/ / Oh yea! So how would you feel if you woke up and your crazy ex-lover was on top of you? Well, Loki doesn't have the luxury of being happy about the notion... So I know alot has been brought to light in the last chapter, some new characters/mentions, hope you're hanging in there. Much will be brought to light in this chapter ... wait and see -V / /

Bold: Loki
Regular: Raven
Italic: Lina
(...): ESP

I all but flip over backwards off the bed trying to come to terms with the sight of Lina in my bed; whom has since phased off the bed and is pressed, back up against the dresser. I rub my eyes again as to insure that this is not a hallucination; it's not. Here she is standing in my chambers, staring, not at me, but through me; it is most uncomfortable.

"What are you doing here?" I snarl.

She furrows her brow and smirks; most likely at the tone I've used to address her, "My love, is this how you are to treat me after all this time we've been apart? I must say I was not expecting such a cold welcome,"

"Last I heard, you were a prisoner of Karnilla, seeing as no one else could subdue you after you're little, episode," I reply squinting.

She chuckles, odd, "Prisoner eh? I suppose one could call it that. What of you, what have I missed from my dearest Loki?" she says as she runs her fingers along my dresser, trying to be coy.

"A lot has gone on since we've last seen each other," I say as I straighten out my shirt and make my way solemnly to the balcony.

"Oh, is that so? Like what? Do tell, love," she replies as she follows me.

"Well for starters, I had no idea you would take the news of my banishment the way that you did," I say to her; looking at her through only my peripheral.

She lowers her head, not in shame, but with a smirk, "Oh, you heard about that did you? Yes, well, I couldn't very well allow my pain of losing you go unnoticed, now could I?"
I snap 'round and stare dead into her eyes, "So that was your reasoning, was it? You wanted the attention! Why? Why did you need to create a spectacle of yourself at my expense?"

"Your expense? How is this about you? I was the one that was heartbroken," she huffs.

"And I wasn't?! How can you even suggest that?! Of course I was devastated! But you didn't see me causing destruction across the Nine Realms! And yes, it is about me, since I've been back, it has been proven to be impossible to convince anyone that I had no knowledge that you were crazy," I scream.

"Funny, you don't seem upset. And, your troubles with your needing to prove yourself, are not my problem. If you loved me, you would be defending me, not trying to PROVE I'm crazy!" she taunts.

"Speak for yourself! I find your utter lack of empathy towards the whole situation to be most unsettling! If YOU loved ME, you would not have behaved that way, plain and simple!" I turn back round and stare into space.

"I believe I was justified! I love you and I felt the way I did because of it! They had no right to treat me the way they did afterwards," she shouts, waving her arms about.

I turn again, this time grabbing her shoulders, "Lina, you broke into the palace, broke into my chambers, locked the door and proceeded to have a meltdown, how, is that, JUSTIFIED!?"

She looks away for a moment, her eyes start to tear up, she looks back and tugs at my shirt, "I couldn't stand the thought of losing you. It overwhelmed me in a way I could not control, I love you,"

My hands leave her shoulders at the mention of those three words, "I ... don't, Lina, not anymore," and with that I feel her slap me across the face, hard.

"What?! What do you mean, not anymore?! What has happened to you in such a short time that has driven your love for me away?!" she screams hysterically.

I take a deep breath as I collect myself, "First of all, I did not deserve that. That's exactly the type of behavior I want no part of. That is not love, that, is madness. Second," I must tell her the truth, "I no longer am in love with you because I am in love with someone else,"

No sooner than me finishing that sentence, did I feel the air around me go still, quiet. It was as if time itself stood still. I look over at Lina, her face went from anger to shock, pure, stoned, shock.

"Someone else?" She turns and looks away, running her hand through her hair and shaking her head, "Surely you must be joking?"

"Why would I joke about something like that?" I can sense her pain, I need only look into her eyes, which have since glazed over and look lifeless.

She turns back and purses her lips, "Who is she?"

