Ethereal

Chapter 22: Bound

Serena stood alone in the balcony, her arms against the bannister, a golden wine cup in her hand. It was late, probably. She didn't know what time it was but judging how the beautiful sky of Asgard has gone dark now and how colder the wind has become, it was probably night to both here and Earth.

The realm was in peace. The palace was quiet.

She was quiet. On the inside. Her thoughts were a blur and she felt empty. It was one of those nights where she feels a random wave of sadness and emptiness wash all over her. And when those nights happen, she drinks and drinks until she falls asleep.

Alcohol is the only thing keeping her sane at the moment while Hela is still away.

The goddess had duties to attend to, of course but the only difference was it was in a different realm. Helheim, to be exact. The realm the Goddess of Death rules over.

Serena offered to accompany her but Hela said no, her decision was strong and clear. Helheim was a dangerous realm to go into, especially for a mortal.

"Did you drink all the wine?"

The blonde looked over her shoulder to find a figure similar to Hela's standing in front of the door holding an empty bottle of red wine. Loki stood against the doorway, waving the bottle in his hand.

"Oh, sorry. I hope you don't mind." Serena composed herself "Hela said I can drink everything in the cellar or whatever you call it." she says

"Of course, she did." replied the prince, gently putting the bottle back on the table

There it was, the silence. Serena looked back to whatever there was to stare at. She glanced over her shoulder when she noticed a shadow standing besixe her, she offered the wine glass which Loki kindly refused so she shrugged and emptied it.

"I don't drink wine." Loki admits

"Then why go looking for a bottle?" asked Serena

Loki shrugged "For the lads and ladies."

Serena squints her eyes "Whore."

Loki glared at the blonde with an offended expression, extremely horrified. They weren't children anymore, they're old, possibly too old "Hey!"

The blonde stared back with nothing "Am I wrong?"

The prince swallows the lump in his throat "No."

Serena shrugged "I rest my case."

Loki rolled his eyes with a sigh, he tapped the banister with his closed fist "It doesn't bother you?"

"What does?" replied the blonde

"That I said lads and ladies."

Serena stared at him again "I'm a lesbian."

Loki frowned "What does that have to–"

"Which means I am attracted to women and women only. I'm attracted to your sister. You–" she points at the God of Mischief "You're bisexual. You are attracted to both genders, am I right?" she asked and watched the prince nod "Then it doesn't bother me, who am I to say something about you? Don't let others bring down the best of you just because of your sex preference." she sighed "Do whatever the hell you want while you can, I learned that the hard way."

"Will they despise me?"

"Some people will, most of them will." Serena takes a deep breath "But don't give a fuck. There will still be people who will love you for who and what you are."

"How about my siblings?"

"Oh, please. As far as I know, your sister is a raging lesbian that is in love with me and Thor is simply the best and kindest person I've ever met to support people like us." Serena watched Loki nod although his expression still showed insecurity and doubt, she sighed and reached for his hand "And besides..."