Darkness Revealed (A Loki Love Story) Book 2 in Darkness Series

New Light

(His point of view)

Thor holds out a hand, willing us all to stop walking. We are now standing just outside of the throne room's immaculate doors.

"Wait here. I shall go in first and announce you properly. The rest of you stay behind with Loki and walk in as he does." We all nod in agreement before he turns and passes through the entrance. I am a ball of rioting and gnashing nerves. I cannot believe that I am about to do this!

I feel a familiar hand grasp my shoulder from behind, willing for me to turn and see that Link is smiling at me warmly.

"Do not fear, Brother. I am here for you."

"As are we," Fandral says, stepping forward into my line of sight. I force myself to smile through my tension.

"Thank you, my friends."

I turn to face the doors, finding that they are barely cracked open. I inch a little closer, aiming to lean my ear against their golden surface. I vaguely hear Thor's boisterous voice as he addresses his father.

"Father, I have come to you with news of the utmost importance." There is silence for only a brief moment.

"Oh, and what news is this, my son?" Another brief pause.

"I have brought someone who wishes to speak with you most urgently." I can hear the smile in his tone, which causes me to smile, despite my raging anxiety.

"Very well, it seems that I have nothing on my agenda at present. Send forth this messenger," Odin commands. I hear footsteps suddenly drawing nearer to the doors. I stand back just in time for him to swing them open.

"Tis time, Brother," he says, eyeing me assuredly with his blue orbs. I take one final breath, focusing on Link's last squeeze of my shoulder before he releases me.

"Go on. We are right behind you," he whispers. Thor opens the door wider so as to allow me to pass through. Just before I do, I inhale a deep breath of air, pushing my chest forward as I square my shoulders. This is it.....Please Adrielle. Please let him find forgiveness within his aged heart.

I step just inside, taking long strides down the isle with Thor at my side. I faintly hear the others' footsteps moving just behind me. I keep my gaze forward, eyeing his elderly figure as it rests upon his golden throne. His staff is clutched tightly within his grasp, his familiar patch resting over his eye.

At first, he looks as though he does not know who I am. He eyes me as though I am just some random guest, sent to deliver important news. But as I draw nearer, I see his one visible eye widen. I continue to make my way closer until I am standing just at the base of the throne steps. I come to a halt before kneeling without hesitation. I stay in this frame for a few lingering moments before returning to my feet, allowing my eyes to fall back upon his figure. As I do, I find that he has moved to his feet. His mouth is open wide in shock as he eyes my seemingly strange appearance. He staggers forward a few steps, still clinging to his staff, which now seems more like a walking cane than anything.

"L..L...Loki?" He barely whispers. I chance a single step in his direction, moving up to the first step.

"Yes, Od...Father. It is me." He continues to move closer to me until he is only but a single step up from my face. As I peer up into his one tiredly aged eye, I am almost rendered speechless at what I see.

Tears. I see tears. This automatically tugs at my new heart, whereas the old Loki would have found it awkward and pathetic.

"Is it really you?" he asks, studying my face in complete astonishment. I can only nod, as the feel of my emotion overpowers me. The very breath is stolen away from my body as I witness his staff fall from his grasp. It clangs noisily against the hard floor, echoing throughout the enormous room. In a moment, he is reaching forward, wrapping his arms around me. I stand, motionless as a statue for only a matter of seconds before I crumble. I return his embrace, burying my face into his shoulder. I can feel the muted vibrations from his sobs as he holds tight to me. All of my nerves fly out of a nearby window, as my insides are completely refilled with warmth. He has never held me this way. Ever.....