Ablaze (A Loki fanfic)

Chapter 3

Before I start this story I would like to apologize. I've been gone for a little over a year and... there's really no excuse. I just lost motivation to write on this, but I definitely wasn't about to discontinue it. I would also like to apologize because this chapter is shorter than the others but I had to give you guys something (especially the readers who are surprisingly still reading this). I will try to update within the next month. But enough of that, on with the story.

Enya's pov

It had been a few weeks since Andra bonded and since then, Andra has avoided any contact with her bondee, Lord Fandral. She no longer waits outside of the training arena, she waits at the entrance of the woods. As for when she's home, she locks herself in her chambers.

  I'm not annoyed, I'm confused. Bonding is one the most salient, if not the most salient event in an Elioran's life and usually leaves the Elioran(s) with excitement and joy to have found their soulmate, yet Andra seems sad about it. Scared even. But why?

  I plan to find out. It's Thursday, so Andra doesn't have any duties. Winter is with Addis today, so it's just Andra and I.

I approached Andra's door and knocked. "Andra?" I called. When there was no answer I called again. "Are you in there? I want to talk to you."

After a lengthily silence, I sighed. Day and night Andra is stubborn. When she's vexing she demands space, resulting in her distancing herself from us.

I walked away feeling powerless. I don't know how to help my little sister with a problem I don't understand.

Soon, another week had passed with no difference. Andra stayed locked in her chambers with no will to voice her fears.

It was already midnight and I couldn't fall asleep. I had been roaming the massive library for nearly an hour. Andra and Addis often ask why I'm always in the library. And I always say that it's something that brings me comfort. Or a distraction.

My tracks came to a halt.

"I honestly didn't expect you to leave your chambers anytime soon. Thought it would be another week or two."
"But you don't look surprised."
"Because there's hardly anyone who can sneak up on me. You know that." I pause turning around. I almost let out a gasp at the sight. My sister has dark circles and bags under her eyes. Untamed hair. And had a look of sadness in her eyes.

Andra gave a small smile and I saw it again. Pain in her irises. And I knew it had everything to do with the event of her bonding. "Why does bonding have you so upset?"

Andra gulped and looked down. "Because I never wanted to bond."

My eyes went wide. "What? That's absurd."
"No it's not! I never wanted to bond because now that I have so much to love, I have so much to lose." She breathes the last part.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean so many things can go wrong! My bondee is a well known Lord and warrior of Asgard. So if we were to happen, then I would be known. And if I'm known then you, Winter, and Addis would eventually be known. So if anyone were to find out what we are then all of us would be exposed."

"You do realize that there's a 50/50 chance of that happening, right?"
"And that 50/50 chance is not a risk I'm willing to take, Enya. Not with any of you." She stresses. As soon as she finished her sentence, she slowly progressed towards the door.

"The bond between you two is absolute! You can't conceal yourself from him. Not forever."

"Do you think this is easy for me!? I have to resist the urge to go to the training grounds after work just to possibly get a glimpse of my bondee. My need to see him is getting harder to resist now that my time at the candle mart has now changed so now I get out a half hour earlier than Addis. And it gets a little harder everyday. So please don't make this harder than it already is!" she shouted before glaring at me. "And not concealing is ironic coming form you! You! The one who spends all her time in this mansion or the library! The one who doesn't live beyond these walls!" She continued to shout, a single angry tear rolling down her cheek. "You talk about not concealing and you can't even give that example!" I was speechless. Andra's rarely ever been so cross.

Without another word, Andra turned on her heel and left the library. The slam of the door echoing throughout the library.

I stood there in silence. I never wished to make it worse, I just wanted to try to ease her troubles. The more I thought about her words, the more I realized she was right.

I only leave when I have to set off to the market. And when I practice my powers. I don't have any friends and the ones I have are closer to acquaintances, plus I only know them since they're friends with one or both of the twins.

The plan now is to watch their love unfold. Only get involved if absolutely necessary, or if she asks for help.

And that's exactly what I did. I kept my distance on the subject and from her, not that she came out of her room or wanted to interact with me.

Two weeks had passed. As much as I hated to admit it, I worked on myself more than I worried about Andra. I had to at least try to change, for better or worse. Every two days I would go to the main city and wander around until 15-20 minutes before Addis was finished with his training session. On these days, Andra wouldn't wait for us. She would be home and locked in her chambers by the time we arrived. It didn't take a genius to know that she was still mad at me. And I can tell that Addis didn't want to get involved... for now.

Today is one of those days. I'm currently waiting on the steps of the training grounds for Addis to be done with his session. I sat and watched the trainees spar with one another, the instructor walking around observing and rectifying his pupils.

"Astra. Kirkwood. Keep up the good work."

"Sir yes sir!" My brother and another man in the crowd of fighters shouted trying not to lose focus. I couldn't help but smile at that, remembering how mother and father were the ones to teach him how to use a sword. Me taking over after mother's death.

The clash of blades and grunts was all that filled the arena, or at least all I was focused on.

I sat transfixed. I was too captured to notice a pair of black boots. I hadn't noticed their owner until he spoke, finally making his presence known.

"You're a new face."

At the sound of the mystery man's voice my head snapped in his direction.

A very tall, ginger headed man with broad shoulders stared down at me. He wore fine armor and had cool gray eyes.

"And you are?" I asked from my spot.
"Pardon my rudeness. My names Ivar. Ivar Malik." he smirked as if I was supposed to know who he was. Though I could tell from his armor that he's of a high ranking. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.

"Enya." I said unimpressed. I turned back to the trainees.

"I don't get a last name sweetheart?" he asked, smirk never leaving his face.

"Nope." I answered coldly.

I walked down the steps just as the session ended. Eager to get away from him. Though I could feel his eyes on me. What's his problem?  By the time Addis and I entered the woods I had forgotten about the conceited red head. Already knowing I'd never see him again. Or so I thought.