Shattered Reflection

Chapter Two

Natalia's POV

I fly awake, panting heavily. My throat feels dry. Like I've been screaming. I touch my face, tears. It was so...so... real. It was terrifying. I get up and grab some water from my sink and wet my throat.

I feel chills. I'm not sleeping here again.

I walk the halls silently. The soft fabric of my robe dragging on the floor slightly. Slivers of light come in from the windows and I make it to Loki's room. I open the door slightly and take a peak. I see Loki sleeping and I decide against waking him. He looks peaceful.

As I am about to shut the door and I hear a voice.

Love, is that you?" I hear him ask groggily. Sleep heavy in his voice.

I turn back and walk in and shut the door, "Yes, I'm sorry to have woken you."

"No matter. Is something wrong?" He asks, sitting up slightly.

"Just a nightmare," I say and brush it off.

"Come here," He tells me and gestures me over to his bed. He pats the edge and I take of my robe and sit with my back against the headboard.

"Want to talk?" He asks. I sigh.

"It was like I was watching a moment of time. Like it already happened. It was you. You walked over to a dead body and held it. I saw this body has blonde hair and dead blue eyes, like ice. It was me. You where holding my dead body." I say and close my eyes, trying to push the memory away.

"I tried calling out for you, but it was like I was invisible. I looked down to see my hands bloody. Like it was someone else's. I then saw a bloody knife, next to where I stood. I had killed myself and was watching you hold my dead body in your arms," I say and a tear rolls down my cheek.

He pulls me down an I lay beside him. I face away and he presses his face into my neck. He kisses the back of my neck softly.

"That sounds more like a nightmare for me. But do not worry, we are both here, alive, and happy," He says and I smile.

We lay in silence and I soon feel Loki's breathing deepen, telling me he's asleep. I try and get closer, to reassure myself he is here to stay. I sigh, this is all to much. My parents, the wedding, and the Gods only know what else.

I flip over and look at Loki's peaceful state. I smile, I was so lucky to have him love me. I don't know what I would do without him.

"Thank you," I whisper and fall into a dreamless sleep.

I wake up and flip over to see Loki looking at me. I smile at him. He runs his hand over my hair. He smiles at me.

"What is it?" I ask.

"Nothing, just blissful." He answers.

"Why?" I ask curiously.

"I have you, love." I blush deep red and get up.

"What are we doing today?" I ask.

"I'm not certain. Let's just focus on getting to breakfast," He says.

I snap my fingers and my night attire changes into a white hi-low dress with long sleeves. I pin my hair into a bun and I turn to a mirror. I stare at my reflection and Loki comes up behind me. He wraps his arms around me.

"You look wonderful, darling." He says and kisses my neck.

I turn and kiss him, "Thank you."

He offers his arm and I take it. We walk to breakfast. I see my parents already seated, talking to Thor and Jane.

We take a seat and are served. We eat and make small talk.

"So mother, father, anything planned for today?" I ask.

"No, not much. Anything to see in Asgard that we haven't already?" My father asks.

"Oh! Did you know your daughter is very musically talented?" Jane says. I stare at her.

"Oh really?" My mother asks.

"Yes! She was telling me of this instrument she just loves to play," Jane gushes on. I look down at my food.

"You still play?" My father asks.

"The Sou-Lea, yes." I say, still staring at my plate.

"Oh! We would love to hear you play!" My mother says. I tense up and I feel Loki's hand on my leg, relaxing me.

"Alright," I say quietly.

"Wonderful!" Thor says.

We finish eating all we all walk down to the music room. We file inside and I take a seat at the Sou-Lea. I pluck a few strings and a sour note rings out. I look at Loki, he smiles at me encouragingly.

I take a breath and start to play. I concentrate on trying to keep a melody, but I soon lose myself in the song. Muscle memory taking over from my childhood. I feel the vibrations of the strings and I smile softly. Feeling natural, like I've been doing this all my life.

I pluck the last string and look at my parents. They look... proud. I stand up and my mother hugs me abruptly. I hesitate, but smile and hug her back. I realize how good it feels to have them back in my life.

For the rest of the day I show my parents all I've learned and done. The library, my magic and they tell me of all that has happened in Talahgard. It's so good to hear of happiness.

We make our way to dinner after a long day and I take my seat next to Loki. We start to eat and I notice him staring at me.

"What is it?" I ask.

"Nothing you're just so happy," He says.

"Do you not wish me to be?" I ask.

"Of course I do, I'm just curious as to why," He says.

"I'm getting along with my parents. Showing them what I've grown to be," I say.

He smiles at me, "That's wonderful."

We eat and make small talk through out dinner. I think my parents have changed their minds about Loki and I. Maybe they'll be supportive of the wedding. Maybe not that far yet.

Dinner is cleared but we are all still talking around the table. I look at my parents.

"How would you like it if I gave you a tour of Asgard?" I ask. My father smiles at me.

"That sounds lovely, sweetie." My mother says happily.

"Oh, good! You'll just love it!" I say excitedly. I'm truly happy to rekindle with my family.

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Oh how I cannot wait for things to really pick up!!! See everyone soon!