I take a deep breath, "She is a mortal woman,"

"WHAT?! Are you- how could you- why- a MORTAL?! And you think I'M crazy?! Clearly you're the one who's lost your mind! You've fallen for a lesser life-form!" She shouts as she flails around my chambers.

I stand my ground, "Say what you will Lina, but that is the truth! I was banished to Earth and I was taken in by a mortal woman and I fell in love with her, there's no other way to say it,"

"How can you do this to me?! After all we've been through! And with a MORTAL? URGH I cannot get over that! What did Odin have to say about this, huh?!" she wails, with her hands on her hips.

"Needless to say, his reaction was much the same as yours," I reply.

"As well it should be! This is crazy Loki! How do you expect to carry on your 'relationship' with this mortal, the law forbids it, remember?! How do you think we ended up here in the first place?!" she says with a sly smile, now she's really going to lose it.

"After speaking with Odin, he has agreed to convene the council and have the law changed," I reply. At this point my heart is racing, as I know I am now treading very, dangerous, water.

Her face stretches a look of pure disgust as well as shock as her jaw all but hits the ground, "And let me guess, this decision was made so you can consort with your little mortal whore as you please? Am, I, right?!" she snarls.

My face gets hot at the mention of Lina calling Raven a whore, "Still your tongue woman, she is no whore! You have no right to say anything on the subject!"

Just then I notice Lina's eyes go red and all of a sudden I cannot breathe, I look over and see her hand in the air as if she is choking me. I raise my hand to try to counter her magic, but, shockingly, I am unsuccessful. Now, I am terrified, "No, you still YOUR silver tongue, foolish Prince. You know, there was so much I wanted to tell you about what went on behind your back, but now, I think they're best unsaid, wouldn't want to spoil all the fun we're, erm, I'm going to have," she walks over to me and puts her mouth next to my ear and whispers, "If there's one thing I can say is certain, my love, it's that you will regret this night, I promise,"

Just then there is pounding on my door, Odin's guards. She looks towards the doors and in that split second, loosens her grip and I shove her across my chambers and make a break for the door. She looks up from the floor and raises her hand again and I stop in my tracks, mere inches from the doors.

"I'll be seeing you very soon, Loki," she says emphatically as she vanishes in a flurry of orange and white light.

As she disappears, I fall into the door and drag them open from the floor. I try desperately to regain my breath a midst the deep, bellowing coughs escaping my throat. Odin's guards scramble to pick me up. As I stand and regain my bearings, I see Odin and Thor outside the door making their way towards me.

"Brother, what happened?!" Shouts Thor at the sight of me being picked up off the floor.

"Lina snuck into my room and attacked me! She all but lost what was left of her mind when I told her about Raven!" I reply rubbing my throat and coughing, still.

"That's not all Loki," Chimes Odin.

I turn to him, "What do you mean?"

"Well a midst our bout earlier, I didn't get a chance to tell you what I needed to tell you. For starters, we had learned that Lina had escaped from Karnilla's custody. Heimdall was unable to see her because she was concealed by, no doubt, a powerful spell conjured by Karnilla. We knew that she would attempt to seek you out at all costs, she obviously did,"

Now my head is spinning, "How was she able to 'escape' Karnilla? She could have very easily found her and turned her into stone if she wanted to,"

"That's what we'd like to know," Replies Thor.

"It's not going to be at all easy to learn the answer, son. I don't want to interact with Karnilla unless it's absolutely necessary; how Lina escaped is not a warranted reason,"

I look to Thor, who scowls. Odin is right, though. Karnilla is to be avoided at all costs unless a dire situation arises.

"How did you know she was here now?" I ask Odin.

"Heimdall informed me that when Lina slapped you, it caused her cloaking spell to momentarily transfer to you. So, when you vanished and reappeared in such a strange manner, we knew it had to be her," he replies.

"It all makes sense now. Lina was always one for physical contact. She would always caress my face, or hold my hand, anything. She loved that. She knew she had to keep her distance from me lest she reveal her methods. The news of another woman, however, would have been enough to drive any woman to violence; Lina was no exception,"

"I am so sorry brother. I can only imagine how hard this all must be for you," Thor chimes putting his hand on my shoulders.

