The Weakness

4

As we walked, Loki remained oddly silent. "Loki?" I asked quietly. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Why would you . . ." I glared at him, and he sighed. "Just something that happened in Jotunheim. I'll be back." Loki turned and strode off.

After a moment, I walked to my room, shutting the door carefully behind me.

Checking that I was alone, I set my cloak down on a chair and pulled up my sleeves. My skin turned blue as I focused on the memory of Jotunheim.

I gasped out loud and looked down at my hands. They were navy blue, and frost formed on my fingertips. Ice spread around my feet on the floor. I looked in the mirror.

My eyes were red, and my face was lined with odd designs. My skin was dark blue, barely lighter than the navy blue of my clothes.

I heard footsteps behind me.

Turning and holding my hands behind my back, I saw Loki striding towards me.

"Loki! It's-it's not..." I trailed off as he stood over me, an odd look in his eyes. He reached out to touch me, but I backed away into the wall.

"Get away...I don't want to hurt you..." I said in a small voice. Loki shook his head and came towards me.

"You can't hurt me." Loki said in a quiet voice, reaching a hand out. This time, I didn't move away.

Loki traced his index finger down the markings on my cold arms. To my surprise, my skin didn't react to his, except for the little fact his hand turned blue.

"What...what am I? What are you?" I asked. Loki's hand fell and I met his icy green eyes.

"Laufey's children." Loki said in a gentle voice. My eyes widened.

"Wha...that's...you're-you're lying!" I yelled, closing my eyes. Loki embraced me, his arms locked around me protectively.

"I do not lie to you. Not now, not ever." Loki said in a dangerous voice.

I opened my eyes and saw Loki's face inches from mine. His eyes searched mine.

"Loki...what happened?" I asked.

"Thor's father has fallen into the Odinsleep. Mother fears he may never wake again." Loki said.

"When are you going to tell Thor?" I asked quietly. Loki dropped his arms and stepped back.

"I should do it now. Can you do me a favor?" He asked. I nodded.

"Anything, brother." I said.

"Do not question me or my plans. Just . . . trust them." Loki said quietly. I nodded, and he walked out of my room.

I took my swords from my belt and turned them over in my fingers. The metal glinted in the dim light.