Desiderium

An ardent longing for something lost

"This is my best effort yet and what a struggle it was", Myra beheld Fury with a teasing smirk, emerging from the bathroom in her deep purple gown that was beaded with silver. It was much fluffier than Furya's black clinging dress but she looked sensational with her makeup in place and her hair in tighter curls than usual.

"Done", The makeup artist that swept powder over her cheeks spoke and stepped away from his masterpiece. Fury stood with numb legs and the lanky man tore her plastic shield off her chest. She tapped her heeled boots against the carpet to wake her numb limbs and slowly limped toward the mirror. Her silver locks were braided at her temple on each side and twisted into a single plait at the back. The rest of her hair was loosely curled to create waves of silver. Her electric eyes were encircled in black and shadowed at the lid with a dark grey shimmer that crawled into a touch of silver at the inside of her eyelid. Deep red colour painted her lips to finish her dark makeup. She looked undeniably lethal. A goddess of dreams disguised in a city of chaos. She scoffed. She was in place A goddess of fallacy. A looming shadow over Asgard that was not ready for war but expecting it.

"Give me a moment?", Furya asked Myra who had grabbed her small clutch and was ready to leave. " I'll see you down there?", Myra nodded and slipped from the room.

Fury dove into the top drawer of her dresser, retrieving her small dagger and tiara. She loosed a sigh and sheathed the weapon in her boot. Peaking out its dark hilt. She held that amethyst jewelled tiara in her palm and placed it lightly on her head. Thinking of the moment Loki leaned into her. Imagining the chaos that would have ensued. It made her mentally trace her rouge coloured lips, curling her fingers at her side. She buried it in her mind and observed the tiara. It matched the black necklace she had stolen from Valerian. A sigh escaped her and she murmured to herself, "You won't be broken again.",

Furya straightened her posture. Raising her shield of fearlessness that consumed her expression in a scowl. She repeated. "My name is Furya Diaval and I will be Unbreakable. Unfearing. Unforgiving."

Her eyes caught the reflection in the mirror. She had descended into madness. This facade was absolute trickery. Furya inhaled a short breath. She was panicking. Her fingers flexed at her side and her eyes tore off the lie in the mirror. "Unbreakable. Unfearing. Unforgiving."

It was time to go. There was no procrastinating. Fury checked herself over in the mirror and slipped from the room, almost directly into Thor.

"Fury!", He exclaimed in his thunderous voice. His blue eyes widened at her ensemble.

"Thor", She replied, eyeing his silver formal attire with a smile.

"Will you be my guard this evening?", Furya angrily strode past him.

"Fury", Thor grasped her tattooed arm and she spun to face him.

"Valerian impaled you last time he was in Asgard. You are fortunate that it is only me", Thor scolded with a frown and took her arm for them to walk into the celebration together. Like she was an insolent child.

"Noted", She hissed and begrudgingly stepped forward, down the stairs to the foyer. She observed his strong silence. He was still upset at her for staying. For facing Valerian. He had warned her to leave. Begged her to.

"I couldn't leave, Thor.", She breathed out, listening to the empty sound of her heels tapping against the hard floor. She saw his chest rise and then fall again.

"I know", He admitted, lowering his eyes to the glistening stone floor. Closer to the hall she could hear the sounds of celebration. Voices boomed and laughter echoed in deafening roars throughout the empty shell of the palace. It looked deserted.

"Then you'll understand why I can't enter the ball on your arm", Fury stopped him before they entered from behind the red curtain. His mouth opened to object but closed once more and those blue eyes darted to the curtain. Behind the thick material and down the butterfly steps Valerian would be waiting.

Furya bowed her head to Sif who appeared on Thor's other side in a deep red gown and ushered him behind the drapes. "Thank you", She breathed out, lightly touching her bare shoulder. Thor tossed her a glance before disappearing behind the sea of red. She smiled something weak and effortless that softened his glance. Waiting for them to leave before dropping her calm. Her heart beat quickly in her chest. She wanted to run. She couldn't breathe. There would be a hall of people watching her as soon as she hit those wooden steps. None worse than Valerian. She grimaced as the announcer introduce Thor and Sif into the celebration. Oh, no. They'd announce her arrival like she were the prize in freaking raffle and Valerian was the winner.

