The image on the cover belongs to AnnGeea and you can find the image under that username on Deviantart.
Chapter One
Faith couldn't believe how good she felt since arriving on Asgard; strong, healthy, even her hair felt more lustrous. She was certainly going to feel physically good while she was here, if nothing else.
They had ridden from the site of the bifrost and since she didn't know how to ride a horse, she had been too busy trying to stay on the beast to sightsee, but she had liked what little she had seen and was looking forward to exploring properly. Thor told her that servants would take her cases from the bifrost to her rooms, apparently, and she vaguely wondered what 'rooms' looked like, having never in her life had more than one to call her own.
They dismounted at the palace entrance and stewards took the horses from them. Faith just had time to look up and realise how huge this place was, before she had to jog to keep up with Thor.
"It is a good day," Thor said with a smile, glancing at her.
She didn't reply.
"You disagree?"
"It depends on your point of view," she answered.
"I know you mortals are not exactly thrilled at Loki's release, but he is a changed man."
"Is he?"
"He is," Thor assured her.
"Which is why he pretended to be Odin?"
"The Allfather was not harmed," Thor assured her. "And while leading our people, Loki proved himself a good leader and a good man. He is the reason we were able to defeat Thanos."
Faith said nothing, unable to believe that a man could have a complete change of character. If he had been a good man while posing as Odin, it was probably because he was mimicking Odin.
"You will see for yourself in time, and be able to report back to your superiors," Thor said with a confident smile.
Faith nodded her understanding.
After walking what felt like a mile of corridors, they finally reached the throne room, which needed another long hike to reach the throne.
"It's a good job I'm fit," she said softly. "I have a feeling I could ran a marathon in this place just walking to and from my quarters."
Thor chuckled softly.
When they finally reached the base of the throne, Thor kneeled and Faith followed suit.
"Allfather, I bring you SHIELD's representative from Midgard, the Lady Faith."
"Rise," the Allfather said, and they both got to their feet. "I do not like the idea of a mortal on Asgard, you do not belong here, you are too fragile."
'Nice to meet you too,' she thought but she wasn't brave enough to say it.
"However, given Loki's actions on your planet, I have decided to grant you permission to stay in the hopes of improving relations between our realms. This does not mean your presence is welcome here and should any harm befall you whilst here, Thor has made it clear to your employers that we will bear no responsibility for it."
'Gee, you're all fun and games,' she thought, but she answered with, "I understand."
"Take care that you do not interrupt the normal functioning of the palace."
"I will."
"Good. Now go."
She wanted to ask when Loki would be released but she felt oddly intimidated by his hostility. Even Fury's abrupt attitude was nothing compared to Odin.
They left but it seemed to take an eternity to get to the end of the hall.
"He's a barrel of laughs," she said as they finally left the hallway.
"He took my mother's death hard, and Loki's rule even harder. Those who know of Loki's deception say he was a better king than the Allfather, and Odin is not pleased by that. He has become quite insular, and even more bad tempered that he used to be."
Faith detected the dark tone in his voice.
"What did he do to you?" she asked.
Thor glanced at her and took a moment before deciding to answer. "He called me back to Asgard."
Faith knew he had been living on Earth, working for SHIELD and living with Jane Foster, but she wasn't privy to the reasons for his return to Asgard. Apparently, it hadn't been his choice.
"Why?"
"It was Loki that granted me my freedom to return to Midgard and be with Jane. Odin however, wishes me to take the throne within the next year."
"Why don't you? Then you can make the rules?"
"True, but I cannot abdicate the throne once I claim it, nor can I marry a mortal woman."
"Why?" She knew that a few human kings had abdicated their thrones, some for love, and some to allow their children their chance to rule.
"Both actions would bring shame to the House of Odin," Thor explained, as if it should be obvious.
"Edward VIII abdicated the throne to be with Mrs Simpson. It was a scandal at the time but most were able to see the romance in giving up a throne for true love. They even make movies about it now." She glanced at Thor and saw that he had a wistful smile on his lips.
She hoped he would think about it. Lord knows that if she found someone to love, nothing would keep her from them. That was extremely unlikely, she was too weird to even have many friends, let alone boyfriends, but it didn't stop her from wanting other's to be happy.
"Come, your quarters are this way," Thor said, effectively changing the subject.
"When will Loki be released?"
"Later today."