I look to him practically cross-eyed as I rub my neck, "I, literally, have no idea what to think right now. I come home expecting a warm welcome and instead get into a fight with you," I point to Odin, whom scowls a bit, "find out my ex has completely lost her mind and then get attacked and threatened by her. Oh yes, one could say today is certainly one for the archives!"

Thor smiles, "Well as long as you are ok, that is all that matters. Lina will turn up again, I'm sure, it's definitely not that last we've seen of her,"

"In the meantime, I am ordering this palace to be on full lock-down. I am tripling the amount of guards; no one in or out until Lina is caught,"

I huff a laugh, "Lock-down? I know Lina is a bit off her bearings right now, but do you really think that's necessary?"

"She attacked you, Loki; a most grievous offence! I wouldn't have expected you to object, seeing as though she almost choked the life from you," he replies.

I rub my neck at the mention, "True, but she was mostly reacting to the news of Raven, the actions of a jealous ex-lover, nothing more,"

"All the more reason to consider her most unpredictable and extremely dangerous! There's no telling what she might do now that her heart is set ablaze," He shouts.

I sigh, he may be right, but I am still very sour to it all, "Wonderful! So, not only am I stuck in Asgard until the council reaches a decision, I am also confined to the palace as well; GREAT!" I shout as I throw my hands in the air and head towards the dining hall; I may not have much of an appetite right now, but I could go for some wine.

As I make my way to the hall, I already feel intoxicated. My head is spinning so fast, it's throttled! I can usually count on myself to be pretty accommodating when it comes to handling difficult situations, however, this time, I feel myself coming up, very short. It seems to have become my lot in life to find out that the things I hold dear to me, turn out to be anything but what they appear.

I head inside and plop down hard in the nearest seat at the head table. My forehead makes a prominent thud which echoes through the hall with ease; I do not want to move at this point. I feel a tap to my shoulder to which I respond by practically doubling out of my chair. It's Bastian, the head chef.

"Your Highness, I-I-I'm sorry if I startled you! I-I had no idea you were coming. I have nothing prepared right now, I'm terribly sorry-" he scrambles nervously as I cut him off.

"Bastian, it's alright. I wasn't planning on coming here so it's no fault of yours," I say reassuringly.

His face loosens, "Well then, can I get you anything? Whatever you like, just name it,"

"Not really hungry, just bring me a goblet and a jug of wine, a large goblet," I reply with a laugh.

He smiles, "Absolutely Your Highness, I'll return with that for you,"

He comes back quickly with an ornate silver goblet and a large jug of wine. "Will that be all Your Highness?" he asks.

"That would be all Bastian, you may retire if you'd like, I'll be ok here by myself,"

He bows his head slightly before making his way out of the hall. I pour myself a goblet and make short work of it. Its been far too long since I've indulged in the drink, now is as good a time as ever. I down another 8 goblets before I start to feel the effects. It is not in my nature to drown my problems with alcohol, its more Thor's character, but tonight is different, I need this. The events of today have taken a serious toll on me. What to make of all this? I have no idea. Nothing is coming to mind. I once again throw my arms on the table followed by my forehead.

I hear the hall door creak from behind me. I instinctively reach for the jug of wine, which is half gone, and lift it up a bit, "I still have wine left Bastian, thank you,"

"Loki, by the gods, are you drunk?!" bellows Thor with a laugh.

Still with my head buried on the table, "Wouldn't you be? That was a lot to take in in one day!"

I hear Thor pick the goblet up off the table, "Did you tell Bastian to get the largest goblet, or did he assume to?" he chuckles.

I slowly lift my head, "I did. I wasn't going to settle for the common goblets. I wanted to get as drunk as I could, as quickly as possible,"

He drags a chair over and sits backwards in it, "Loki, it's not like you to turn to the bottle; I'm worried. Can I do anything to help?"