Furya, You are a beacon of light, a catalyst of power burning so bright and ferociously. A curtain will not stand between you and your revenge.

Loki's soft voice echoed in her mind and her heart swelled into calmness. He absorbed her anxiousness and she felt his unsettlingly calm through the brand at her neck. She was diving further into shark-infested waters. Psychotic was a word for someone so calm at Valerian's darkness spreading over Asgard.

"Okay", Furya shook her hands and dislodged her feet from the floor. A shadow fell at her side. A handsome man dressed in a dark suit.

"Dastan", She smiled weakly and looped her arm through his own that was outstretched to her.

"Let's go, space ranger", He spoke softly with a silver-eyed stare and she put a foot forward. Space ranger was what he'd dubbed her when she became an intergalactic mercenary. The familiar name made her mind settle in the slightest.

"You shouldn't be here, Dastan", She spoke in a rougher voice. Surveying the dapper black suit that clung to him atop of a deep red undershirt.

"Neither should you", He rebutted, cocking an eyebrow at her dark attire., "Yet you seem to have made yourself at home",

"Dastan. I won't tell you again!", She hissed, stopping his step forward with her grip on his arm. He winced.

"Come home, Furya. Leave Valerian in the past. I have", Bitter words slipped off his tongue and his hand combed through the lines shave at his temple, flattening strands of dark brown hair.

"There is more to this than Valerian", She bit. He laughed in irritation and waved his hand to her collar. Pointing at Loki's brand.

"I see that",

"Dastan! Mind yourself. Being my friend doesn't mean you are free from my wrath", She scolded, raising her hand with a single warning.

"Where has this politeness stemmed from? It wasn't ingrained into your speech before you left.", Dastan came close to her face. He was hurt and he was right to be. His silver eyes locked onto the blood contract printed onto her collar. "I can't fucking believe you. You just can't keep clear of dark magic.", He bit his lip, thoughts swirled in his mind as that hand brushed through his hair in a swift swipe. He turned away from her, his tall shadow basking her in darkness. " What is the point in defeating him when there will be nothing left of you? Nothing that resembles a soul. Just another demon to replace him in that condemned castle.", He spat with venom. "And this", Dastan jabbed at Loki's sigil on her skin. "You are worse than Valerian",

He had barely spoken the words before her palm collided with the stubble on his cheek. Furya gripped his arm while his body jolted from the strength behind her slap. "Are you done?", She asked without care for the red welt upon his jaw. "I expected a closed fist", He retorted, rubbing the handprint on his face. "Priorities", She motioned to the red curtain. Dastan flashed a wide smile. She laughed and embraced him deeply. "I've missed you", she spoke into his suit jacket, craning her neck to avoid smearing her red lipstick. "I understand why", He quipped, parting from her. She glanced to the welt on his cheek and summoned a single thread of magic in her palm, manipulating it to calm the red skin. Dastan eyed the white magic with raised brows, raising his hand to touch the less painful welt.

"Good as new", She commended and looped her arm in his own, ushering him to the red curtain.

Through the crimson material and at the nadir of the stairs hundreds of Asgardians bustled around the hall. A spotlight shone upon Dastan and herself as they stepped onto the platform. A spectacle was made of them. White eyeballs sparkled at her and Dastan. At the forefront of the hoard, a set of demonic black and orange orbs seethed. He was a jackal, luring her, powerless and small, into his trap. Her power was no comfort. She forgot she had any underneath Valerian's crooked smile. Dastan pressed his hand into the small of her back. It kept her from floating away. From turning back.

Astonishingly pulchritudinous

Loki's voice formed a smile on her lips. An out of place and seemingly random grin. But she didn't mind. Not when Valerian watched her descend the stairs.

I never did find a dictionary for that word

She responded, watching the small steps she took down the staircase, reaching the first landing.

It means beautiful. Breathtaking

She smiled, halting at the landing, gripping onto Dastan's arm.

Now, Furya. You must promise me something.

What?

Smile

"Furya Diaval. Queen of Vaniria. Escorted by Dastan Rayne.", The announcer's voice queued an on slaw of questionable glances. Then whispers shared between Asgardians commenced. Some louder than others. "Queen of Vaniria?", was the main subject. Or "Vaniria has no Queen", from the more bitter Vanir who eyed her like a pile of rotting trash on the ground. It was kinder than the glares shot toward Valerian. Dastan turned his head but kept his expression vacant. Queen of Vaniria. She almost laughed. It was without a doubt the finest ploy of Loki's conjuring.