"Forgive me for asking but given what you've said about Odin, I'm surprised he's releasing Loki."
"It was not his decision. The council voted unanimously for his release, and that is the only time that Odin's proclamations can be over ridden."
"How long has he been in jail? Back in jail, that is?"
"Since his deception was revealed, a year ago."
That didn't seem very long to Faith.
They marched along miles of corridors and chambers, gold, marble and stone everywhere. Finally they stopped by gold doors that were easily fifteen feet high, and Thor pushed them open.
"These will be your chambers," Thor explained. "Loki's are beside your, and mine the next door after that."
They were massive, and this was just the sitting room, apparently. A woman who had been sitting on a chair by the door, stood as they entered and approached them.
"This is Ilmr, she will be your handmaiden while you are here. Anything you require, she will find for you."
The woman lowered her head slightly in acknowledgement.
"Pleased to meet you," Faith said.
"And you, My Lady. Your belongings have been brought here but the contents are so unusual, I wasn't sure what to do with them."
"I can unpack, thank you."
"As you wish."
Thor patted Faith's shoulder. "I shall bring Loki to meet you when he is released."
"Thank you."
He turned and left.
"Shall I show you around, My Lady?"
"Please. And please call me Faith."
"As you wish."
While the rooms were huge, the tour was relatively quick, consisting of a living room, a large balcony, a bedroom, bathroom and a large (but empty) closet. The furnishings were mostly in deep purple, so it was handy that she liked that colour. Her mission here was open ended, so it might be quite some time before she left.
As soon as the tour was over, she began unpacking her cases, starting with the one labelled Stark. It housed the technology that would allow her to communicate with SHIELD on earth and she set it up on half of the dining room table. It took her quite some time but she had practiced on Earth before leaving, so she was able to assemble the equipment with more ease than the average Ikea furniture.
"My Lady?"
She didn't reply not because she was being rude but because she was concentrating, and it was an unfamiliar title.
"Faith?"
"Yes?" She looked to Ilmr.
"Your wardrobe is rather… out of place for Asgard. I wondered if you would like me to procure garments that are more in keeping with those around you."
She looked down to her skin tight SHIELD uniform and thought that it couldn't hurt to have options.
"If it's no trouble, but no dresses."
"You dislike them?"
"Very much," she said with feeling.
"As you wish," Ilmr seemed to be thinking.
"I don't even care if it's masculine looking," Faith added. "I know I'm a woman, I have no need for my wardrobe to scream it."
"Perhaps something like the Lady Sif's casual wardrobe."
Faith had no idea who that was or what it would look like. "I'll leave that to you, if I may?"
"Of course." The girl disappeared and Faith continued with her task. When she was finished, she sat by the contraption she had built and turned it on.
The computer and transmitter were powered by an arc reactor, which would last for years, even given the immense power needed for interstellar communication.
The machine began to whirr and a receiver and antenna opened from within. Stark was broadcasting a test signal for the equipment to latch on to and after a few moments of searching, it found and tuned itself to the signal.
The screen flickered to life, showing a test card, albeit it with Tony's image right in the centre. Egomaniac.
"This is Agent Addisen to SHIELD HQ, are you receiving, over?"
She waited a few moments, then repeated the message. As she was about to repeat herself for the third time, the test card vanished and Stark's visage filled the screen.
"Oh, Agent Hippie, good to hear from you. I take it you arrived safely?"
"In one piece. Loki hasn't been released yet, that should happen later today. I'll keep SHELD informed of any incidence of consequence."
"What, no small talk?" Stark seemed hurt.
"I have a job to do, Mr Stark. Please relay the news of my safe arrival to Director Fury. Addisen out."
"You know, all work and no play makes Faith a dull girl," Tony was saying.
She cut the connection from her end, although she could still receive incoming broadcasts and could still hear Stark talking to himself.
She got up from the table to escape him. She didn't mean to be rude to Stark, she didn't even dislike him, not really, but he did unnerve her with his constant questions and quips. She was introverted by nature and Tony seemed to enjoy trying to draw her out, and it was her embarrassment that caused her to be rude. She wasn't proud of that fact but then again, Tony didn't take her more subtle hints.
She unpacked her clothes, toiletries and personal effects next but hadn't yet finished when Thor strode into the room, without knocking and with a disgruntled looking Loki in tow.
"My Lady Faith, might I present to you my brother, Prince Loki of Asgard."
