2 | 𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐃 ▹ LOKI LAUFEYSON

xlii. the merciful

We're getting so close to the end!

I just wanted to remind everyone that Loki is already disguised as Odin at this point.

As you can see, I've updated the look of this book. Let me know what you think!

Anyways, enjoy!

A M O R A

Amora's steps were heavy as she strode to the throne room. She had already felt weary before visiting Lorelei, and now she just felt drained.

Her head pounded as her thoughts circled around her sister. Lorelei was well, and it was only a matter of time until she did something devastating. Seeing her again made Amora long for the days gone by, when everyone was alive.

Her steps faltered as she entered the throne room. For as long as she could remember, the regal hall had always seemed to glow with the sunlight shining off of its pristine columns and golden throne.

Now it appeared dull, with many of its columns crumbling and the remnants of the throne covered in dust and debris.

Nevertheless, the king sat on his broken throne, straightening as she entered. "What news do you bring, my dear?" he asked, his eyes never leaving her.

"I know where Lorelei is," Amora spoke, coming to a stop before the throne. She moved to kneel, but Odin held up his hand, stopping her. "She's on Midgard."

Odin nodded. "I will send Lady Sif after her."

A wave of panic coursed through her. "Allfather, Sif will kill her." The words burst out of Amora before she could stop them.

"Do you not think Lorelei should answer for her crimes?" Odin asked coolly.

Amora ducked her head; she should not be questioning her king. But she raised her head and said, "No—I mean, yes—I..." She huffed. "Put her back in the dungeons. She hates it there. Killing her would be more merciful compared to that."

"And if she were to escape again, what then? She is far too great a threat."

"Allfather, please." Amora took a step forward as her voice wavered.

Odin shifted as she neared; his hand tightening on the side of the throne.

Amora's brow furrowed. Did he fear her?

"Please," she repeated, gripping his hand. The tears flowed freely down her cheeks. "I do not want my sister to die. Frigga and Loki are dead, and I can not lose anyone else."

She dropped to her knees and bowed her head. "Please, Allfather."

The king did not move.

He's going to have Lorelei executed.

Then, a hand rested on her shoulder. "Stand up, love."

As she stood, Amora watched the king with wide eyes.

He sighed. "I will spare your sister. I will spare her for you."

Amora closed her eyes and heaved a sigh of relief, her hand squeezing his. "Thank you, Allfather. I cannot thank you enough"

She turned to leave, but the king stood and called after her. He motioned toward a guard, and the man stepped forward with a small box.

"Frigga wanted you to have these."

Amora gingerly took the box from the guard's hands, running a finger over its engraved surface. "What is it?"

"I don't know. I only know that it was meant for you."