Page 63 of Loki

Loki barked with laughter. “Oh really?”

Frigg shrugged.

Loki patted her hand. “Next week, we will talk.”

She nodded. “I’m always here.”

Though Frigg wasn’t his mother and was younger than Loki himself, he’d always seen her as a mother. She had the gentlest, most nurturing nature of any being.

Lightning struck the floor near the table, and Hödr careened backward out of his chair.

“Thor!” Odin yelled. “Enough.”

Val jumped from her seat and rushed to Elle; twin silver and golden blades protruding from her wrist bracelets.

Thor looked like he might strike Val next, and Loki appeared next to her instantly— blue magic skimming his hands.

Thor’s breath came out heavy as lightning flecked his eyes. He scanned the room. Half the table had risen and moved away, and the other half remained in their seats, silent.

“Did all of you know?” Thor yelled. “Am I the only one not in on the joke?”

Thunder crashed louder above the building.

“Thor.” Frigg moved gracefully toward him. “It’s not like that. Elle’s mother was a dear friend whom Surtr kidnapped at Ragnarök. We thought she had died in the cataclysm. When Val sent word about Elle and who she was, I had to help. I loved her mother like a sister.”

Thor turned to her. “You. You’re the one who told me to go to the speed dating event. You knew she would be there, and we would meet, didn’t you?”

“Your fate and the fate of the fire giants have been tied together since the beginning of time. Did I know it would be the daughter of Surtr who would heal your heart? No. I only knew someone would. And that someone would be from the house of Surtr.”

Loki put his hand on Val’s back. “He won’t hurt her.”

“And you,” Thor said to Odin. “You knew who she was when you saw us together, didn’t you?”

Odin crossed his sinewy arms over his chest. “I met her once. Years ago. She was only a child. But yes. I recognized her.”

Thor removed his hammer from inside his jacket and pointed it skyward before anyone spoke. His feet lifted from the floor and took off.

Elle abandoned the dishtowel she’d been using and walked toward the exit.

Val grasped her arm and turned her around. Elle stared at her for a moment.

“I should have told him,” she said.

Val’s mouth opened and closed several times.

Elle peered around the group and offered a weak smile. “Thank you all for a lovely meal. I think I should go.”

“Elle, stay,” Frigg pleaded. “Thor will get over it. Trust me.”

Elle nodded. “Thank you, Lady Frigg, but I think I’d like to return to my apartment.”

“I’ll take you,” Val offered.

“I don’t want you to miss out.”

“Let me take you,” said Frigg.

Elle shook her head. “I’ll be fine.”

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