Enchanted Shadows

Chapter 51 - Bound by Shadows

**POV:** Loki

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As we approached the grand halls of Asgard, I felt the tension radiating from Maya. Her grip on my hand was tight, her eyes scanning the towering walls with both awe and apprehension. I couldn't help but smile. Fear was a powerful tool, and Maya's fear was always just beneath the surface, ready to be molded into whatever shape I desired.

"Stay close," I whispered to her as we entered the hall. The Asgardians were gathered, their faces a mixture of curiosity and disdain. They looked at Maya like she was an intruder, an outsider who didn't belong in their golden city.

She hesitated, her grip tightening on my hand. "They're staring at me," she murmured.

"Of course they are," I replied softly, my voice a mix of concern and something darker. "They don't trust you, Maya. They don't trust us."

Her eyes widened, a flicker of panic crossing her face. "But why? I haven't done anything to them."

"Not yet," I agreed, my tone soothing. "But they fear what they don't understand. They fear what we represent."

I could see the fear blossom into doubt, her gaze shifting to the Asgardians lining the hall. They were silent, their expressions stoic and judging. I knew this would isolate her further, make her cling to me even more. It was all falling into place.

"We'll show them," I whispered, leaning closer to her. "We'll show them that we are stronger together, that they cannot break us."

She nodded, a look of determination washing over her face. "Yes," she breathed. "We're stronger together."

I allowed a brief smile to touch my lips, though it held no warmth. This was exactly where I needed her—willing to fight against anyone who dared stand between us. Including herself.

The doors at the far end of the hall opened, and the council entered. Odin led them, his gaze fixed on me with thinly veiled contempt. I knew what he was thinking. That I was poisoning this place with my presence, bringing my darkness into his realm.

He wasn't wrong.

"Brother," Odin greeted, his voice as cold as the winter wind. His gaze flickered to Maya, and I saw the disdain in his eyes. "And you must be the human."

Maya stiffened at his words, and I felt her inch closer to me. I placed a hand on her back, a subtle reminder that she needed to stand firm. This was a test, and she couldn't afford to show weakness.

"Her name is Maya," I said, my voice low but commanding. "She is not just a human. She is my equal."

Odin's eyes darkened, and a murmur rippled through the hall. "An equal?" he echoed, his voice dripping with skepticism. "And what does that mean, Loki? That you intend to elevate her to our level, despite her mortal origins?"

I felt Maya tremble beside me. I tightened my grip on her back, just enough for her to feel the warning. "She is more than what you see," I said smoothly. "She is powerful. She is capable. And most importantly, she is mine."

The council members exchanged uneasy glances. They were not accustomed to seeing me claim someone as mine, especially a mortal. This would only deepen their mistrust of her, exactly as I intended.

Odin's gaze sharpened. "If she is to stay in Asgard, she must prove her loyalty. Not just to you, Loki, but to Asgard itself."

I turned to Maya, meeting her wide eyes. She looked at me, searching for guidance, for reassurance. "You can do this," I whispered to her, my voice soft and coaxing. "Prove to them that you are more than they believe. Prove that you belong here, with me."