Goddess of Light

Chapter 68 ~ Putting on a Show

The sun had sunk below the sea line, meaning that a cooler air had crept into the hall meaning the blankets that had been handed around and the many fires that were dotted throughout were the only sources of heat, besides Maja's interesting abilities.

She gathered us around a fire that she lit and began to explain her plan, which was rather well thought out considering how little time she would have had to come up with the details.

Her idea was that a team would sneak into the village to attempt to rescue as many people from Hela's rampage as they could while trying to not get themselves killed.

They would herd a few people at a time through the forest and up into the mountains, to safety.

I, on the other hand, had to distract my scary big sister.

Maja thought it might be a good idea to scope out her plans (other than the obvious desire to take over the universe) and pretend to play on her side. Essentially, I had to convince her that evil ran in the family and I was more than happy to kneel and kiss her feet. Obviously, in reality, I would rather stab myself in the eye than succumb to her rule.

It had already been proven in the past that I am a hopeless actress. So, I was a little sceptical over the success rate of the plan due to myself being the weak link but so far, we didn't have a better plan.

Myself and the team were supposed to leave at dawn so we still had to endure the freezing cold hall for a few hours and gather some energy for the day ahead, but I couldn't sleep because as soon as I closed my eyes I would think of what and more importantly, who I was missing.

Images of Aurora, James and Steve kept creeping into my thoughts and how much I missed them, even though it hadn't even been 24 hours since I had left.

It reminded me just how important it was that I returned home. And that meant I had to survive, which, right now, seemed to be a long shot.

I had no idea how tomorrow would pan out and whether I would actually be able to fool someone who has probably spent my whole lifetime, resenting me.

As my brother says, "How hard could it be?"

***

I was awoken the next morning with a start from the keen Maja, who couldn't be more excited about the escapades, reminding me of a younger and naive version of myself. Sinikka packed a few essentials for the team that was relocating the stragglers left in the village.

I did worry that once Hela figured that the city was somewhat deserted, that everyone had relocated and that she would find everyone in the mountains and kill them all but I guess my task was to prevent that from happening.

If only Loki had been the one to end up here instead of me. He is the best at deception, obviously, and he was much likelier to perform well.

I travelled with the others through the forest and along the river that lead back to the town before separating from the pack and travelling towards my old home, the palace.

"It will be fine." Maja tried to encourage me with a tantalising smile. "You will be great."

"Please stay safe. I don't need your untimely death on my conscience." I smiled back.

"That will be a piece of cake. I won't let you down. I promise." She chimed, full of hope and light. She then bounded off, towards the progressing group, with a skip in her step. She was clearly in her element.

Since Hela's arrival, a new shadow has been cast over Asgard and especially the palace. It looked glum and gloomy compared to the last time I saw it. It was as if the building itself was unhappy with its inhabitants.