Twisted Fate || Loki Odinson

15.

After breakfast and cleaning up, I break the comfortable silence. "Let's go for a hike."

"A hike?" Loki echoes, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, there are some beautiful trails around here, especially in the winter," I nod, trying to sound casual.

He tilts his head, considering it. "I suppose that could be enjoyable."

"Trust me, you're gonna love it," I assure him, unable to hide my excitement.

We finish cleaning up, and I head to my room to change. I quickly pull on a black thermal long-sleeve top and insulated leggings. After zipping up my black jacket and lacing my waterproof hiking boots, I grab my beanie, gloves, scarf, and a small backpack.

Returning to the living room, I find Loki waiting. He's wearing a form-fitting dark green leather jacket with a high collar lined with soft fur. Beneath the jacket, a dark sweater complements his tailored pants, and his durable boots complete the look.

"All right, let me grab a few essentials, and then we'll be good," I say, heading into the kitchen.

"Essentials like what?" he inquires, his tone laced with curiosity and amusement.

"You know, water, snacks, a map, a flashlight," I respond as I start to gather the items, feeling his piercing gaze on me.

"You do realize I could very easily provide any of those 'essentials'," he remarks, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

I scoff, shaking my head. "Where's the fun in that?" Once I have everything packed into the backpack, I return to the living room. "All right, you ready?"

"I believe I am the one who should be asking you that," he quips, a smirk tugging at his lips.

I roll my eyes, unable to suppress a smile. "You know, not all of us have magic to make our lives easier. People like me have to learn to survive on our own."

"I suppose that's fair," he concedes, the smirk softening into a genuine smile that makes my heart flutter.

I sling the backpack over my shoulder and glance at him. "All right, let's go." The two of us head outside, the crisp air biting at my cheeks as I guide him through the woods. I unfold my map and peer down at it. "Okay, so we're here," I begin, pointing at our location, which I've circled. "There's a trail about five minutes away if you walk straight south," I continue. "But I kind of want to try going to a different--"

He reaches down and takes the map out of my hands. "Trail," I finish, amusement sparkling in his gaze as he folds the map and tucks it into his jacket. "What are you doing?"

"We don't need the map, darling," he says, shaking his head with a confident grin.

I scoff lightly. "I beg to differ."

"We don't need a map because when we're ready to leave, I can bring us back," he asserts, exuding an air of unwavering confidence.

"And if you can't?" I challenge, crossing my arms and narrowing my eyes.

"Trust me, darling, we'll be fine," he assures me, his tone a soothing blend of charm and certainty.

I huff, skepticism evident. "If you say so. But if we get lost, it's on you."

He chuckles, the sound rich and warm. "You're such a pessimist, and that's coming from me."

"Or you're too arrogant for your own good," I retort, glaring at him with playful defiance.

He narrows his eyes, a spark of challenge lighting up his gaze. "I guess we will see."

We decide to walk in a northwest direction, chatting about various things for about twenty minutes until we run into a medium-sized mountain cliffside. I look up and my breath is visible in the crisp air. "I bet the view from up there is amazing," I comment, squinting at the peak.