The Sweetest Rose-LokixOC

Chapter 52

Loki.

Loki tripped over a loose stone and plowed headfirst into the snow. He shook his head, snow flying everywhere.

For a second, he imagined he heard Cassandra's voice. His eyes darted around the henge wildly, searching for any trace of her.

Tony stared at him like he was a lunatic. "Come on, Sideshow. We're going back to the village to regroup. This isn't the time to make a snow angel."

Wiping a hand over his face, Loki stared at the stone slab in the center of the henge.

Loki.

"Seriously, we've wasted enough time here." Stark prodded.

Loki held up his hand. "Shut up, I'm trying to concentrate."

The billionaire regarded him with disgust and stalked away leaving Loki kneeling in the snow.

Loki reached out tentatively for Cassandra. Darling?

Loki nurtured a kernel of hope. This shouldn't even be possible.

He felt her relief. Loki. I wasn't sure this would work. Nimue said we have a connection but part of me doubted it. There's so much I want to tell you, but that can wait. I need your help. Its Thor.

Alarmed Loki shot up out of the snow. Thor? What did he do to you? If he hurt you, I'll-

Amusement trickled through quickly replaced by worry. No. He hasn't hurt me, but I need your help with stopping him. Arthur Kensington's alive and has him under mind control.

Arthur Kensington, alive? Loki should have suspected. The man's 'death' had been far too convenient. Darling, where are you? Banner was so sure you would be at the henge outside New Asgard but no one showed. The circle is empty.

Loki, I am in a henge. I don't know if it's the same one. There's a dark barrier of energy surrounding it. I'm not sure, but I think we might be on another plane. The tension in her voice was almost palpable.

"Everyone, stay where you are." Loki barked at the retreating heroes and Asgardians.

Tyr turned around. "What is it, Loki?"

Melting snow dripped down Loki's hair. "Banner is right. They are here but in another dimension."

"What dimension?" Wong demanded.

Loki mentally flipped through the information he'd learned from the Ancient One's spell books. "The Shadow Dimension. It's an in-between place connected to this world and the Dark Dimension."

Strange floated over to Loki. "Then let's open a doorway."

"We must be cautious. If we do open a door, it will give the Dark Dimension an opportunity to slip through once its summoned." Wong warned.

"There is no option. This has to be dealt with. Wong and I will remain to guard the door." Li decided, speaking for the first time in several hours.

The warrior had been content to be a stoically silent participant up until now.

Loki reached for Cassandra's blossoming warmth again, the feel of her mind connecting with his near addictive. Darling, we're going to break through in just a minute. Hang on.

Loki, I love you. I'm sorry. I wish I could have said this in a more romantic way; with rose petals on the bed, champagne, and candles, but this will have to do since I'm currently surrounded by an army. I just want you to know in case the worst happens. I shouldn't have let my fears and insecurities get in the way of telling you the truth.