Furya nodded goodbye to Dastan who veered off into the crowd of Asgardians and she was left to face Valerian alone. At the base of the steps, he waited in his dark suit that held a singular chain swinging from the chest. It was a black and red ensemble that clashed with her own. To say he was pissed was too kind. If looks could kill she'd be crushed into dust. She smiled at Loki's petty stunt and took Valerian's extended hand that lured her from the staircase. His shoulders squared at her. The guards raised their weapons in a purposefully loud clang. "Uh uh", Furya tsked with a wide smile. Her fearless facade rose to the surface in place of her immense fear of the man. "Welcome, Valerian Diaval. I do hope you enjoy your stay", She teased the tan-skinned beast who bared his white teeth at her comment. His eyes roamed the tattoos that enveloped her body. Thoughts ticked in his depraved mind. "Queen of Vaniria?", He bit with a humourless smile, grasping her hand just that bit harder. Orange orbs settled on her tiara and that anger seethed from his skin. But he released her and she strode past him, her hand quivering.

"Fury", Fandral beckoned her to his side. Valerian's orange eyes followed her sweeping walk. "Fandral", She replied with the smallest sense of calm, a smile crawled on her lips at the beautifully crafted attire that clung to him in shades of dark red and grey. "Breathe. You are doing incredibly. Queen of Vaniria", He complimented in a smaller voice than before. His eyes clashed with the demon who burned holes into her back. Sif glared back to Valerian, nodding her head in a fashion as if to ask him 'What do you want?'

"...I'll handle him", Fury warned with a soft smile. Her eyes searched through the crowd, hoping to meet Dastan's soft silver eyes. "I'll find you two later", She sighed and moved further into the hall. She crept past the dancing couples who laughed and span on the polished floors. Envious of the carefree nature of their flirtatious behaviour. She stepped forward, nudging people from her path. Where was Dastan? She longed to spot his dark brown hair among the dancing couples. After a while she did. He was dancing with a brown-haired woman. Her eyes squinted at the lady in the blue dress. It was Ayla. She breathed out a relieved sigh.

"Just where did you find him?", Valerian's voice made the hair stand on her neck and the muscles tense in her arms. She made eye contact with the guard on her left who stepped toward them, motioning him to stand down. "The same place I left him", She smiled and turned to sight those orange orbs. She silenced his thought.

"Was he supposed to rattle me?", Valerian smiled that cruel grin that shook her core. His pointed teeth glimmered under the crystal chandelier. "No, My dear sweet idiotic Husband. I am", Fury growled and stepped away from him. He roughly grabbed her arm, violently spinning her into his chest. His hand pried at the markings on her collar and those orange orbs widened with shock. "Get your hands off of me", She warned once, taking note of the approaching guards. He didn't.

"Valerian", Odin warned with a husky voice from his throne and the beast released her. "My apologies", He smiled an idiotic smile and disappeared into the crowd. His tall form vanished amidst the dancing couples and congregating groups of people who watched but didn't join in.

"Shit", Fury exhaled, lightly touching Loki's brand at her collar. Her fingers trembled. When a waiter offered her a glass of something gold a sparkling she didn't hesitate in swallowing it in a single gulp. Impressed or disgusted. She didn't know from his expression that appeared only for a second before sinking back to a professional smile. She handed him back the empty glass and stepped out of the gathering. Away from the deafening loudness and unbearably miserable vultures that lurked around the dance floor. Though the Asgardians were more regal in stature they were no better than humans. No more refined.

Fury glanced up to the stars that sparkled in the night sky from the balcony that overlooked the manicured gardens. And beyond it, the dark forest. She loosed a sigh, resting her arms on the stone balustrade. A shadow settled on her side. She spoke

"Sif. I must ask something of you. Something I can never repay",

"You are making a fool of yourself!", Loki scolded Valerian, not waiting for the demon to register why he was summoned to the library. He winced at the approach of the God who bound him in a dark cloud of magic. "Do you truly think anyone believes that Odin would allow someone who threatens their enemy within the earshot of all of Asgard to remain in his realm?!", Loki growled. Valerian bared his teeth. "Answer me!", Loki curled his hand at Valerian's throat, enough to see the fear within his eyes. Then he tossed him to the floor.

