Tabula Rasa (Unlike Loki: Book Two)

Chapter 53

(By)

I was silent, at a loss for words. I had mixed emotions and various thoughts running through my head.

She was about to tell me the key to saving Leolin. But that didn't mean it would be easy.

"I'm listening." I said cautiously.

She smiled, knowing she had my full and complete attention. "Your darling Anna is one of those stones."

Silence.

And then I busted out in an uncontrollable laugh.

The woman started at me in astonished confusion.

"You actually expect me to believe that?" I said, when I regained some composure.

"Why would I lie?" she said, not understanding my laughter, my disbelief.

I stood straight, my face turning into completely serious. And then I charged her. I stomped towards her and took her by the lapels of her coat. Her hood must have been glued to her head, because it didn't move at all. She let out a small yelp, before slamming her hands down on my wrists, trying to release my grip.

But I was angry. And anger made me stronger. As she watched me, she realized that. I started to change, to transform. My skin changed and so did my eyes. I grew taller and broader.

"You know you aren't supposed to-" she started.

I shook her. "Don't tell me what I can and can't do." I huffed, pissed off. This was the first time I had transformed in a very, very long time. "You could be lying to me, to trick me to bring Anna to him for him to simply kill her. There's absolutely no way that Anna is an infinity stone. It's not possible."

Now she laughed. "But it is possible. She's the one stone that's been lost. She holds it within her."

"Even if I did believe you, how exactly do you expect Anna to give him the stone that lies within her? If it is inside her, I doubt it's still in stone form." I spat. "And I highly doubt it's as easy as reaching inside herself and pulling it out." I glared heavily at her.

"Looks like little Anna-Banana needs a witch. Oh, wait, she's dead." The woman cackled.

I shook her again, her teeth slamming together. "Don't you dare. If it wasn't for your little twit, Maleah would still be alive. And she could've helped Anna, getting your oh so great master what he wants, if it's even true." I pulled her face closer to mine and I felt her flinch, she kicked out, but I didn't feel it.

"Well, I guess you'll have to figure something else out then. Tell Loki to visit an old friend." She smiled slowly, waiting for me to catch up.

I dropped her, and she landed hard on her feet, grunting. I slowly returned back to my usual state of being and stared at her.

She brushed off her cloak. "I speak the truth. And you better believe that. Because you are running out of time." She turned and began to leave, but then stopped and turned back. "Leolin in doing well in his training. He will grow to be a great warrior, a great King. Too bad you'll probably be dead before you get to see it." And then she left, walking briskly, her hips swaying with purpose.

I was fuming. I was supposed to keep Anna safe. And now I was being forced to, probably, send her to her death.

"Oh!" the woman said, popping her head in the door again. "And do tell Loki to tell the Enchantress hello for me, will you?"

And then she was gone. And so was my mind.

I fell to my knees, not feeling the pain, but only blinding rage.

I don't remember anything that happened after that.