Krystal

81

We step through the portal together and arrive in a different setting all together. For starters, the ground is covered in a beautiful, fresh layer of untouched snow.

A large Manor House off in the distance appears to be the only place in sight, so we automatically head that way.

It seems to be vacant and still in good condition when we take a minute to inspect the outside. Loki opens the large wooden doors using magic so we can go inside out of the cold.

There isn't much in the way of furniture once we go in, but it looks like nobody's been here in a while. Loki looks instantly at home, with an almost childlike excitement beaming off of him when he explores further.

This must be some sort of safe house used in emergencies.

I find a fully stocked pantry with fresh food that Wong must've already filled, knowing he'd send us here. There's not much of a phone signal out here either, but I don't even care.

Loki looks even happier once he finds a study filled with books because I know how much he loves to read. He starts taking some of them down and dusting them off.

"You seem to be making yourself at home" I say as I sit on the desk in the study.

"It is quite beautiful here".

"Are you hungry?"

I definitely am because I haven't eaten all day.

"I will begin the cleaning if you are cooking, my dear".

"Okay".

I clean up the kitchen and make dinner for us while Loki's busy. Once I step out of the kitchen with the food, it's as if I've stepped out into an alternate dimension.

The house has been cleaned from top to bottom and everything looks brand new.

"Umm, Loki? What did you do?"

"I cleaned, just as I said I would" he smiles, clearly proud of his work.

"How did you do all this so quickly?"

I'd literally only been in the kitchen for just over an hour.

"Magic, of course".

"You must be pretty skilled then?" I question, putting the plates on a nearby table.

"My mother was raised by witches. She taught me well".

"So you could teach me, if you wanted to?"

"Your magic far surpasses my own. What could you possibly hope to learn from me?"

"I've been thinking about it, and I want to learn how to compel again".

"May I ask why the sudden interest? You have never expressed an urge to learn that power again before now" he asks with a hint of suspicion.

"Obviously I'll wait until we get back, but I'd just like a new challenge".

"Alright, but we will need to find the magical texts you used before. Most witches keep them hidden within their homes".

"So I need to find out where I lived before I got brought to Asgard the first time? Sounds easy enough".

We finish our meal and I clean up after us before going for a walk around the house. It's like being inside one of those period dramas, or some sort of romance novel, minus the fancy gowns and corsets.

I find the master bedroom with the hugest bed I've ever seen inside it. Gently running my hand along the bedding, the material is the softest thing I've ever felt.

"Do you like it?" Loki asks unexpectedly from the doorway.

"What's this made of?"

"The finest Asgardian silk".

"You made this for us?"

"For you. I shall find another room for myself".

"Why do you think I wouldn't want you to sleep in here with me?"

"I know you discovered the truth during your time on Asgard".

"Thor told you?"

I swear, the next time I see that man I'm going to punch him in the face for that.

"He only did what he believed was best for the both of us".

"I wanted to tell you myself, or for you to finally tell me so I could tell you that I already knew, if that makes any sense?" I laugh.

"Do you have any questions you need answers to?"

"Are you still in love with Krystal?"

"She was my first love. I suppose a part of me will always love her".

"Did you ever...you know?" I really hope he realises I mean sex.

"No, we did not. Nor did I ever give her pleasure as I gave to you".

"Really?"

I'm surprised by the fact that he'd gone further with me than he did with her.

"Is that so hard to believe"

"Yeah, kind of, especially when you married her".

"Our wedding night was disrupted by my father, who distracted me while she was abducted and banished to Hel. After she returned, I declined the opportunity to consummate our marriage due to the fact I did not desire to have our first time together be inside a cell".

"Well that explains a lot"

"Do you believe I am under the illusion that yourself and Krystal are the same person?"

"I did at first. It's a little confusing to think that you could see us as two entirely separate people".

He walks closer and places a hand at either side of my face, looking deep into my eyes.

"The moment I looked into those eyes, I knew you were not her. I can no longer see any of the pain she hid so well behind her smile. I only see you, Star, just you since the moment we first met in the forest".

"It's really good to hear you finally say that".

Somehow, if it's possible, I wanted him even more now. He smiles sweetly and we both head back downstairs.

At least the pressure of me finally knowing the truth and not being sure how to tell him was gone, now I can just relax and enjoy my time here.