"I. Don't. Care", Valerian huffed, straightening his attire. He lifted himself and flicked the dark hair from his eyes.

"No. Because you are a worthless Demon.", Loki spat, calming the rage that bubbled to the surface. He looked into the fireplace to the flame that died from neglect, thinking of Furya. That filth had laid hands upon her in front of a city of Asgardians. He would be expected to do something about it. He didn't want to add to the murmurings about Odin's competency. That damned demon wasn't helping his case. Anger rose in his chest, he tapped his fingers on the mantle to calm himself.

"I think she's corrupted you. Oh great Loki", Valerian taunted, a grin in place of that childish scowl. Loki snapped his sight on the Demon. How easy it would be to snap his bones into powder. But he smiled. "I thought it beyond you to think at all", Loki spoke, eyeing the miserable beast that approached him.

"You break a blood oath. You die", Valerian warned with a shit-eating grin. "No. no. no. You do not threaten me Demon. It is quite the latter", Loki spoke in a voice that was more growl than tone. "She was smart to bind herself to you. Her Godly shield.", Valerian spat with a growing smile, "While you cannot die, I will kill her in a way that will make you wish you could. Because you cannot leave until she is dead and take it from me, she can endure unimaginable pain. It won't be a quick and merciful death. Each scream. Each howl of pain will remind you that it is your doing. You killed her long before I did.", His cruel smile was unflinching. Loki gritted his teeth, scowling the beast that taunted him. "She does remind you of your dearly departed Mother, Frigga was it? Never cared much for either",

Loki revelled in meeting his fist with Valerian's smirk. "Dare curse me again I will break more than your jaw", Loki reeled back his bloodied fist that ached from the impact. The creature groaned but cracked his jaw back into place with little more than a curse. "You don't know what she is. What lies of innocence she feeds you!", Valerian crashed open the doors of the library, striding out of Loki's rage-filled bubble.

Loki watched the beast leave, resting his chin onto his closed fist with thought. His breathing was rapid against it, thinking of all the ways Furya would revel in killing him. Magic sewed the graze on his knuckles that dripped crimson onto the mahogany mantel. His chest constricted like he couldn't breathe. Anxious in the wake of her distrust.

He growled, sweeping his arm across the mantle. Emerald eyes watched the silver trinkets and heavy books clatter to the stone floor. If ever there was a time for regret it was now. Curse his chaotic behaviour. The pitfall of his existence. That godforsaken oath held him to his word. To deliver Furya to the Wildmen, to Valerian's trap. An unimaginable death would welcome him if he failed. Not even he could intercept the binds of a blood contract. He had tried before. Valerian, though as brutish as a rabid wolf was no fool with magic. He might even go as far as to call him gifted in the craft. His contracts were broken under pain of death.

This was not the first blood contract he had entered. If every creature had branded him like Furya did his skin would appear like a tapestry. Though he grew rather fond of the black ink against his pale skin, alight with her blue flame. He grimaced, tracing the bumping lines on his cold skin. Only she would dare to trick him. That slippery minx. She didn't understand that ruling Asgard had consumed him for over a thousand years of his existence. It had tormented him. And Odin, that fool, had deemed him unworthy. He had hidden the fact that Loki was a monster. He dangled a dream in front of him to only snatch it away. He was A frost giant. A beast. Loki could only laugh. Such a thing might've turned him completely insane. And it had. To Furya's misfortune.

Loki had bartered a price for the silver-haired woman. Selling her like a fine piece of material at the marketplace. Valerian was only too eager to agree to an oath. The price was Higher than anything Loki had expected. It seemed like a steal. A problem would be gone for priceless power. A power he much enjoyed using to shield his natural form from Asgardians as he roamed the grounds. It felt like being invisible. It was something he valued greatly after imposing as Odin. It served its purpose as any high priced item should. But for it, he had offered his soul. His student and friend. Maybe it was that Valerian knew what would become of Loki by doing so. That by offering him the magic at a bargain price Valerian would wound two for the price of one. Loki planned to kill him as soon as his oath was fulfilled and throw his limp body to Fenrir to feast upon. Save Furya doing the same to him by silencing Valerian before he could speak. He could lead her astray in the meantime. But to what end?

