Broken

Soulbond

I drifted in and out of consciousness. I could hear Loki's anxious voice and a woman talking clearly. I could tell I was losing too much blood. I might die.

I wonder what death is like? I thought to myself. As if I'd spoken aloud, Loki answered.

"You're not dying on me, my lady. Stay with me."

Eventually, I felt myself descending into unconsciousness and there were cries and shouts and hurried footsteps. I heard Loki warn them of something and the cry "We're losing her! There's no other way!"

Then I felt a prickle of pain. Then more. I screamed and my eyes opened fully, seeing everything around me. A room full of worried-looking healers, and Loki, his hand entwined in mine, muttering something, his brow furrowed in concentration. I felt as if someone was drawing on my arm with a knife. I screamed and tears poured down my face, my whole body hurt. Loki's face was white with strain and with one more burst of pain...

I didn't hurt anymore.

I opened my eyes again and saw that my wounds were healed and Loki was doubled over, breathing heavily. I sat up. I felt fine.

"What... what happened?" I asked the healers, who turned to Loki. He lifted his head and I saw that he was exhausted. "Loki?" I asked, even more uncertain.

"I used a very... a very old branch of magic..." he said tiredly. "It's called... a soulbond... I had to... there was no other way."

I knew of soulbonds. Married gods and goddesses would do it so they could venture into the darkness together. If one died, the other died too. It also means they share their powers and memories with each other, and if they get too far apart the soulbond will lead them back together. Loki had performed the soulbond to share his quick healing powers and immortality with me. It had worked.

I slumped back against the cushions, taking it in. I was now linked to this man. He had saved my life, and I was grateful, but although I liked Loki I doubted he liked me that much. The healers slowly left the room.

"Where are we?" I asked to take my mind off the matter. Loki pointed to the doorframe which had the avenger symbol on it. I nodded.

I looked at Loki. He was resting his chin on his palm, utterly exhausted. His hair was messy and fell across his face. There were marks on his arm. I looked at mine and saw it was as if we had matching tattoos; the odd navy-blue marks wound their way around our forearms and down to the thumb. I put my arm against Loki's and felt a burst of energy light up deep inside me. Loki seemed re-energized by it and sat straighter.

"Emilie... You have my powers and memories and learnings now," he said slowly. "And I yours. I promise I shall find a reversal spell when I can."

I took his hand.

"Thank you, Loki," I said, looking into his blue-green eyes. "You saved my life, and I am very grateful."

I squeezed his hand and he gave me the shadow of a smile. Maybe he did like me after all.