2 | 𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐃 ▹ LOKI LAUFEYSON

xxxix. the treason

T H O R

"You must be truly desperate to come to me for help. What makes you think you can trust me?"

Thor stood wearily before his brother's cell. Outwardly, he kept his stance firm, knowing that Loki would find a way to exploit any weakness that he saw.

He wished he did not have to be this guarded with Loki; he longed for a time when they trusted each other.

But things had changed. They had changed.

Because of this, Thor spoke without hesitation or regret. "I don't. Mother did. You should know that when we fought each other in the past, I did so with a glimmer of hope that my brother was still in there somewhere. That hope no longer exists to protect you. You betray me and I will kill you."

Loki's solemn face slowly grew into a poisonous smile, and Thor remembered Fandral's words. He will betray you.

"When do we start?"

But Thor had a secret weapon, one that he had not had before.

"Now." Amora appeared at Thor's side, her invisibility spell falling away. "I suggest you change."

It was disarming, the way that Loki's face softened when he looked at her. A part of Thor wanted to hold onto that glimmer of the past.

Fortunately, Amora was better at staying on-task. "The guards are on high alert now, but a few illusions will help you pass through."

Thor gave her a grateful nod. "Do have what I asked for?" he asked in a low voice.

Amora moved closer to him and handed him what appeared to be a set of daggers, but one they were in his grasp, they reveals themselves to be a pair of cuffs. An enchanted pair of cuffs.

Thor smirked, happy to finally be in on the tricks. "Loki will love these."

"Oh, I'm sure he will," she said, "He's always respected a good trick."

Thorn placed a hand on her arm. "Thank you, Amora. I know this is not the plan you had preferred."

Amora only pressed her lips together and nodded, looking away.

"It is not," she said quietly before sighing, "but it's an Infinity Stone, Thor. It could be our greatest weapon."

"I know, but it is Malekith's weapon; it always has been." Thor shook his head. "It's too dangerous," he said with finality, "It's playing with fire."

"I'm sorry." Loki's voice drew the pair's gaze. He stood with his hands behind his back, wearing a knew change of clothes and an amused smirk. "But did I hear that you're considering a plan that Amora doesn't approve of. Are you mad?"

"I'm sure you would consider any plan," Thor spoke, "over one that would endanger her health."

The smirk faded from Loki's face. "And does our current plan endanger her?"

"No."

"Good." Loki adjusted his sleeves. "Although I doubt it's still much of a plan."

"As long as it's not 'get help', I'm sure you'll be fine," Amora said with a knowing smirk.

Loki coughed out a laugh and shook his head. "Now, I assume you're going to be letting me out."

Thor looked to Amora. Without another word, she stepped up to the cell and reached out through the barrier.

Loki glanced down at her expectant hand; the excitement in his eyes flickered with the barest hesitancy.

Then, he took her hand and stepped forward, passing through the barrier unharmed.