Eternity {𝟙𝟜} | Marvel √

𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐔𝐄

WINTER OF 1681... The forest lay still under the cold night sky. It was completely quiet, seemingly another peaceful night. That is until the tranquility was shattered by the urgent rhythm of footsteps. Someone was running, and fast.

A woman, her dark green maiden's dress snagging on branches, sprinted through the shadowed winter woods. Her breaths came in ragged breaths, legs burning from the relentless pursuit.

As she pushed the branches out of her way, she gasped when she suddenly stumbled, crashing to the ground. Pain flared as her cheek met the damp ground, blood seeping from a fresh wound.

Hearing incoming footsteps, she quickly flattened herself behind a tree, attempting to keep herself completely still. She pressed her hand to her mouth to muffle her labored breathing.

"Lady Kaarina...!"

"We know you're here!"

"There is no point in running, we'll eventually catch you."

Lady Kaarina Kaelansdottir remained hidden, mind racing in thought, until she peered around the tree. With a swift motion, she conjured a blue magical blast, sending it hurtling into the distance. The pursuers charged toward the illusion, and in that fleeting moment, Lady Kaarina pushed herself up, leaning heavily against the tree.

She gently touched the side of her face, and blood stained her fingers. Breathing heavily, determination glistened over her doe eyes. She had to survive this — she had to get back to her family. And then... with an idea coming to her, she fled once more into the forgiving night.

The wind howled through the narrow streets of a living district, whipping Lady Kaarina's curly brown hair across her face as she sprinted towards Kaelanson House; her parents home. Her breaths came in ragged bursts, and her legs threatened to betray her with each uneven step. She stumbled, nearly falling again, but the urgency of her mission kept her upright.

Reaching the front porch, she pounded on the wide front doors, desperation etched into her features. "Mama... Mama...!" Her voice cracked, echoing through the quiet night, repeatedly glancing back to make sure they didn't see her.

Although she heard footsteps approach from within, she continued pounding her fists against the door. Terrified. Until she felt a sudden sharp, piercing pain through her abdomen. She gasped, stumbling back, eyes wide in shock. Before her stood one of those Odin awful Einherjar, his cold gaze fixed upon her. The dagger they wielded in her gut was a cruel extension of Odin's will.

She shuddered a gasp, tears rolling down her face as she gazed up at the emotionless expression on the guard. "Why?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

"Odin's orders..." he replied, unmoved by her suffering.

With blood seeping from her lips, dripping down and staining her dress, Lady Kaarina was dragged away from the porch, hidden behind corner just as the door swung open. Her bewildered mother stood there, scanning the empty streets. The frantic knocking had ceased, leaving only silence.

Assuming it was a childish prank, her mother shook her head and closed the door. Hearing the door close, a whimper left Kaarina, her strength waning. Moments later, her eyes fluttered shut, and went limp in the guard's arms.

His eyes shut for a moment, the realization of what he did. "I'm sorry, Lady Kaarina..."

At the great palace of Asgard, a small girl with dark brown hair slept soundly in her oversized bed. Clutched in arms was a doll her father gifted her when she was younger. She was dreaming peacefully, the excitement of her upcoming birthday plaguing her dreams — until an unwelcome intrusion shattered her slumber.