2 | 𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐃 ▹ LOKI LAUFEYSON

ix. the difference

A M O R A

Amora slowed down her pace as she approached Loki's cell. She had walked so briskly past the guards that she did not even roll her eyes at Endrik's usual compliments.

Heimdall had informed her that in the past few days, Thanos had ransacked an entire planet before completely destroying it in rage. The search for the Infinity Stones was becoming more deadly, and they were no closer to any answers.

When Loki's cell came into view, a small smile grew on Amora's face. He was stretched across the small sofa that had been brought in a few days ago, a book in his hands that he had not read yet. Knowing Loki, she held no doubt that he would thoroughly enjoy the newest additions to his cell, but actually seeing him somewhat content gave her a slight sense of accomplishment.

His help with the skirmish before was unexpected and Amora dared to entertain a minute glimmer of hope for him. She figured that new furniture could serve as an olive branch to encourage some cooperation.

"I see you're enjoying your newest amenities," Amora said as she stepped into the room.

"Yes," Loki glanced up from the book before snapping it shut and sitting up, his tone not entirely hostile for once, "I thanked my mother during her visit yesterday, but she knew nothing of this."

He gave Amora a look of mock confusion and propped an elbow on his knee. "I wonder who was responsible for this."

A flicker of amusement passed through his eyes and Amora was drawn back to their old days of easy banter.

She simply shrugged but her lips twitched into a smirk. "It's a great mystery."

Loki hummed and looked down, his eyes growing distant in thought, before standing.

"Well, I assume you did not come just to discuss my furniture."

Amora stilled. She should have had plenty of time to prepare for this, but now it felt too soon. How could she ask the right questions? Would he answer? Would she want to hear his answers?

No sense in beating around the bush, she thought. Loki was too smart for that.

Taking a deep breath, she asked, "What do you know about Thanos?"

Loki immediately tensed. His green eyes pierced hers blankly as he stood motionless, and his tense jaw only sharpened his features. Several seconds of silence passed as he only blinked. Whatever storm was brewing in his mind was well hidden by a blank mask.

Finally, he turned away sharply and muttered, "I don't want to talk about it."

"I know it must a difficult sub--"

"Difficult?" he asked incredulously, whirling around with a look in his eye that pulled at her heart, "Difficult, Amora?"

He let out a humorless laugh. "You do not know what it was like serving that monster," his voice strained, "and you don't want to know."

She opened her mouth but no words came. His mask cracked and what it revealed tore at Amora: pain, brokenness, fear. His eyes alone almost made her stop. Almost.