Furya distanced herself from the celebration, opting for the peace the garden's provided. Beautiful fairy lights guided her way through the cobblestone path. To the heart of the maze where wild purple flowers bloomed no matter how many times they were cut or poisoned. She smiled.

"Queen of Vaniria. I would very much like a word with you", A Vanir male approached Fury under the cover of night. His hair was grey but peppered with dark sprouts. She had seen him at the front of the crowd in the hall. His scowl was unforgettable. Though his voice was calm and friendly his stance told her otherwise. She reached for the blade at her calf, contemplating how to attack the short but muscular Vanir. Perhaps this was the shit-storm she was expecting that night.

"Yet. I do not want to talk to you at all", She bit with a smirk, her heart pounding in her chest. The male's face contorted into anger and he grabbed at her arm.

"I wouldn't", Valerian's orange orbs glowed to life beyond the hedges. Fury's eyes darted to where he leaned with his ankles crossed and arms by his side. That chain on his chest rattling in the wind. The Vanir growled, lowering his hand. But they were not alone in the darkness. A dozen Vanir burst from the shadows. Their faces grim and their eyes seeking blood.

Furya beheld them. They circled Valerian and herself into a trap of epic proportions, brandishing swords and mean guns. Her eyes flickered to Valerian who eyed her with the same questioning glare. Her shoulders shrugged. That bastard had gotten her into this mess by stealing the star of Vanaheim and laying claim to their lands. Those old enough to remember would place her at the forefront of the madness.

"Truce?", She bit through her teeth. Clashing with Valerian's Orange orbs. He nodded slowly, taking in the abundance of Vanir that emerged to watch them die.

"You two destroyed our home. You defiled our land with dark magic!", The grey-haired man justified in a cold voice that was loud enough for the assembly to hear.

"And you think you can kill us through the strength of arms?", Furya spoke with a shit-eating grin that she'd learned from the demon. Valerian's eyebrow raised at her question. His tanned skin glistened beneath the garden lights as his black hair dipped. He was content with saying nothing. He'd rather kill them then receive their judgement.

"You think the beings who stole your land and derived its magic can be destroyed with swords and guns?", She laughed a low maniacal chuckle. Her eyes flickered between the Vanir. They'd scattered themselves. Smart. All they had was strength in numbers. Vanir beings old and young. Each with the same scowling expression. Each wanting nothing more than to destroy Valerian and herself. They didn't fear her as they should. They were proud people and she respected that but to threaten her was to sign their death warrant. She flickered her eyes to Valerian, the air around his stand-offish stance was thick with power and laced with the promise of killing the Vanir. She recalled the stories of how he laid claim to Vaniria. His father's court enslaved its people to serve him eternally. But it was Valerian who Forced them to mine the precious ore that pulsed through the veins of Vanaheim until he had the heart. The star that was the source of magic upon the realm. And when it was done. When he had promised to free them. He massacred the slaves to avoid an uprising of Vanir. He slew every single one of them. It waged a war that lasted a decade. But Furya, she tried to help those who remained. Some Vanir left with an inkling of magic escaped to the outskirts of Vanaheim. She held open the prison gates that lead to the Faerie river. And the punishment for doing so was watching them all die a death worse than the rest. More cruel and depraved. She could still hear the five tongued whip reel back and for a moment they were free of pain until Valerian swung its fiery teeth into their flesh and the screaming took hold of her. But it wasn't the slaves he was whipping. No. The slaves were long since dead, burn and defiled when Valerian bound her wrists to that decrepit alter.

"Valerian", Furya called the demon to her side, her hand quivering from the memory. He approached her with crossed arms. His tan skin glistened under the glow of the fairy lights and for a moment she forgot all he had done, transfixed by his beauty that was carved with scars and tattoos. Those pointed teeth bared as he spoke. "What?", He asked with an irritable tone. "You're fortunate I value my life or else I'd throw you to these people and watch as they peeled the skin from your flesh. You're even luckier that I despise being threatened", Furya commented loudly, summoning the iridescent magic that swirled in patterns up her arm. They would never know what she had done and she would spare no breath telling them. To the Vanir she was the wife of Valerian the Overlord. One who housed the power of their beloved star. A part of the Diaval court.