Faith nodded. "I wish I could say it's a pleasure."
"I understand that I must talk with you once a day," Loki said, looking down at his nails and picking at them as he spoke.
"Yes," she agreed. "Unless it interferes with your busy manicure schedule."
Loki glared at her. "Let's get today's meeting over with shall we? I have far more pleasurable things to be doing."
"Is that all right with you, Lady Faith?" Thor asked.
"It's fine," I smiled at him then turned to Loki. "Shall we sit?" She gestured to two wing backed chairs by a huge fireplace.
"Why not?" Loki asked with a rather too cordial smile. "And perhaps some refreshments while we talk?"
Thor left.
"Whatever you want," Faith agreed, retrieving something from the interstellar radio. She took a seat in an armchair and turned the recording device on as she waited for him to sit opposite.
"You're recording our conversations?" Loki asked.
"I am." She placed the device on the arm of her chair and waited.
Loki took his time looking around her room, then his eyes ran over her SHIELD outfit, taking in her curves and offering her salacious smirks. She knew he was just trying to unnerve her but she was too well trained to react, so she sat in silence.
When he ran out of things to look at, finally he spoke.
"So, what would you like to talk about?" he asked.
"I don't mind, you choose."
"So you request a daily meeting, but with no agenda?"
"I didn't request the meetings, my bosses did."
"And yet here you sit, half an hour into our first meeting, and you haven't made any attempt to fulfil your employer's wishes."
"I have no real desire to converse with you, Loki. A feeling I'm sure you reciprocate," she couldn't keep the slight smile from her lips and he too laughed.
"So it seems we are both in the same boat," he added.
Faith acknowledged his words with a small nod.
"Well, we might as well make the best of it, as they say." He smiled at her. "About those refreshments, perhaps some wine?"
He waved his hand and two goblets appeared on the side table between their chairs.
Faith knew he was trying to play her, pretending to be cordial and superficially charming, but she didn't believe his act and she wasn't going to play along.
"Sitting quietly is making the best of it, as far as I'm concerned." She thought that's he saw a flicker of hesitation in his eyes but he quickly recovered.
"Well, I suppose that an hour looking at you in that costume each day might have some benefits."
Faith didn't answer and the rest of the hour passed in silence, until Thor returned.
"Well, it's been fun," Loki said as he arose, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I shall look forward to more of the same scintillating conversation tomorrow. Same time?"
"It's up to you."
"The same time then." With a smirk and a small bow, he left.
She waited until she was sure he was gone, then went to the computer and uploaded the conversation, along with her written report, both of which she transmitted to Earth.
By the time she had done that, Ilmr was back, and her closet was now almost a quarter full of new clothing. She went to take a look and saw a lot of leather and boots, as well as a few dresses that the handmaiden had snuck in. Faith didn't mention it.
"Thank you, Ilmr."
"My pleasure, My Lady. Would you like me to help you change?"
"Thank you but no. Where I come from, only infants and the infirm need help dressing."
"As you wish. Are you hungry?"
"A little. What are meal arrangements like here?" Faith asked as she browsed the clothing rail. She picked out leather jeans, ankle boots, a tunic and a wide belt.
"There are many communal dining halls where most of the palace eat but the Royals don't use their dining room any longer, not since Queen Frigga's death. I suppose you could eat in the servants dining room and once you have made friends, you would probably be welcome in the halls of other families who live in the palace. There are also a local inns and taverns if you wish to go out, or you can have meals sent to your room."
"Odin made it clear I wasn't welcome here so I think I'll eat in my room," Faith said. "How do I do that?"
"Our methods won't work for you, so just tell me what you want and I'll get it for you."
"Will you show me anyway?"
"Of course, My Lady."
"Call me Faith, please."
"Yes, My Lady Faith. Would you like me to show you now?"
"Please."
She left the clothes she had picked out draped over a chair and followed Ilmr into the living room. The girl approached the table and placed her hand on it. Moments later, scroll, appeared on the table.
Ilmr unrolled it and Faith saw that it was written in Asgardian.
"I'll transcribe the menus into English each day," Ilmr said.
"No need," Faith assured her, reading the main courses over her shoulder. "Wild boar stew with sandalwood bread, pheasant marinated in seventeen spices, venison tile, or lampreys with hot sauce. You don't have many vegetarians in Asgard, do you?"
