2 | 𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐃 ▹ LOKI LAUFEYSON

xxxviii. the plot

A M O R A

Fandral had been called away to attend the war council, so Amora circled Lorelei's cell alone. Just as was the case with the other cells, the barrier was no more. Aside from that, nothing was amiss. Although, there was not much in the cell to be out of place, only a single cot.

Amora stood motionless, staring at the empty cell, and let out a shaky breath. Lorelei had escaped. Who knows where she could be now? Asgard already had enough threatening it without this.

She needed to be found as soon as possible.

Stalking down the hall, Amora's mind began to race.

Lorelei would not take Asgard now; she would not want a broken kingdom. She would wait until everything was at peace again.

So she would go off-world, Amora thought, but where?

She stopped short when a glint on the stone floor caught her eye. Stooping down, she picked up the piece of metal: Lorelei's collar.

Clutching the collar, Amora looked up to see an Einherjar  returning a prisoner to his cell. The guard turned to her approaching figure as the barrier sealed the criminal in.

"I need you to take full account of your legion," said Amora, "There is a dangerous prisoner at large and your men could be at risk."

The soldier narrowed his eyes and opened his mouth to object.

"I would not question Lady Amora's authority, if I were you." The two turned to see Volstagg pushing another prisoner along.

The Einherjar looked back at Amora with a look of recognition. He gave a nod, mumbling, "I apologize, my lady. I will get right to it."

As he strode off, Volstagg returned to Amora's side. "Is that Lorelei's?" he asked grimly.

"Yes."

He breathed a heavy sigh and muttered, "Allfathers help us."

"I need to speak to Sif," Amora said, "Do you know where she is?"

He pursed his lips. "No, but I can find her for you."

"Thank you," she said with a nod, "Tell her to meet me in Frigga's gardens."

Later, Amora found herself clutching Lorelei's collar as she sat silently on a bench, watching her reflection in the metal look back at her. Normally, she would enjoy spending any moment in Frigga's gardens, gazing at the flowers and enjoying the peace. But now it was too painful.

It would not have been hard to find another private garden or courtyard. Everyone had closed themselves in their homes after the attack. There are a strange tension in the air; a proud realm like Asgard was not used to fear.

Everyone was occupied with either recovery from this attack or preparation for the next. Fandral had been called away to the war council, leaving Amora alone in her mission. Fortunately, there was another who could help her.

Amora looked up and smiled as Sif approached.

"I got your message," Sif said as she sat down, "How are you doing?"