"Bye Bye now", Furya smiled a sorrowful grin, slamming her closed fist into the cobblestone. A cloud of sparkling mist swept through the garden, consuming the Vanir in its rage. One by one it dissolved them into its veil of magic. Pulsing in bright electrical sparks that illuminated the garden. Valerian flinched beside her. His arm's folded at his chest. Those orange orbs beheld her power with lust.

"They'll be waiting for you when you get home... I hope they burn you alive.", Furya growled and flattened the stray hair that had come loose in her sight and sashayed away from the demon. He was powerful against the Vanir but their numbers would destroy him.

"Still bitter about me burning your friends?", That son of a bitch smiled as he said it. She felt herself become undone. Untameable at the words. Valerian's hot breath hit her cheek. "Or that you paid for your indiscretion?",

Pain seared down her spine. A reminder of the bloodied mess that had scarred her body in thick bands which were now swirled in black ink. She shuddered. Half her body she had jammed needles of ink, salt and ash into to cover the markings from his foul temper. Scarred From her neck to her toes. He always favoured her left. The side she failed to protect.

"Tell me, Valerian, what is the true reason you seem to despise Asgard? Was it that someone wouldn't satiate your desire? Loki does fit the profile. Beautiful, seemingly young but evidently not that way inclined.", Fury bit, close to the demon's face. He twitched. His pointed teeth baring at her. "I know. what. you. are. Dear husband", She smiled a fanged grin and slipped away into the darkness. He came from a court as old as the sturdy Willows that fluttered along the entrance of Vaniria. Even as a demon bi-sexuality or homosexuality was a sin enforced with the cruellest death. For overlord's needed children. Heirs to their claimed territory. If any of his court survived, they would be intrigued to know. He'd be flayed like the disgusting creature he was.

He didn't follow. She was Free of him for the moment.

"Did you see the lights in the garden?", A dark-haired woman gossiped to her boisterous friend, both of whom wore the most fluffy of dresses with the lowest neckline she had seen in a while. Fury couldn't help but intervene. "I heard it was the Ghoul from the Woods. The witchly woman comes out a night, seeking an Asgardian to snack on. Some say they've heard her claws tapping outside their room within the palace ...others have not been fortunate enough to tell the tale. You see, When she gets you she disappears in a display of white magic and her victims are never seen again.", Fury teased in a low, menacing tone. The women looked between each other with wide eyes then back to the balcony. A low chuckle escaped her throat as she slipped from their sight.

"That was cruel", Fandral's voice pierced the deafening chatter around her, finding her in the crowd of people that started to sit at the lines of tables for the magnificent dinner they were to have. She swept her sight to Odin who was seated at the head of the more regal table that withheld Kings, Queens and rulers from the nine realms. Towards the end of the table sat the Gods of Asgard. Enchantress, Heimdall, Thunderstrike, Hermod, Balder, Sif, Fandral, Volstagg, Hogun, Ulik and Thor. Fury took note of Enchantress' scandalously tight emerald gown that shimmered beneath the lights. She sent her a snarling stare from beside Heimdall.

"Furya", Odin motioned to the empty seat to his left. She groaned internally at the staring eyes that sunk onto her as she took her seat. The rumour that she was Whore to the Asgardian royalty seemed to fuel itself. Fury cleared her throat, clashing eyes with Loki's disguise.

"Are you enjoying yourself, Furya?", He asked in time with the waiter that set down a glass of bubbling yellow liquid. She picked it up by the stem and downed it in a single swig. "Immensely". Odin's mouth curled in a smile at her uncouth behaviour.

"Behave, wife", Valerian snatched the glass from her fingers, handing it back to the sharply dressed waiter. A growl settled deep in her throat as he sank next to her, His arm draped over her shoulder in a possessive act.

"I will break more than just your arm", She turned into him with a snarl, matching that orange-eyed stare. His fingers gingerly caressed the skin of her bicep. Screams echoed through her mind. Pained and pleading. "Help me, Furya", Valerian's voice begged even though the demon at her side remained speechless. She tore his hand off her skin, narrowing her sight to his orange eyes that had black where white should have been. He didn't show any discomfort. It had to be some sort of trick. She was staring at him. He smiled.