"Vegetarians?" Ilmr looked puzzled.
"They're people who don't eat animals. Don't worry, I'm not one of them, I like bacon too much."
"How did you learn our language?"
"I pick things up quickly," Faith said by way of explanation. "Once I've decided, I assume that you place a hand on the table and wish for what I want?"
"Essentially, yes. The dinner items won't be ready for a few hours yet, but there are a few snack items on the bottom that are available all day."
She handed the menu to Faith, who opted for a selection of breads and cold meats to tide her over. Ilmr placed her hand on the table and a huge platter appeared.
"That's way too much food, the kitchen does realise I'm just one person, right?"
"Don't worry, there is no waste in Asgard. The food that is good enough is given to the poor of the city, and the rest goes to feed livestock and other animals."
"You still have poverty?" she asked, curious to know more about the society.
"We have no one who lives in poverty but unfortunately, anyone can fall on hard times."
"I'll just get changed. Perhaps after I've eaten, you could show me around. Are you allowed to do that?"
"Of course, My Lady."
"Who exactly is that strange woman?" Loki asked as he and his brother headed for his rooms.
"I have already told you, she is Agent Faith Addisen of SHIELD."
"I didn't ask you her name, I asked who she is. Why was she selected to watch me?"
"Why should that bother you?"
"Because I can't get a read on her. I merely wish to know her character, Brother, to understand her a little better."
"I confess I am not well acquainted with her myself. She is one of the Avengers but I have only met her on a handful of occasions, before Father called me back to Asgard."
They entered Loki's chambers.
"Would you care for some refreshments?"
"Thank you, Loki,"
They headed to the balcony and Loki conjured a two goblets of spiced wine. Handing one to Thor before he walked to the edge of the balcony and turned his face to the sun, closing his eyes.
"It must feel good to be free," Thor said softly.
"Hmm," Loki agreed and after a moment more, turned to Thor. "I am sorry about Jane, Brother. I had hoped to give you longer with her but I was discovered too soon."
"Thank you," Thor said sincerely. "Odin said that you only wanted me out of the way but I cannot believe it was just that. You fooled even those closest to Odin for two years, and I find it hard to believe you think highly enough of me that you would need me gone."
Loki smirked. "So you prefer to believe I think you dumb and did something nice, than that I respect you and wanted you gone."
"Something like that," Thor said with a chuckle.
Loki didn't confirm either perspective.
"So what now, Brother? Now that you are free, what are your plans?"
Loki couldn't reveal too much for fear that Thor would stop him, but he had a plan, the one thing he didn't have time to do while posing as Odin.
"I think I shall just enjoy myself for a while. Besides, the council may have released me, but I doubt that either they or Odin will let me wander very far for a while."
"Then tonight we shall celebrate, Brother. How do you feel about a trip into town, visiting our favourite taverns?"
"Your favourite taverns," Loki reminded him, which Thor conceded with a shrug. "And besides, is there no celebration ball to welcome me back into the fold?" He knew the answer, and he'd be lying if he said he didn't feel a little bitter about it.
"Without Mother, there are few celebrations these days, beyond the expected ones."
Loki nodded and leaned against the balcony railing and both brother were silent as they looked out over the city.
"You know, I never really understood the mortal's desire for graves, until I missed our mother's funeral."
"I am sorry, Brother. I begged father to allow you to attend, but he would not allow it."
"I'm not surprised. Any compassion he showed was as a direct result of Frigga, but I thank you for trying."
"Frigga?" Thor repeated. "Please don't tell me that you continue to deny that my parents are also yours."
"I acknowledge Frigga as my mother, but I will never acknowledge Odin as a parent."
"Loki," Thor said with a sigh. "How can you expect to reconcile with father if you continue to deny his role in your life?"
"I deny nothing, Thor. I once adored him and wanted nothing more than to earn his respect. I even killed my real father to prove myself to him, and still it wasn't enough. Now I want nothing from him, not even his name."
"Yet you stay in his home and are treated as a prince because of your connection to him."
"After defeating Thanos with the loss of only a handful of our people, I believe I have earned that respect. Besides, the palace is not Odin's, it belongs to Asgard and houses easily a thousand families."
Thor sighed.
"I don't understand your blind devotion to the man, he is ruining your chance at happiness with Jane. Why do you continue to defend him?"
"He has the best interests of the realm at heart."
