The Beginning Of An End

Chapter 7

Hours later, the demigod and I found ourselves sprawled out on the floor of the room, with three whole bottles of absinthe nearly drained to nothing. It took us much longer to feel the effects, given that we weren't exactly human. My mind felt like it was floating outside my head, struggling to focus. And yet, there were four more bottles nearby, watching us as if they were concocted by the Devil himself.

Loki, being taller and more powerful than me, had a much higher tolerance. As I was leaning against the bed on the floor, my eyes barely open, Loki sat next to me, rambling incessantly. His words were a blur, a buzzing noise that came and went. The sun was setting slowly, its rays casting a warm glow on Loki's hair, giving it a fiery appearance.

For a while, all the thoughts for what happened back in that prison faded. In fact, my mind was incapable of remembering anything. And I didn't want to force it, I welcomed the peace.

"I know I'm very drunk right now..." I slurred. Loki immediately stopped talking and looked at me with a puzzled expression. "But thank you." I finally managed to express my gratitude without feeling like a complete idiot. Even Loki seemed to be caught by surprise and didn't respond for a few seconds, just had his eyes locked on me. Then his lips stretched out in a small smile.

"You're welcome."

"I still don't trust you fully... I don't think I ever will. But it's good for now." His expression shifted to a more somber one. It was clear he didn't quite grasp why, but I couldn't blame him entirely. After all, trusting someone again after being betrayed wasn't an easy feat. Loki's gaze turned away, his jaw clenched.

Silent, he reached for another bottle, pouring himself a glass without meeting my eyes.

"You want?" he offered, extending the bottle towards me. I accepted it, pouring myself a shot and downing it quickly.

"What happened to Beelzebub?" I asked, hoping to redirect the conversation.

"Well, he organized the whole thing," Loki replied, pouring himself another shot. "I was waiting for you in the field in the human world for ages. You never showed up... and then he did, luckily. Told me what happened. If I hadn't recognized him from before, I doubt I would've agreed to help."

I nodded in understanding, surprised to learn that he had actually waited for me. It was a strange thought, picturing Loki standing there, wondering where I was, while I was stuck in Hell. But even stranger was the feeling of gratitude that welled up inside me.

I sensed his growing frustration, and perhaps my earlier admission had struck a nerve.

"It's not your fault," I interjected after a while, feeling the alcohol clouding my thoughts. In this hazy state, I found it easier to express deeper emotions. "The person I trusted the most was the one who put me in prison in the first place. So... I hope you understand."

The energy shifted instantly, the anger draining out of him. He looked at me, then burst out laughing.

"You trusted the Devil himself?!"

My expression went blank. His laughter only grew louder until he collapsed onto the floor, breathless. I had no defense. The alcohol had dulled my edge, and worse, there was truth in it.

As Loki finally regained his composure, he turned his head towards me and remarked, "You've got some problems, man."

"The story is more nuanced than that," I mumbled, realizing the senselessness of my response too late.

"I'm sure it is," Loki retorted sarcastically, earning a glare from me, which only made him snort once more. "Tell me about it," he insisted, a slight mocking smile playing on his lips as he shifted to lay on his side, propping his head with his hand.