I half-cock a smile, "I'm afraid not. Some demons can only be slain by the ones who keep them. If I am to get through this, I have to do it alone. Although knowing I am home and have support, is reassuring,"

"I am still worried. It's been ages since I've seen you drink so much. You are right though, I would probably be exactly where you are right now if it were me,"

I look at him, well, as straight as I can, "How am I supposed to handle this? I am terrified of what Lina might do now. This woman I had fallen in love with, looked as though she would kill me tonight!"

He raises an eyebrow and cocks a smile, "Even someone such as yourself should have known better than to cross a woman's heart; a sorcerer's nonetheless,"

I finish another full goblet, "If you were me, what would you have done? Would it have been so easy to ignore what your heart was telling you? And then given all that has since come to light, I'm positive that that would have only affirmed the notion, right?"

His face softens as he lets out a sigh, "I suppose you're right brother,"

I laugh as I slam the goblet down and wine splashes out, "Ha! Of course I'm right!" I don't know why, but I am laughing; I guess that's good, considering.

Thor walks over and takes the jug from me and slides it down the table. I reach out my arms across the table in protest before once again slamming my head on the table, "I think you've had enough brother, come, you should get some sleep,"

"Urgh!" I groan.

"Come onn," he insists.

"How did I know I'd find you here?" Calls out Odin as he makes his way into the hall.

"Urgh," I mumble again.

"Is he drunk?" Odin asks.

"Very," replies Thor.

"Oh dear. I had some more news for him but I suppose it can wait,"

I reach out and grab Odin's arm, since I knew where he was standing by the sound of his voice, "No, tell me now,"

"Are you sure you don't want to wait until you've sobered?"

I raise my head and look at him, "I'm sure whatever you have to say will make me want to drink more, so best to do it now while I'm already drunk,"

He looks to Thor and back at me, "Very well," he sits down next to me, "I received a very disturbing report today from one of the guards posted in the old tunnels beneath the palace," he pauses and sighs, "he informed me that the day of the Jotun attack 6 months ago, he remembers Lina being in the tunnels just before the attack took place. He said he remembers her coming up to him and then he blacked out,"

I pause, frozen by what I have just been told. I thrash my arm out knocking the goblet of wine off the table in pure anger, "No! No! I won't believe it! Lina being a bit off her bearings is one thing, but this, is TREASON!"

Thor places his hand on my shoulder to calm me, "Father, why did the guard wait so long to tell you?" he asks.

"He said he only now remembered. His memory must have been dampened by a spell no doubt,"

I push the chair back from under me and bury my head in my hand, "I still don't believe it!"

"There's more Loki, perhaps you should sit back down," pleads Odin.

I look to him with an exhausted look, "No, I think I'll stand, just get it over with, no reason to stop now,"

"One of our spies in Nornheim informed me that," he pauses and sinks his head a bit.

"TELL MEE!" I scream.

He looks back up at me, "A few years before you two began your affair, Lina was caught trying to rob one of Karnilla's convoys. After realizing how strong Lina's powers were, Karnilla offered to spare her life in exchange for her servitude. Karnilla knew that if she did anything to attack Asgard directly, it would mean all out war. So, she used Lina, to get to you, to learn Asgard's secrets, and exploit them. Lina has been working with Karnilla the whole time. I am so sorry my son,"

I stop dead in my tracks. I can feel the anger and sadness welling up in me like a volcano. I pick up my chair by the leg and throw it with all my might clear across the room. It hits the wall and shatters.

"AAAARRRRGGGHHHH!" I scream to Odin, who, closes his eyes in sadness.

I turn and storm out of the hall and throw the doors open with such force, one of them unhinges and is now dangling.

I hear nothing. Nothing but the sound of my own heart beating slowly under the warm water. I open my eyes and I can still see red. Not from the dull glow of the torches, but from the hatred and anger I feel towards Loki. I am still reeling from his admission, 'I no longer am in love with you because I am in love with someone else.' I can't bring myself to believe what he said is true. Despite my service to Karnilla, I still found myself in love with him. I did the one thing she told me not to do. I was meant to lead him to believe I was in love with him, not actually fall in love with him. But what to do now? My heart has been shattered by my own doing! It's my own fault for letting him in! Argh!

