Hey guys! This is my first fan fiction on this website, and I'm really excited! Hopefully you will read it and like it!
Chapter One: Sacrifice
I stumble into the throne room, chained hands in front of me. My eyes stay on the ground. I feel a shove on the back of my head, forcing me onto one knee. I let out a growl.
"We found this urchin on the street. She slit a man's throat." The soldier who caught me announces with a grin. "Luckily, I got to her in time."
I feel my breath coming gasps. It wasn't like that. I couldn't have one of my episodes, not here. Not now. Especially not here.
"What do you have to say for yourself?" A deep voice rumbles, and I lift my eyes upward.
Odin looks down at me, his face unreadable. And I have a knack for reading faces. I swallow hard.
"I killed that man. But not simply out of bloodlust." I murmur, staring down at my chained hands. "He was threatening the life of my younger brother."
I'm shoved to the ground. A boot presses my cheek to the cold floor of the throne room. I feel my face burn in shame.
"We asked surrounding people. Her brother was attacked."
Odin raises an eyebrow. "Then it was an act of defense. She has no quarrel with me."
"But her brother was stealing. And we know what the punishment for that is. Twenty lashes. And service here in the castle."
"Then bring forth her brother."
"NO!"
My scream is ragged and desperate, and I can feel my heart race. A gasp rises from the group of noble men and women gathered in the throne room.
"Quiet bitch!" The soldier slams his foot into the side of my head. I see stars.
"Stop this father!" A loud voice shouts, and I turn my head to see a blonde man stride into the room.
Our eyes meet, but I give him a scowl and he looks away.
"Justice must be served Thor."
"And it shall be. That doesn't mean abusing the person responsible."
Odin's brow furrows. "So be it. Bring forth her brother. He will be punished for his thievery."
"No." I gasp. "Not Sam. He's only a boy!"
"He stole. Your brother knows the price thieves pay." Odin says, and I gnash my teeth.
"We're starving you fool! My brother only stole because my mother is dying, my father and sister are already dead, and I'm barely keeping us alive as it is." My mind is racing, and my heart is in my throat. I can feel the familiar pulse in my head. I push it back . "Give me his punishment! I'll take it! All of it!"
The room is silent. Then an eerie laugh sounds from behind me. "Hear that Odin? She's sacrificing herself for her brother. How kind."
I don't turn my head, my eyes focused on Odin. "Please. Let me take his place."
Odin nods. "So be it. Mareth, take her to the dungeons. I'll deal with our real problem now. "
I'm dragged to my feet, my body limp from relief and dread. As I turn, I come face to face with the man who spoke before. My eyes widen. It's Loki. The ice giant. The one who attacked earth. The killer.
His green eyes are fixed on me with a predatory gaze, and a smile plays on his lips. I fight the urge to shudder.
"How very kind of you. To give up your freedom like that. A pity too, I can tell how much your freedom meant to you." His voice whispers in my ear as I pass him by. I stiffen.
"You wouldn't know anything about sacrifice, would you?" I murmur back. And then I'm tugged away, and all that's left of Loki is the memory of his laugh.
