Uniting Asgard [Book Three]

Chapter Twenty-Four

Alice was using her seidr on Stephen to assess any damage he may have taken.

"You have some minor bruises and scrapes, but nothing too bad." She told him.

"Thank you." He sighed.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't think he'd do something like that."

"Don't apologize. It was out of your control."

"But I could gain control," Alice interjected. "I... the power of the stones becomes multiplied when in contact with the others. If I somehow got those stones... I could overtake him."

"It would be too dangerous. He himself is already too powerful. He has four stones whereas you have the one."

"Which means that I have the ability to take him down. If you think about it, there was once a time when he and I were both the same. When he only had one."

"What happened today was out of your control. Don't let him get into your head." Stephen told her.

The two turned their heads hearing someone entering the area. They saw Ebony Maw and Thanos walk into the room. Thanos stood in the center of the area and grinned as he made eye contact with Alice.

"I have a little treat to show you."

Alice and Stephen felt their hearts sink as Thanos opened his hand to reveal another stone... the soul stone. Watching him place the stone on his gauntlet, Alice felt a sudden surge of energy rush through her as he took in the stone's power. Stephen could sense this as he felt Alice tighten her hold on his hand as well as her veins glowing the bright blue that they had been doing for some time now.

Thanos chuckled, seeing the look on her face as he absorbed the soul stone's power.

"Your little friends won't stand a chance against me. I have everything I could ever need."

Alice went to speak but was taken aback when she heard Loki's voice echo in her ears.

We're coming for you, my love.

As she directed her attention back to Thanos, she noted the mind stone glowing more brightly than the others.

"And it seems as though we will be seeing them a little bit sooner than expected."

Alice grinned as she stood from the floor.

"Good. It's time your reign ended."

"You seem sure of that happening, but you forget that I have six stones."

"I am aware, but..."

Alice trailed off as she remembered her vision. Hearing Thanos begin to laugh made her look back up at him.

"Let me rephrase that. I will have six stones." He smirked.

Thanos walked over to Alice, staring down at her.

"You feel it, don't you? That power? You and I could be unstoppable together," Thanos told her. "It was always your destiny to come in contact with these stones and truly develop your powers. What more could all those Asgardians teach you without me getting involved?"

"I'm not going to give in to anything you say. I know who you are and what you've done. How do I know you're not lying to me?"

"I would never lie to you."

"Really? Then what was it that you said about my visions? How they're permanent? Loki was supposed to die at your hands. I saw it and I have seen it for many years. But I stopped it from happening. So, you see... how can I believe anything you tell me when you've lied in the past?"