"Just what is going through that mischievous mind, my precious little bat?", Valerian spoke, resting his arm against the headrest of her chair. He hadn't called her that since they were first betrothed. Her eyebrows furrowed, still staring at the demon. He was too close. Acting too friendly. The demon who could have been used as a battering ram beheld her. His orange orbs roaming the black dress she had stolen from him. A wicked smile met his lips. Valerian leaned close to her, whispering in her ear. "Longing for what you had?", He spoke just loud enough to hear, his eyes moved off her and flickered to Odin behind her. Valerian slumped his elbows onto his lap, just tall enough to reach her ear. "There are other ways to welcome me into Asgard",

He knew. That bastard knew that Loki was sitting to her right. Not Odin.

Furya turned from him with a dismissive snarl. "Why would I risk the displeasure?",

Valerian smirked, still much too close. "I still have that small moan before you climaxed locked into my memories", Furya stiffened, she hated him. Hated that he spoke purposefully loud enough for Loki to hear. A cockfight. Fantastic.

"I don't recall", Furya breathed out, clashing eyes with Fandral across the table. His face was soft with sympathy. Now that was a memorable lover. She smirked. What was a Demon compared to a God? Absolutely pathetic. "Shall I remind you?", His low voice sent a chill down her spine. "What's to remember?", She hissed, slapping his hand away from her body. He laughed, low and sinister. "You'll see",

" Are you two done?", Furya breathed out, looking between Odin and Valerian. "I am not a goddamn prize to be won", She hissed.

"If she were, you would not be in the running", Dastan's voice lingered at her shoulder, his silver-eyed gaze onto Valerian was deadly. Pointed teeth replaced his once white veneers.

"Dastan", Valerian gripped the back of her chair tighter, taking a flute of champagne with the other. " I believe you are seated with the other riff-raff", He commented, downing the entire glass effortlessly. "Fury, a word", Dastan growled through his teeth, taking her hand before she could object.

"Dastan", She grunted, almost torn from her chair. "What is it?", Fury asked, stopping in her tracks as she passed Myra and a smaller, less intimidating clone of the woman. Her blue eyes settled on the child's brown hair that hung in beautiful ringlets. A light blue dress was fitted to her small body. The skirt sprung into a fluffy display that shimmered beneath the chandelier.

"And who is this?", Fury asked Myra, pulling Dastan back to her side. The child stared at her with brown eyes that glimmered with excitement from the brilliant celebration. "This", Myra started, pulling the kid onto her lap in a swift motion, "Is my daughter, Ava",

"Since when?", Fury asked with intrigue, sensing Dastan's irritable sigh. "Since eight years ago", Myra smiled, leaning closer to Ava. "This is Fury",

Ava's eyes grew wider at Fury's fanged smile. Her tiny hands reached for the skirt of her satin dress. "Queen of Vanirian", Ava spoke, softly touching the black material at Fury's waist. "Vaniria", Myra corrected. It didn't matter to Fury. " Bumpy", Fury almost startled out of her skin as Ava pressed her fingers into her tattooed arm. " Ava, enough", Myra warned, bowing her head with an apology. "Go find your dad", Myra shooed the little girl towards one of the guards who swept her into his arms. "I see you've been seated with your husband", Myra observed, her sights settling on Dastan. Combatting his silver-eyed glare. "Don't tell me this is another spouse you've squirrelled away", She teased, nudging Fury's shoulder. "No. Only the one", Fury breathed out and Myra's smile faded. "If he touches you, know that I have an impeccable aim, even with a butter knife. Perhaps even a dessert spoon", She added. Fury laughed, succumbing to the waiters that ushered everyone back to their seats.

"Find me later, in the foyer", She called to Dastan and stalked back to her miserable place next to Valerian. The God's of Asgard emanated a dark cloud of misery and rage. She flickered a glance to their table, remembering Karnilla's limp corpse splayed on the stone floor. They were a queen down and her killer was rewarded with being allowed into Asgard. It was barbaric. It was cruel.

Valerian's hand was curled around the flute of another glass. Those orange eyes gazed upon her. "Just what did the demon want?", He asked, downing the last of his drink. "Mind your business", She bit, grateful for the rouge arm of the chair that divided them. Valerian placed the glass on the table. Circling the rim with his finger. He slinked closer to her. "I did enjoy fucking him. The way he struggled against me was euphoric. No one. Not even you fought me that hard", The words curled the fingers at her side. "Behave, Husband, you're embarrassing yourself", Fury met the rim of his glass that hummed beneath his fingers. She imagined it becoming alive with fire, melting the prints off his fingers. Valerian growled at her but it was overshadowed by the shattering of glass.