I slowly raise my head out of the tub, but not completely. My eyes are all that breach the surface as I contemplate my next move. Then it hits me; I know what to do! I will cause him the very same pain he caused me. I slowly climb out of the tub and make my way to my closet and throw on a black dress and my black hooded cloak and pin my hair up with some ornate clips.

I look around annoyed for my handmaiden, "Anora!"

She scurries from around the corner like a frightened mouse, "Yes milady?"

"Go to Karnilla and inform her that I am coming down there to discuss an important matter with her,"

"Right away milady," she says as she bows frightfully and makes short work of the distance between her and the door.

I pace back and forth in thought. What to do to hurt him? Ha! I know! I know EXACTLY what to do to get to him! And there'll be nothing he can do to stop me!

I make my way through the halls to Karnilla's throne room. With the exception of a few torches, the halls are very dark, and hard to navigate unless one has many times.

I throw the doors open with just enough force to allow me to pass. I see Anora making her way hurriedly back from in front of the throne room. She does not make eye contact with me as she breezes passed me. Pathetic little welp! I reach the bottom of the stairs below the throne and drop to one knee.

"Rise my ward, there is no need to humble yourself; you've done enough to prove your loyalty," says Karnilla as she shifts a bit in her seat.

Karnilla sits in her throne as an elegant evil. Her presence is both marvelous and haunting. A black, jagged crown sits atop her tightly wound blonde hair. A tight and ornate golden gown, hugs her beautiful figure. It is a far cry from her usual darker wardrobe, but make no mistake, she commands an equally ominous presence in this.

"I have come to discuss a very important matter with you, well, it's of great importance to me," I say freely.

"What do you have to say Lina?"

"Well, as you know, I made contact with Loki; needless to say, it did not go as we had planned,"

"Oh? How so?" She asks.

"Well, turns out, while Loki was banished on Midgard, he was taken in by a mortal whom he subsequently fell in love with,"

"Ha! What a foolish man! A mortal?! Even for Loki, that's a bit far-fetched!" She responds in sheer disbelief.

"Believe me milady, it is true. I wish it weren't though," I reply as I lower my head.

"Oh Lina, are you forgetting the original plan, you were meant to lead him on; to make him think you love him, not actually do it!" She scowls.

"I know! But I can't help what has since happened! Plus, we can still use this to our advantage!" I shout.

"How?" she inquires.

"By destroying the one who holds his heart now, he'll be forced to cope with it. It will cause him to lose what's left of his weak mind and render him unable to counter another attack! Plus he's already distraught over finding out about my behavior in his absence; more fuel for the fire, I'm sure," I squint with a smile.

"So what is your plan, Lina?" She says rubbing her chin.

"I go to Midgard and kill the mortal woman, thus destroying what's left of his sanity!"

She pauses and shakes her head, "Lina, if you are caught, they'll throw you in the dungeon for sure; you're no good to me there,"

"But doing this is exactly what we need to shake the God of Mischief from his pedestal!" I shout.

"No Lina, I cannot allow you to go to Midgard simply to settle a score; a score that has nothing to do with me!" She says as she stands and waves her hands.

I throw out my fist, punching the pillar and taking a chunk clean out of it, "NO! I WILL go to Midgard and I WILL rip that mortal to shreds! You and I both know this will only benefit us!"

She turns and squints at my defiance, "You mean to risk all that we worked for, simply to kill an insignificant spec?!" she turns back away.

"Absolutely! You know I'm right! If I am caught, so be it! This is worth the risk! Imagine the chaos it will cause!" I plead.

She looks over her shoulder before chuckling an evil laugh, "Go then. You're right Lina! Go! Do it! Bring back her head and be sure to throw it at his feet! That will be sure to break him to pieces! And when he has completely broken down, open the catacombs again to bring the Jotuns back in! However, if you are caught, you will be on your own,"

I smirk, "Oh I will, and I will enjoy every minute of it. And, I won't get caught,"

She walks down off the throne and down to me, "(How do you plan to get passed Heimdall?)" She thinks to me.

