As much as she appreciated Marty sugarcoating this, she wasn’t so sure.“We don’t know that the measly threat was so measly.Listen, I’m not sure there’s any other way to do this but throw me into the deep end.First, I might not have time to do all the preparing it’s going to take to do the job.I mean, is there a class I can take, a college degree for having this kind of power?This kind of responsibility?It’s a lifetime of learning I have to cram into a short amount of time to keep my papa safe.He’s whoIwant to protect, and if hearing bad news, if hearing an imminent battle is on the horizon is the way I do it, then that’s how I protect him.”
Darnell was still at Remember Me with her papa, still keeping a close eye on him at all times.Carl dropped in, too, from time to time.He snuck into her papa’s window at night to avoid explanations about his appearance, but he loved to read to Stavros, and, according to Darnell, Carl had a calming effect on him with his sweet nature and love of people.
Carl had made friends with all of Stavros’s cohorts, too, thrilling Dom and making her chuckle when she found out he’d been their cover while they snuck Yodels from the pantry.
Marty pulled her into one of her special Marty hugs, comforting and warm.“You’re brilliant, Dominique Acosta.I hope know how much we admire how quickly you came to terms with all this.”
She wasn’t really given much of a choice.Dom would like to think she was that brave, but she really wasn’t.Her grandfather was her motivation.There wasn’t anything on Earth she wouldn’t do to keep him safe.Fight giants, take on serpents, whatever else MC and Harvey had told her were possible foes to be fought since this all had begun.
Gosh, had it been less than a week ago when she’d thought all of this was nuts?Because it felt like years.
Wanda peeked over Marty’s shoulder with a wide smile, tendrils of her hair blowing about her face.“You should also know that we’re all here as collective support, and whatever this Heimdall has to say, we’ll be right by your side.But remember, if at any time it gets to be too much, just say the word.You’re allowed to take a break and catch your breath.”
“And I, too, am here for all your needs, Dominique.But I implore you, don’t be frightened.We’re good people with pure intentions,” MC said.“You’ll always have the support of all your fellow Asgardians.”
It felt good to be surrounded by so much support, but she had a feeling it wasn’t as easy as simply catching your breath.Her mind had tossed around tons of scenarios before she’d been whisked away here to Asgard.None of them good.As in, that whole Ragnarök scenario they’d discussed.
What if Heimdall saw the end of the world?Could he see the future?Or what if the giants or whoever had unearthed this ancient magic Harvey talked about, and they were going to try and take MC away from her to use him for evil?Was she really the only person who could prevent that?
She fought a violent shiver of sheer terror, but Marty gripped her hand tighter.“Don’t project.We don’t know what Heimdall wants.Maybe he just wants to welcome you to the fold.You were going to have to come and meet everyone at some point.Maybe we’re not walking into disaster but some kind of festive gathering.”
Dom’s eyes narrowed.“Then why wouldn’t he tell us there was nothing to worry about instead of leaving me hanging in a puddle of anxiety?”
Wanda rolled her eyes comically.“Well, if it’s a surprise welcome to the land of brilliant colors and magical talking hammers, it would ruin said surprise, right?”
Dom couldn’t stop the giggle from escaping her mouth, giving her an impulsive hug.“Thanks, Wanda.Even though I’m pretty sure this meeting isn’t about welcoming me into the fold, your optimism is always appreciated.”
Harvey held out a long, muscled arm, motioning to the end of the bridge where a carriage—acarriage—waited for them.“Ladies, Heimdall awaits.”
Well, it’s now or never, Dominique.Time to meet the family.
* * *
What hadMarty said about not projecting?Hah!
The entire carriage ride—led by four beautiful white horses and a male driver dressed in long, flowing robes—Dom fought not to project.
As they galloped down cobblestone streets, past businesses and an open marketplace, all while she marveled at how it felt as though she’d been transported back in time, she tried not to project.
She really tried not to project as they passed crowds of people staring at her, women dressed similarly to the carriage driver, in vibrant tunics with beautiful gold and silver trim, their hair braided in lush twists and rolls, just as MC had described.
But it was hard to ignore the curious, sometimes suspicious stares she garnered.Yet, all Harvey had to do was wave to the villagers of Asgard, and he was greeted with happy smiles and cheers.
Harvey leaned into her, his strong scent swirling in her nose, when he took her hand and said, “They’re just curious about you, Dom.That’s all.Don’t take it to heart.They’re good people, and they’re going to love you.”
“I knew I should have changed before we left Nina’s,” she muttered.She felt ridiculous in jeans and a flannel shirt when everyone was dressed in fine silks and beautiful shawls.
“You’re beautiful as-is,” Harvey said, making her cheeks blush hot.
“I concur,” MC agreed, from his position in her lap.“Besides, there will be garments waiting for you upon arrival to your quarters.”
Dom held him up with a frown and a raised eyebrow.“My quarters?”
“Of course you’ll have quarters, Dominique,” he scoffed.“You’re a powerful part of this community, if not themostpowerful.That is to be acknowledged and honored.”
They could honor her by letting her fade into the woodwork.Sitting back in the plush carriage, Dom eyed MC.“Could we keep this lowkey, pal?As it stands, people are looking at me like I have an extra eyeball.Please, don’t make a fuss.”
Harvey chuckled.“That’s not the Asgardian way, Dom.Everything is a cause for celebration here.You’ll come to love it.I promise.”
