Sacrifice - Hela Odinson

#16 - A Man of Iron

"Wait, what's wrong?" Thor's smile faded. "Sister!" he called after Hela, who pretended not to hear.

"I don't understand, isn't it amazing news that you two love each other?" Pat seemed just as confused as the God of Thunder.

"No wife of hers went this far before." Freyja shook her head. "You're supposed to wait until she says it first, if she ever says it in the first place! No strings attached, never forget that." her tone was unusually serious, almost scolding.

The worst part is, she was right. Hela loved being in a powerful position and keeping her cruel facade. Giving her the benefit of doubt was my one job.

But on the other hand, is it worth it to pretend that she's just using me while we both know that something more beautiful was beginning to bloom?

"Well, she needs to work on her attachment issues! If she isn't going to admit she loves me, then what's the point?" I threw my arms in the air, choking back tears.

"That we get to live in a palace?" Pat risked the question.

"It was never about the palace, or the luxury, or the money, the gods, or Asgard! I would have never proposed to her if I wasn't interested!" my voice cracked, just like my heart did upon seeing the cold expression on my fiancée's face before she left.

Freyja's face softened back to the usual kind expression. She pitied me. I couldn't help but wonder how many times she had seen a mortal foolishly believe that Hela could love her, and end up with nothing. The familiar feeling of just being one of many returned stronger than ever before.

I made the same mistake many women made before me, but I took it even farther. This might be the end of everything. The end of us with Hela, maybe even the end of her long line of marriages.

Freyja walked closer to me. I couldn't stand the look on her face, so I turned my head away, but she didn't care.

"Here's what we're gonna do." she spoke firmly. "You go, have fun and buy the most beautiful dress in all of Midgard. You don't show it to Hela yet, and you take her breath away at the party. Make her remember that she's in love."

"Is she though?" I interrupted.

"I'm sure she is. Make her realise that." Freyja nodded confidently.

I have to admit, her uplifting spirits were quite contagious. I wiped my tears away and looked at her.

"You're not just trying to make me feel better, are you?"

"I'm not." Freyja placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. "Out of her wives, you are my favourite. Don't let her push you away now."

I was far from happy and confident, and I still had my doubts, but I decided to take her word for it. I managed to flash a small smile and nod.

"Maybe I'll talk to her if I find it necessary. Don't worry about it, okay?" Freyja smiled back then turned to Heimdall.

"Not a word. Not even to your own family."

"I didn't see or hear a thing." he winked in response. "I found the exact coordinates of the Avengers' residence, are you ready?"

"Yes, we are!" Thor nodded.

"Bye-bye!" Freyja waved and left the Bifrost.

We didn't even have time to wave back before a blinding light erased everything around us and pushed us out into the void.

I hope I won't throw up this time.

A while later we fell out at the other end of the magical tunnel: a big, modern room with a couch, a small table trashed with books and mugs, simple brown floor tiles, eggshell white walls, a glass chandelier and a TV. It was Midgard with its lovely modern technology and magiclessness. A window was open somewhere, letting the warm breeze - heavy with smog - emerge into the building, reminding me of home.