Twisted Fate || Loki Odinson

12.

I kick off my shoes and arrange them neatly on the shoe rack as I shut the door behind me. "Loki?" I call out, moving through the living room. Silence greets me. "Loki?" I try again, peeking into the kitchen. It's empty.

Odd. 

I check the bathroom, laundry room, and even my room, but every space is devoid of his presence.

Did he leave?

No. No, he wouldn't leave without saying goodbye-- or at least without thanking me. 

Heading back outside, I scan the dark woods. "Loki?" I shout, the cold wind biting at my skin.

A chill runs down my spine, not just from the cold, but from the growing sense of unease. I wrap my arms around myself as my heart starts to race. I step back inside, quickly slipping on a pair of shoes and grabbing my coat off the hook.

I pull it on and grab a flashlight from the drawer before heading back out into the frigid night. I shuffle through the snow, my breath visible in the cold air as I call out, "Loki, are you out here?"

The forest feels eerily silent, every crackling branch and rustling leaf amplifying my anxiety. I walk deeper into the woods, flipping the flashlight on. Its beam cuts through the darkness, casting long shadows that make my heart pound faster. "Loki?"

A rustling sound from the bushes catches my attention. I swing the flashlight in that direction, cautiously approaching. Just as I step closer, a deer leaps out from behind the bush, startling me. I gasp as it bounds past me. Taking a deep breath, I shake my head, turning around only to nearly collide with a tall figure. I stumble back, but strong hands catch me before I can fall into the snow.

"Are you alright, darling?" Loki's voice breaks the stillness from above me.

It's him. 

Relief washes over me but the fear still lingers. "Jesus, you scared me."

"What are you doing out here in this weather?" His concern is tinged with a hint of amusement, but I can see the genuine worry in his eyes.

"I was looking for you," I reply, my voice slightly breathless.

"I was practicing my magic. I lost track of time," he admits, his gaze softening as he looks down at me.

"No kidding. It's past eleven," I comment, teeth chattering from the cold. "Come on, let's get back. It's freezing out here." I turn towards the house, the snow crunching underfoot.

"Why did you come out here looking for me?" he questions, following closely behind.

"No reason," I shrug, attempting to hide the storm of emotions swirling within me.

"Cassie--," he begins, his voice tinged with skepticism.

"I just... I thought you might have been hurt," I admit, a flicker of vulnerability in my tone. The thought of him leaving without a word, without a goodbye, claws at my insides.

His brows furrow, eyes searching mine. "Why would you think that?"

"Well, I knew you wouldn't leave without saying goodbye, and it's late, so I didn't think you'd be in town. I made a reasonable guess," I explain, pulling my coat tighter around me. 

"And if I did leave without saying goodbye?" he presses gently, his voice softer and more probing.

"I mean... I guess if that's how you want to treat the person you've been staying with for the past week, fine, but I don't think you would do that," I shake my head, worry lacing my tone. 

His lips twitch slightly. "You're correct in that assumption." He doesn't press further as we make our way back through the snow-covered path towards the cabin.

Back inside, I kick off my shoes and hang up my coat. The warmth of the cabin wraps around me, but the tension in my chest doesn't ease. "So, how was your night of practicing magic?"

He joins me in the living room, his demeanor more relaxed now. "It was... enlightening. Although, I hadn't intended to worry you."

I chuckle softly. "Well, mission accomplished on that front. Next time, maybe leave a note or something."

He arches an eyebrow playfully. "Noted."

"So, how about you? Anything eventful happen while I was out searching the woods?" I ask, settling onto the couch. 

He considers for a moment. "A few curious woodland creatures and a brief encounter with a rabbit who seemed particularly interested in my attempts at invisibility."

I laugh, picturing him trying to evade a curious rabbit. "Sounds eventful enough."

He nods, then his expression turns serious. "Speaking of events, what happened at work today? You seem... troubled."

I exhale deeply. "Officer Miller paid a visit."

His demeanor shifts subtly, a flicker of tension crossing his features. "And what transpired during this visit?"

"He questioned me about you," I begin, frustration bubbling up. "Claimed he was concerned about my 'well-being.' He doesn't like having a stranger in town and warned me that he could run you out if he wanted. I told him you weren't going anywhere. He insisted it was his job to keep the town safe and labeled you as a risk. He warned me to be cautious."

His eyes darken a flash of anger in their depths. "And how did you respond to his threats?"

"I told him he should be cautious," I reply, my voice steady but tense.

He takes a deep breath, his tone firm. "He has no idea who he's dealing with."

"I don't want any trouble, Loki," I say, meeting his gaze. "I can handle it."

"Why do you insist on facing everything alone?" he questions, his voice tinged with concern.

"Because when you leave, I'll be alone," I admit quietly, my eyes dropping to my hands. "I'll have to handle these things by myself, so what's the point in letting you fight my battles for me?"

He reaches out, his hand brushing against mine. "Cassie..."

I pull away, standing abruptly. "No, Loki. I mean it. Stay out of this."

"Cassie, I can't just sit back and--"

"You can and you will," I interrupt, my voice rising. "I've handled things on my own for years. I don't need your protection."

"You're not alone anymore," he insists, rising to his feet.

"I don't want your help!" I shout, my chest heaving with emotion. "I can't... I can't let anyone else get hurt because of me."

He steps closer, his expression pleading. "Cassie..."

"Stay out of my business," I repeat, my tone wavering. "Or find somewhere else to stay."

Silence hangs heavy between us, the tension noticeable. He searches my eyes, his expression torn. Without another word, I turn and walk away, leaving him standing alone in the living room.