Dani. Gods, stay safe. Don't feel this. Don't come.
But I know my mate. Know that warrior's heart that beats in time with mine. One slip in these wards and she'll feel everything. She'll come for me, consequences be damned.
And Loki will be waiting.
The bastard's probably counting on it. Using me as bait to draw her out, to trap her like he trapped me. The thought sends fresh rage coursing through my veins, but it does nothing against these enchanted chains.
My lungs spasm again. Can't fight it this time...
Dark.
The cycle repeats. Ice. Pain. Rage. My thoughts scatter like—
Find me... no, stay away... protect her... kill him...
Images flash behind my eyes—Dani's smile, her fierce light in battle, the way she looks at me like I'm her whole world. Then darker visions: Loki's hands around her throat, her light dimming, her screams that I can't answer...
Consciousness fades.
Returns.
The cold bites deeper. Howlong has it been? Hours? Days? Time means nothing in this endless loop of death and resurrection.
Baby... please... don't let him...
My body jerks with another drowning spasm. The chains laugh their metal song.
I'll kill him... tear him apart... if he touches her...
Darkness claims me again.
And again.
And—
Danica
63
Now wearing Baldr's face like a twisted mask, Loki drags me through the palace halls. His grip on my arm is iron, starkly contrasting to the benevolent smile he shows passing servants. My pack bounces against my back with each step, the jars of essence rattling inside, a mocking reminder of the power he wants to exploit.
We reach the gardens, and he pulls me closer, his voice a venomous whisper. "Open a portal to the Elemental Nexus. Now."
I barely suppress a snort.Yeah, because it's just that easy, asshole.I've never even seen the place. But I keep my mouth shut, eyes scanning the palace for any sign of help.
Movement catches my eye—a flash of silver hair on the upper balcony. Erik. His eyes meet mine, confusion flickering across his usually stoic features.
My heart leaps. One word. One fucking word and—
"Ah, Erik!" Baldr's voice rings through the gardens. "Glorious morning for a walk, isn't it?" His grip tightens brutally on my arm as he whispers, "Say a word and I'll paint these gardens with his blood."
The threat hangs heavy in the air. I manage a stiff nod, heart pounding against my ribs.
"Indeed." Erik's eyes narrow slightly, assessing. "Perhaps I could join you?"
"Oh, that won't be necessary." Loki waves a dismissive hand, Baldr's golden hair glinting in the sun. "Just giving our esteemed guest a tour of the grounds. We'll return shortly."
Erik's gaze bores into me, a silent question. I force a smile, praying he can see the desperation in my eyes. "It's fine, Erik. I'll catch up with you later."
