2 | 𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐃 ▹ LOKI LAUFEYSON

xxxiv. the infection

A M O R A

Amora practically ran through the halls towards the healing room, her mind moving nearly as fast as her feet.

What could this be? If Eir specifically asked for Amora then it must be serious. The healers were perfectly capable of handling the most severe wounds and illnesses. Why did Eir need her?

As she reached the entrance, Amora slowed her pace to a more suitable speed. Seeing the healer posted at the front desk, Amora opened her mouth to speak, but the other woman simply pointed toward a nearby hall. "Eir is using the private soul forge," she said, a look of concern in her eyes.

There were six healers in the room, surrounding the soul forge. Typically only two or three were needed. Eir and another healer worked the soul forge while another two analyzed the data and energy readings. Amora frowned slightly. There were still newly returned soldiers to treat; why were so many healers tending to one patient?

"This is not of earth. What is it?" Amora was surprised to hear Thor's voice to the side.

"We do not know," Emelia's grim voice answered, "but she will not survive the amount of energy surging within her."

Amora peered past the healers to see their patient and stiffened, her eyes growing wide. It was the woman. The same one from, not one, but two of her visions.

"That's a quantum field generator, isn't it?" the mortal asked, her voice overflowing with curiosity, despite the graveness of those around her.

"It's a soul forge," Eir answered, unamused, not taking her eyes off of her work.

"Does a soul forge transfer molecular energy from one place to another?"

Amora could not fight the smile that spread across her face as Eir paused and looked down at the mortal. "Yes," the older healer answered, both shocked and impressed.

The young woman turned her head towards Thor and whispered, "Quantum field generator."

There was no question of the woman's identity when Thor smiled down at her with such warmth and affection. This was Jane. This was the woman he loved. Amora's chest ached as she watched Thor gaze at the woman, remembering her conversation with Sif. How could she doom such a tender relationship?

She gave no notice as a large figure brushed past her briskly until the accompanying voice spoke out.

"My words are mere noises that you ignore them completely?"

The healers backed away from the soul forge and bowed their heads, but Thor straightened and moved toward his father. "She is ill."

"She is mortal." Odin waved a hand, deactivating the soul forge. "Illness is their defining trait."

Amora frowned but chose to bite her tongue and watched the exchange in silence.

"I brought her here because we can help her," Thor said.

"She does not belong here in Asgard any more than a goat belongs at a banquet table."

Jane sat up and gawked at Thor. "Did he just...?" She whirled around to look at Odin. "Who do you think you are?"

"I am Odin," the Allfather said sharply, "King of Asgard. Protector of the Nine Realms."

"Oh..." Jane faltered before straightening with less fire than before, "Well, I'm--"

"I know very well who you are," Odin interrupted, "Jane Foster."

Somewhat taken aback, Jane turned to Thor. "You told your dad about me?"