Roots of Eternity

Chapter 44 - Fall of Stark Mansion

The day had started quietly. Tony was in his workshop, tinkering away at yet another suit, while I sat in the living room of Stark Mansion, gazing out at the ocean. The waves lapped against the shore in a rhythm that had become oddly soothing to me. Back in Asgard, I'd been surrounded by sprawling meadows, rivers, and forests, but here, the vastness of the ocean seemed to be my closest connection to nature.

But even the gentle sway of the water couldn't quiet my mind today. I missed Asgard-its golden light, its energy. I missed Frigga's calming presence, and even more than that, I missed Thor and Loki. Their absence was a constant ache that lingered at the edges of every thought, every breath. Thor was always so protective, and Loki... Loki, despite everything, had been my confidant. My partner in quiet mischief.

Now, for the first time, I was navigating this world without them. It felt... strange.

A voice broke through my reverie.

"You've got that faraway look again." Tony's voice echoed from the hallway as he strolled into the room, wiping his hands with a rag. He glanced at me and then out to the ocean. "Contemplating world domination or just missing Asgard?"

I smiled faintly, turning to face him. "A little bit of both."

Tony chuckled, tossing the rag onto a nearby table. "I'll take world domination as long as I'm your second-in-command. But seriously-are you okay?"

I hesitated, the familiar weight of loneliness pressing down on me. "It's strange," I admitted quietly. "Being here. Without Thor. Without Loki. I've never been on my own like this before."

Tony's expression softened, and he moved closer, sitting down on the edge of the couch beside me. "You're not on your own, Helena. I mean, I'm here. You've got a team here."

"I know," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "But it's... different."

Tony leaned back, nodding thoughtfully. "Yeah, I get that. You're used to having them around. But hey, Thor's just a rainbow bridge ride away, and Loki... well, he's-"

"Gone," I finished for him, my chest tightening at the mention of Loki.

Tony didn't say anything for a moment, just watched me with that quiet concern I was slowly getting used to. "Look, I'm not going to pretend to know what it's like to lose someone like that. But I do know that being alone-really alone-sucks. So don't think for a second that you don't have people here who care about you."

I gave him a small smile, appreciating the sentiment. "Thanks, Tony."

Before he could respond, a loud beep echoed through the room, and Tony's expression shifted immediately to one of alertness.

"What's that?" I asked, already sensing the change in the atmosphere.

Tony's face darkened as he pulled out a small device from his pocket, scanning the display. "Looks like our friend the Mandarin just took me up on my challenge."

My heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean?"

Tony stood abruptly, all traces of humor gone. "I gave the Mandarin my home address in a press conference. Figured I'd get his attention and draw him out."

I stared at him in disbelief. "You what?"

Tony gave me a sheepish grin. "Yeah, not one of my best ideas in hindsight."

Before I could respond, the sound of incoming missiles filled the air. My instincts flared, and I immediately stood, my hands outstretched as the plants in the room responded to my sudden surge of adrenaline. "Tony-"

"Get to cover!" Tony shouted, already running toward the workshop.

The windows of the mansion shattered as the first explosion hit, sending glass and debris flying through the air. I reacted on instinct, conjuring a protective barrier of vines that wrapped around the room, shielding us from the worst of the impact.