Twisted Fate || Loki Odinson

22.

After dragging my highlighter across the word, I tick it off the list with a satisfied sigh. The simple pleasure of finishing another word search brings a brief moment of peace. "I'm going into town," Loki announces, already dressed for the outing. 

"Okay," I reply absentmindedly, glancing up just long enough to see his expectant expression.

He raises an eyebrow, a slight smirk playing on his lips. "Aren't you curious why?"

I shake my head, a soft smile tugging at the corners of my mouth as I focus back on my puzzle. "Nope, I trust you. Have a good time."

"You too," he replies a hint of amusement in his voice.

With a mesmerizing swirl of emerald light, Loki vanishes, leaving behind a shimmering trace of magic. A smirk tugs at my lips, a blend of amusement and awe.

It never gets old.

Returning to my word search, I immerse myself in the comforting routine of finishing a few more puzzles. Each tick of the highlighter brings a small sense of accomplishment. Eventually, I close the book with a contented sigh and flip on the TV. Settling on a rerun of Cruel Intentions, I grab my favorite blanket from the nearby chair, sinking comfortably into the plush embrace of the couch.

The drama on the screen unfolds, its familiar scenes offering a strange sense of solace. The dimly lit house is suddenly pierced by a pair of headlights cutting through the night, casting long shadows on the walls. Frowning, I glance towards the door, a knot of unease tightening in my stomach.

Who could that be?

Setting the blanket aside, I slip on my house shoes and approach the door cautiously. The cold, wooden floor sends a shiver up my spine as I inch closer. Peering out into the snow-dusted night, the blinding glare of the headlights makes it hard to see. I step out onto the porch, the icy wind biting through my clothes and stealing my breath. A figure stands silhouetted against the lights, their features obscured.

"Who is it?" I call out, my tone edged with caution.

The figure approaches, and I squint against the harsh glare of the headlights. My confusion deepens as I recognize Officer Miller. "Officer Miller, what-- what are you doing out here?"

"I was wondering if we could talk, Ms. Jones," Miller states, his voice tight with an undercurrent of something unsettling and almost menacing.

"About what?" I press, crossing my arms defensively, my heart beginning to race.

His eyes flicker towards the cabin, assessing every detail. "We should take this inside."

I hesitate, my instincts screaming that something isn't right. A shiver runs down my spine, but I force myself to nod slowly. "All right." Leading the way into my cabin, I glance over my shoulder as he shuts the door behind him with a soft click that feels ominously final. I gesture to the living room. "Please, have a seat."

He remains standing, his eyes scanning the room with a calculating gaze that sets my nerves on edge. "Where's your boyfriend?"

"He's not my boyfriend, and he's out," I reply firmly, striving to keep my voice steady despite the unease creeping in.

"Out where?" he questions sharply, his tone slicing through the air.

"I'm assuming he went into town," I shrug, trying to maintain a façade of calm. "Did you come out here to question me about Loki?"

"No... No, I came here because you have some explaining to do," he states, his tone hardening.

"I do, do I?" I respond, attempting to mask my growing anxiety with defiance.