"(I've got that covered, milady. The all-seer will never, see, me, coming,)" I think with a sly smile.

"Very well," she says putting her hand on the side of my neck, "go and do your worst my dear,"

I bow and turn to exit the throne room. Despite my love for Loki, my vengeance flows much more freely. I walk now, with a certain emphasis; a certain determination. I am determined to tear his heart to the very shreds he has to mine. He will rue the day he crossed me; that much is certain! If I can't have him, nobody can! I will be sure to make that mortal woman suffer! And the best part is, Loki will be unable to save her, lest he break the law again!

I pull the cowl from my cloak up over my head as I hurriedly make my way to the stables and mount my horse. I close my eyes and concentrate hard; conjuring the cloaking spell is not easy. This one will require extra effort if it is to fool the All-Seer. I feel chills all over my body as this spell takes its form. My arms and legs get goosebumps as the hairs stand on end. Even my horse stirs as it envelops her as well. The pale turquoise light spreads across the two of us; a beautiful glow. Now that we are invisible, I can make my way out of Nornheim.

I make my way through the thick forests at the edge of the city. The air is very still this night; unusually so. It creates an eerie vibe that is felt by not only myself, but my horse as well; who seems very distracted by it. I look beyond the forest's edge at the catacombs, which are now visible up ahead. I look to my left and see the Bi-Frost glowing in the night; my path to revenge. It is a short distance through the catacombs and out to the Bi-Frost which I travel hastily.

Now comes the moment of truth. As I make my way across the bridge, I can see the Observatory at the end drawing near. I cannot but help to feel a chill as I do not yet know if my cloaking spell has worked. I reach the room and there stands Heimdall with his back to me. He does not move a muscle, not even when I move to his front. His eyes are far reaching into the cosmos. He has no idea I am standing right in front of him. What a relief! I climb down off the horse and walk over to the Bi-Frost key when it occurs to me; I have no idea where to find this mortal. I think to myself for a moment before looking slyly at Heimdall. I must extract her location from him.

I close my eyes and focus hard. The familiar chill runs from my stomach, up to my shoulders and down to my finger tips as I conjure the extraction spell. Normally I would need only to touch his skin but I don't want to risk any chances of him feeling me poking and prodding around in his head. I open my eyes and look down at my hands, which are glowing a reddish hue, a midst the turquoise glow that still surrounds me. A sly smile draws across my face as I reach up and place my hand on the side of his temple and close my eyes. My head is immediately filled with a thousand images. Images of everyone and everything. Lights, colors, trees, night, day, rivers, animals; there's so much information! I concentrate on looking for Loki and his past where-abouts on Midgard, no doubt that will lead me to hers. I see him! I see him first landing on Midgard that night. I see the mortal now. She is even more revolting than I had imagined! It churns my stomach to see that she even looks like me! I keep moving through the images of them together when I see it. I stop in stoned horror. The scene where they had made love is now before my eyes. The anger is now fully fueled as I see my love, my Loki bedding another woman, this, mortal whore! ARGH! I calm and collect myself and re-focus on the task at hand, I don't want to be attached to him for too long. I reach what appears to be today's events, I see her in front of a building marked 'Bella'. This is where I will find her! I slowly retract myself from his mind and remove my hand from his face. I can feel my eyes on fire at what I have just seen. This mortal will surely pay dearly. I turn the Bi-Frost key and jump into the portal towards my retribution.

I arrive on Midgard and I immediately hate it! It's a sensory overload in the worst possible way. Everything is horrid, the look, the smell, the taste of the air, the feel of the cold alien snow, and especially the strange sounds that come from the edge of the forest. I put my disgust aside for a while as I focus on the task at hand. I climb off my mare and tie her to the tree, as I know mortals don't move about on horses and I would like to stay unnoticed. I walk to the forest's edge and take a look around at the lesser life forms moving about their pathetic lives. Then I notice their attire; nothing like what's worn on Asgard; even more worthless! I look down at my robes and realize, despite my hatred for them, let alone looking like them, I must to blend in. I close my eyes and my robes begin to scale and peel away to reveal a black corset top, black leather pants, black high-heel boots, and some other worthless accessories. I pick up my hooded cloak and throw that back over and make my way towards the buildings.

