Tabula Rasa (Unlike Loki: Book Two)

Chapter 88

(Anna)

I held the note close to my chest.

At least I had done something right. I smiled softly at the thought of Talia changing lives for the better. I wish that I could tell her that she was welcome in our home. She did not want to ask forgiveness for taking Leolin, but I gave it to her anyway. Leolin grew up and made his choices, she made hers. The lure of power took over his mind, and she could not help that. I am glad to know that they became close friends and not enemies. I wish I knew his story and hers. All of it. But for now, I would only know the beginning and the end.

And Amora. Amora who surprised me as well. She had prepared for the possibility of the events that had unfolded, and given us a spell that would save my life. She knew I would die, so she gave us a way to reverse it. And we never knew. Thanos never knew. She had made a deal with By because she wanted free, not so that she could be the supreme ruler of all witches, but so that she could make herself mortal. Her story was a sad one, but it had saved people. She had been a good actress. A very good actress, but she had chosen her side.

And I am so very glad that she chose ours.

I took my blanket off of my shoulders and laid it in the chair nearest to me. I walked out of the room and found Peter and his crew playing cards in the next room, listening to 80s music. I smiled at them and they smiled back. Peter's eyes met mine and he nodded, seeing that I had opened the letter. Then, the big guy, got up and walked over to me. He wrapped his arms around me and lifted me in a crushing hug.

I let out a grunt of painful surprise and he let me go, saying, "You looked like you needed a hug. Drax gives the best hugs." He smiled, pleased with himself and then sat back down with his friends.

I laughed and the racoon shook his head. "He sure does." I said. I looked at the group sitting before me, and I somehow knew that everything was going to be okay. There were people out there who cared about the universe. People who cared what happened to it and wanted to save it.

And new members were being added everyday.

And when the time came, we would be ready. And we would win. I could feel it in my bones.

"I- I just wanted to thank you all. I wanted to thank you for coming to get us and for caring for us. It means a lot." I said.

Peter smiled and the green girl leaned forward. "I am sorry for what Thanos has done. I know how terrible he is. How ruthless. We will defeat him. I can promise you that." She leaned back when I nodded in agreement. The look in her eyes reminded me of what I had seen in Talia. Had this woman been like Talia, taken by Thanos?

I decided not to ask her, as it was not my place. I smiled once more at the group and left them to their game, walking out of the room and towards Peter's quarters, where Loki waited.

I slowly opened the door to the small chamber and peered in. Loki's eyes immediately found mine. "Hello, Darling." He said softly.

I put the note in my back pocket and walked in the room, closing the door behind me. Then I headed for Loki and climbed on the bed, folding myself into him. Without hesitation, he wrapped his arms tight around me and pulled me to his chest.

I took in the scent of him, took in his very essence as he kissed my forehead. I kissed the hollow of his neck in response.

"We are going to be alright, aren't we?" He asked softly. I felt his chest vibrate softly.

"Yes. I think we are." I breathed. "I want to give them a proper burial." I said suddenly.

"I wouldn't have imagined doing anything different." He said as he reached up and stroked my hair. I know he had seen Much more than I did during that battle. And I knew how bad I hurt, so I could only imagine his pain. He hugged me tighter still. He was strong. He had seen things no one should have to see and he had done things no one should be forced to do. But he was still standing, after all this time, he still put up a fight.

And he would continue to do so.

Soon, I heard his breathing even out. He had finally fallen asleep.

We were going to be alright. In pain and sad, but okay. We were going to make it. And we were going to be damn sure that no one had lost their lives in vain today.

It wasn't long before I followed in Loki's footsteps and embraced dreamless sleep.