thor had done a great deal trying to protect him from Odin's great attack.

Though she nodded, she seemed doubtful, perhaps as bothered as he was to find Thor socialising with the other deities as he sank into the role he'd been given.

Loki smiled, "You know if you went to him, you'd have his undivided attention, don't you darling?"

It bothered him that she was so insecure about her own position.

Mira's eyes briefly widened as if surprised, but then she wrapped her arms around him. Loki grinned at this, even as he returned the embrace after just a moment, "I promise I'll linger, go on."

He had been about to joke he wouldn't die in the one minute apart, but it seemed too soon to jest. He meant it though, she didn't need to stay with him if she'd rather go to Thor, talk to him and figure out what his new role meant for all of them.

Loki's gaze travelled to Thor as he wondered briefly about the powers Thor had been granted and how they might benefit Mira.

Technically, Thor was now in control, meaning if he wanted to undo the claim and return Mira to her own life, he could. Loki would give Thor a day to realise it himself and then tell her, or he would.

Mira might choose not to want to return, but she should have that choice.

He watched as Mira moved to Thor, wanting his company, wanting to speak to him. He turned away from them to find a chair for himself, one mostly in the shadows. He could've rolled his eyes at himself, he was meant to shake these habits, but he just seemed unable to.

His gaze lingered on them, satisfied as Thor turned his full attention to Mira, even guiding them away from the other deities so that she didn't have to worry about saying the wrong thing or anyone interrupting. Good, Thor was learning.

Loki settled into the shadows, his thoughts wandering to his moments spent in the afterlife. It had been brief, but he'd landed in the worst part of Helheim where suffering and pain were the most common constant presence. When he'd wondered why he was there, Hel had told him it was because souls ended up where they believed they belonged. Apparently, somehow, Odin's torment had become such a part of him that it followed him to the afterlife.

A shiver coursed through him, a residual echo of the chilling experience he'd endured in Helheim that had felt like forever when in truth it must've been mere moments.

The notion that his subconscious belief aligned with Odin's torments was unsettling, raising questions about the deeper recesses of his psyche. He couldn't help but ponder if this was a consequence of his constant torment by Odin, a reflection of instilled beliefs, couldn't help but wonder if that could possibly change.

Lost in his contemplation, Loki barely noticed when someone approached him, their presence pulling him out of his reverie. It was Freya, her eyes soft with concern as she regarded him.

"Loki," she said gently, "are you alright?"

He managed a small, wry smile, "As alright as one can be after dying and reviving, I suppose."

Freya sat beside him, her presence of light discomfort but he refused to send her away. He was trying to be different, to give them chances. He glanced at her as she spoke again, "I heard what you said to Mira. You're too hard on yourself, you know. Thor may have intervened, but your resilience saved you as much as his actions did."

Loki's smile faltered, touched by her words, "It's difficult to see it that way when I feel like I'm constantly fighting against the shadows of my past."

She reached out, her hand resting on his arm and he jerked at the sudden unexpected touch despite trying not to. She withdrew his hand, smiling sadly, "You've come so far, Loki. Don't let the ghosts of yesterday overshadow the progress you've made. We see you now. It's time to see yourself, too."

Her words struck a chord within him, stirring a sense of determination amidst the turmoil of his thoughts. For so long, he had been defined by Odin's lies and imposed role, but perhaps it was time to embrace the possibility of true change. "Thank you, Freya," he murmured, genuine gratitude colouring his tone.

She nodded lightly, her eyes shifting to Thor and Mira, "Trust them too, you will need them, as they will need you."

Loki nodded in understanding, but said nothing more so Freya left him be for which he was grateful.

A light smile teased at his lips as his focus returned to Thor and Mira, the way Thor made her smile so easily, gently coaxing her closer until he could kiss her with ease. Whatever the case, Mira couldn't seem to stay mad at the blond God too long.

TBC...