"Does he?" Clearly, Loki wasn't convinced.
"Yes. Now please, let us talk no more of this, I have no wish to fight with you."
"Nor I, Thor." Loki sighed. "So, the human, you said she was an Avenger, correct?"
"I did."
"Then what are her gifts?"
"Now where would be the fun in that?" Thor smiled. "I will give you a clue though; her code name is Mimic."
"Mimic," Loki repeated. "I take it she does impressions then. Should be entertaining, but hardly useful."
Thor just smiled. "I shall now leave you now to get reacquainted with your quarters. Until tonight, Brother."
In Asgardian clothing and with her long dark hair now braised down her back, Faith could easily pass as a native and no one gawked at her, which she was glad of.
After a tour of the most important parts of the palace, the Faith and Ilmr ventured out into the town and Ilmr pointed out things of interest. They toured the shopping district, some of the gardens and finally Ilmr suggested that they dine in a local tavern. The palace had accounts with all the local merchants and taverns, so Ilmr explained that they only needed charge the palace for any purchases.
"How does that work?" Faith asked.
"Simply give your name."
"What's to stop someone else using my name?"
"For someone called Faith, you do not seem to have a lot of it," Ilmr noted with amusement.
"Unfortunately, I didn't get to pick my name. The question still stands."
"Accountants at the Palace check all the ledgers, and they have magical means of determining if any purchases are false."
Faith had little option but to believe her.
"This tavern looks popular," Ilmr said as they approached one. "They may have entertainment."
Faith followed after her inside, content to be led for the time being.
The bar was loud and crowded but three gentlemen quickly gave their table up for a pair of "beautiful ladies," only to then insist upon joining them. They made Faith uncomfortable but Ilmr was enjoying the attention.
They had not been seated for long, when Faith noticed the princes sitting over the other side of the tavern, surrounded by people. She watched Loki closely for a few minutes and while he appeared to be having fun, with a pretty maiden sitting on his knee and telling tales of his battle with Thanos, Faith didn't think his heart was in it. When Thor spoke up, she noticed that his smile dipped considerably, and not with envy or anger, more as if he was enjoying his respite from acting.
"So, you have your eye on a Prince," the man sitting next to her said, leaning in too close for comfort.
She turned to look at him and found his face far too close for comfort. "No." She leaned away, wary that he might try to kiss her. "Just curious," she answered.
As the night wore on, the gentlemen continued to push alcohol on them, badgering Faith when she did not drink up quickly enough. Faith paid them no mind, since she had no intention of drinking enough to become insensible. She liked a drink but even back home, she rarely had enough to get drunk. It seemed to her that her goblets of mead were removed and replaced when they were not even a third empty. She didn't even like mead.
After having been there for two hours, and not a meal in sight, Faith was growing weary. The crowd had only grown louder as more alcohol was imbibed and the man beside her, Gunnar, had become very handsy, with one arm around her shoulders, one around her waist and more than once, he had tried to pull her onto his lap. She was getting tired of fending him off.
When she saw Ilmr sitting on another's lap, kissing him passionately, Faith noticed that many of the patrons were involved in similar activities and she decided that it was time for her to leave.
"If you'll excuse me, I think I should be going." She got up from the table but Gunnar lunged at her, trying to keep her sitting.
"Oh, come now, the night is young! Stay, please, I am enjoying your company." He got up from the table and put his arms around her waist, holding her back to his chest.
"Maybe, but I am not enjoying yours. Goodnight."
"Now, now, Lady Faith, what's the hurry?"
"The hurry, is that I don't want to be here. Please let me go." She really didn't want to cause a scene, Odin didn't want her here to begin with and causing a fight would not endear her to him, but she feared it was becoming inevitable.
One of Gunnar's hands moved from her waist to her breast, the other to her crotch. A swift stamp on his instep brought his head down, while she sharply thrust her head backwards and was gratified when she heard the crunch of his nose. A final elbow to the ribs listened his grip and she stepped out of his arms, turning to see him holding his nose.
"What was that for?" he asked.
"For not taking 'no' for an answer.
"But-" he stepped forward, as if unable to believe that any woman could refuse him, but a swift kick to his groin finally sent him to the ground.
Only then did she realise that she had an audience, although they cheered, seemingly on her side (or just enjoying a fight, regardless of the combatants). As she turned to leave, she noticed the princes watching her. Thor was grinning and raised a glass in silent toast to her. Loki only looked mildly amused, but very curious.
