Beyla - Loki

Ghost at the Window

Suddenly, Jane's eyes flew open, a faint red glow flickering within them. The Aether had claimed her. Rising stiffly, she looked ahead, her voice distant and hollow.
"Malekith."

After landing their ship, Thor, Loki, and Jane moved cautiously across the blackened terrain until Malekith and his army came into view in the distance.

"Alright," Thor said quietly. "Are you ready?"

Jane gave a small nod.

Loki smirked. "I am."

They rose from their hiding place on the hill, Malekith's gaze quickly catching them. Loki's voice was low, edged with sarcasm.
"You do realize this plan of yours is going to get us killed."

Thor exhaled. "Yes. Possibly."

Loki held up his shackled hands. "And still you don't trust me, brother?"

Thor met his brother's eyes, searching. "Would you?"

"No," Loki replied with a sly twist of his lips.

Thor released the cuffs, and in a sudden motion, Loki drove a dagger into Thor's side and hurled him down the slope. Loki stalked after him, cold and cruel.
"You think I cared about Frigga? About any of you?" He kicked Thor hard in the stomach. "All I ever wanted was for you and Odin to lie dead at my feet!"

Thor gasped in pain, reaching out for Mjolnir, but before he could summon it, Loki slashed across his wrist-severing his hand. Thor's cry of agony echoed across the dark sand. Jane ran to his side, but Loki seized her roughly, dragging her forward to face Malekith.

"Malekith! I am Loki of Jotunheim, and I bring you a gift." He flung Jane at the dark elf's feet. "All I ask in return... is a good seat from which to watch Asgard burn-with my beloved at my side."

Algrim's eyes narrowed. "He is an enemy of Asgard. He was locked away in the dungeons."

Malekith approached Thor, forcing him onto his back with the tip of his boot before lifting Jane easily into the air. He drew the Aether from her body, the dark energy writhing as it tore itself free. Jane let out a strangled cry as visions of Earth flooded her mind, before collapsing limply to the ground.

Thor's voice rang out, sharp. "Loki-now!"

The illusion broke in an instant. Thor's hand was intact, his ruse revealed. Mjolnir shot into his grip, lightning erupting toward the Aether. The blast struck true, but instead of shattering, the Aether twisted and flowed directly into Malekith, who absorbed it whole. His form darkened, his power multiplied. He turned to leave for his ship.

Thor rushed at the nearest elves, cutting them down swiftly, but Algrim hurled a vortex grenade into the air. Jane was shoved clear just as the weapon pulled at Loki, dragging him toward the collapse. Thor lunged and caught him at the last second, yanking him free.

Thor charged Algrim but was overpowered, driven to the ground. Loki, grim and determined, thrust his blade into Algrim's back. The cursed warrior turned with a snarl and dragged Loki onto the protruding blade, impaling him through the chest.

"No!" Thor roared, his voice breaking.

Algrim staggered forward, mocking through gritted teeth. "See you in Hel, monster."

But he looked down too late. Fastened to the blade was his own vortex grenade. The weapon detonated in a violent implosion, consuming him utterly.

Thor crawled to Loki, who was shuddering violently on the black sand. "No. No, no, no! You fool-you didn't listen!"

Loki tried to smile, his lips trembling. "I know. I'm a fool." His breaths came ragged. "Stay with me, brother. Beyla is waiting for you."

"I'm sorry," Loki whispered, his voice breaking.