It's only been 2 days, and I miss Loki terribly! I can't concentrate on much of anything. Most of it is simply because I miss him, but I'm also worried, who knows what's going on on Asgard. I'm sure that there's a lot I don't know about, who knows. He's very brave and strong, probably beyond anything I know, I'm sure he can take care of himself. Right now I need to focus on work.

It's Wednesday and the late lunch crowd is starting to make their ways in. My section is very manageable for this time of day; two business women having soup and salads, three businessmen having chicken parms and a teenage couple having the '2 for $25' special. The whole restaurant smells of the chicken and gnocchi soup since it's the soup of the day. I've even got a bowl of it for myself in the back that I take bites of here and there between orders. It's so delicious and one of our best sellers. I seat an older couple and take their tea and soup order when I notice the young hostess, Janie standing behind me.

"Psst, Raven," she whispers as she beckons me with her hands; she looks nervous.

"Hey, what's up Janie? What's wrong, you look, flustered," I ask as I place the order in the computer.

"Well, there's a woman up front looking for you, I don't know she's kinda acting weird,"

"What do you mean weird?" Now I'm totally intrigued.

"I don't know, she's dressed pretty strange, she's got this whole leather dominatrix thing going on and she talks funny, like she's straight out of medieval times or something, oh and she looks pissed!" Explains Janie.

I walk slowly to the edge of the dining area and peek my head around the corner at the lobby. I see her, tall, leather outfit head to toe, black ornate cloak with a hood, ink black hair- it hits me. Lina! It has to be her! But why? Needless to say, Janie was right, she looks very angry.

I turn back to Janie, "Do me a favor, don't ask questions," she nods, "call the police station, ask for an Officer O'Connell tell him to come here quickly, I have a feeling this may get bad,"

"Um," she stalls.

"Just do it!" I yell as I push her through the kitchen doors.

I straighten myself out and make my way around the corner to the lobby. She is standing near the door facing away from me, her black and red streaked locks hanging off her hood.

"Can I help you miss?" I ask as if I have no idea who she is.

Her eyes widen at the sight of me as she turns to face me, "You must be Ravena,"

"Yes, who are you?" I reply.

"You needn't concern yourself with my name, it won't hold any meaning to you in a few minutes," she snaps.

"Oook, what do you want from me then?" I ask.

"Your life," she says as she slowly closes her eyes before re-opening them to reveal orange red piercing eyes.

Next thing I know she phases over to the counter, grabs me under my shoulders and flips me over the counter and onto the ground on my back. I hit the floor with such force, the wind is knocked out of me. I'm desperately gasping for air but to no avail. I struggle as I roll myself over and try to crawl away but Lina grabs me by the hair on the back of my head and lifts me to my feet. I scream in agony and try to swat at her grip with my hands, again with no results. She moves forward while still holding onto the back of my head and she slams my head on to the counter. Again I cry out in pain. This time I taste blood dripping down my face as my nose is now busted open. The pain is excruciating! She releases my hair and I slide off the counter and pool into a puddle on the floor. She leans down and grabs me by the throat, once again, lifting me to my feet. She is squeezing so hard, it's taking every last drop of energy I have left to try to pry her hands away. I am literally digging into her skin, but to no avail; it has to be Lina, a human would have bled by now. I can feel myself getting light headed now as she squeezes tighter.

"You thought you could just walk into his life and everything would be alright?! You thought you could get away with this?! You are meddling with beings and powers far beyond your feeble mind's ability to comprehend, mortal. You have made your life's last mistake, and now," she leans up to my ear, "I am going to kill you!"

She cocks her arm back and launches me through the store-front windows. The shattering glass makes a piercing sound that destroys what had remained of my senses. I can feel countless stings all over my body; glass. I am laying on the sidewalk now. I can barely hold my eyes open. I feel, very weak. I look up and can see Lina standing over me and then everything goes dark, quiet, peaceful.