She nodded in acknowledgement of them, then turned to leave.
"I have to go," she heard Ilmr saying, and the girl caught up with her at the door.
"You don't have to come," Faith assured her.
"But you'll need someone to take you back to the palace."
"I can find my own way. Honestly, Ilmr, if you want to stay, please do."
"You really don't mind?"
"Not in the slightest."
Ilmr grinned. "Thank you." She ran back to her beau and Faith left the tavern, before Gunnar could recover.
SHIELD had trained her, so she was practiced at finding her way but even if she hadn't been, the Palace was huge and she would literally be unable to not find her way back to it. She walked slowly though, since it was a temperate night and she was enjoying her walk.
"You took him down like a pro."
Faith jumped as she realised Loki was suddenly standing beside her.
"Tell me, how does a mortal manage that?"
"SHIELD trained me well."
Loki chuckled. "Perhaps, but I have fought SHIELD agents, and they are no match for our kind. Not even Captain America and Iron man could have bested me, had I not wanted to be captured."
Faith didn't answer.
"Are you enhanced, like the Captain? Perhaps you took something more like the Hulk?"
"No."
"Then how did you defeat him?"
"I guess because he was drunk and I got lucky."
"You have imbibed a fair amount too," he noted. "The barman must have brought nine rounds to your table."
"Were you counting?" she asked, smiling for reason she couldn't explain.
"I'm always aware."
"Then you should be aware that most of the glasses they took away were hardly touched. I don't like being drunk."
"Hmm," he said thoughtfully as they walked. "So you claim to be completely human."
"I am," she agreed. "No meddling, no potions, no serums, no experiments."
Loki considered that as they walked.
"You shouldn't have left your maid there, you know," he finally broke the silence.
Faith's heart stopped for a second and she grabbed his arm to stop him. "Is she in danger?"
"No," he said, sounding amused. "She seemed to be enjoying herself. I only say that because it is unseemly for one's personal servants to make a show of themselves in public. There are many halls within the palace where they can misbehave, should they want to."
Relieved, Faith continued walking. "Well luckily, I don't think I own her, so she's free to behave however she wants."
Loki clearly didn't like that idea but didn't argue anymore.
"Aren't you heading back to the tavern?" she asked.
"No, I don't think so."
"Your first day of freedom, and you're having an early night?"
He smirked. "I never was much of one for taverns."
Faith looked him up and down but didn't reply.
"What?" he asked.
"Nothing."
"You don't look at someone like that if it's nothing."
Faith didn't reply.
"You won't anger me, if that's what worries you."
"I'm not worried about that."
"Yet you won't answer my question."
She sighed. "Fine. My cursory glance confirms that you're right, you aren't much for taverns."
"Oh, and what, exactly, makes you say that?" They entered the castle and continued towards their rooms.
"First, your clothes aren't stained, and with all the clinking of beer mugs and general drunkenness, that's unusual. Second, your clothes haven't been loosened, as I might expect that girl who was sitting on your lap for half a night to do. Third, your posture is perfect, head up, back straight, hands clasped behind you. Finally, your diction is perfect. You are stone cold sober, despite having spent the night in a bar."
Loki smiled. "You're very observant."
"I was trained to be."
"It's a simple trick to turn beer into water," he explained. "It seems we both have a dislike of being drunk."
"I don't dislike it," she admitted. "I'm just very choosy about when I will allow it. Plus, your mead is awful!"
Loki chuckled "That it is. Next time, try spiced wine. Much better."
"Thanks."
They passed the guards who watched the entrance to the royal wing and rounded the corner to their rooms.
Suddenly Loki hit her, his left arm connecting with her jaw and sending her into the wall, where she hit her head with more force that was probably healthy.
She quickly got her bearings and turned, ready to fight back but Loki had his hands raised in surrender.
"I'm observant also," he explained. "And that blow would have killed a mortal."
"So what, you go around hitting people to prove your points."
"Only those who lie to me. I will find out your secret." Loki grinned. "Goodnight, Agent Faith Addisen. Do sleep well."
He made to move away and she swung at him, but hit nothing more substantial than a hologram, which faded upon contact.
She trudged along the rest of the hallway to her bedroom, Loki's ghostly laughter ringing in her ear.