Dinner was served. She ate the exquisite roast beef paired with potatoes and rich gravy. She dug into the pink gelato that came in round glass bowls and she left without a single murmur to Valerian.

—-

Beyond the seating arrangements and through the vastness of the palace corridors. Dastan found Furya by the hulking iron furnace at the heart of the Foyer. It's orange glow lit the side of her face in warmth. She looked into the dying flames, kindling the fire with a string of white magic. Her face was distant. Thoughtful. Contemplative. She acknowledged him with the dip of her waved silver hair.

"Dastan", Furya murmured, turning from the warmth to see his silver eyes.

"What did he do?", Dastan asked with a low growling tone, softling curling his fingers around her arms. His eyes expanded at her uneasy expression. He pulled her into his chest. The closest replacement for a mother, a sister he had. As she turned into him she felt the butt of the gun strapped at his ribs. Her eyes flickered to the black alloy.

"This revenge is killing you", His voice rumbled in his chest, soft and vulnerable. Furya twirled away from him, staring back into the flame that reminded her of the Vanir that Valerian bound and set alight like witches. Smiling wider at their agonised screams... every time her teeth chattered from the sickening and violent lashes of pain. Every time she felt like she'd pass out from the sear of the whip. Furya spoke,

"You want me to forget Valerian? But how do I forget every scar, every lash of his whip? How do I forget the faces of the Vanir he set alight and smiled as the screams became deafening and then they were nothing. This revenge isn't my own. It's on behalf of the beings that came and went in Vaniria, Each with less of themselves than they began with...for you", Dastan hung his head, breathing out a soft puff of air. He watched her lips as they started to move. "You may be able to forget Dastan. But you were in Vaniria a mere blink of my fifty years. You were a demon in a court of demons. I was nothing. I was nothing to Valerian. A mere abomination...You cannot comprehend-",

Dastan silenced her without saying a single word.

"Furya, I've seen what lays beneath those tattoos...I know. I know what he did to you. But if he kills you. What will it be worth?",

"It will be worth everything", She hissed, nearing close to his face. "I didn't endure all of this.", Fury motioned to the scars underneath her tattooed arm. "I didn't go to prison for 15 years to die and I refuse to...If I fail I'm taking Valerian down to hell with me.",

Dastan's silver orbs settled on her tattoo at her collar, peeking through the halter straps of her extravagant gown.

"Who did you bargain with?", He spoke in a hushed voice, his head raising in a soft gesture. Fury avoided that gaze at any cost. Her jaw tightened.

"The God of Mischief", She confessed, curling her fingers one by one at her sides. The soft material of her dress swept past her skin. It was as cold as Dastan's disapproval. He stepped away from her like she was a monster underneath his bed. It made her heart sink in her chest. She didn't care for the opinion of anyone but Dastan...his disappointment killed her.

"Jesus Fucking Christ, Furya!", She watched his hands run through his cropped hair and those incredible silver eyes clashed onto hers. "You swore a blood oath to Loki?", His voice cracked despite the obvious effort it took not to. He turned from her, pacing a small section of tile. "At what cost?",

Fury closed her eyes and inhaled the warm air from the furnace. "The heart of Vanaheim",

Frustration pained his face and empty gestures started to motion from his limbs but stopped. "For what?!",

"A sliver of Loki's magic", She raised her hands to calm him but he was beyond that. "Valerian is going to kill you", He chuckled a low and pained laugh. "Dastan. I'm well protected." Fury assured. "By who, Loki?! The dead prince. I'm sure he'll do a stand-up job against Valerian", Dastan exclaimed, stalking back toward her. His voice echoed around the empty foyer. "He's not dead", she folded her arms and met his outraged stare. "Fuck, Furya. Are you serious? He's almost as bad as Valerian", He yelled, not caring for any listening ears. "Dastan, trust that I've considered every option. Every plan. In no way could Loki ever betray me as Valerian did", Fury silenced him with her glare, her voice unwavering.

"...okay", Dastan repositioned himself, crossing his muscular arms over his chest. "Where do we start?", He spoke.

"I sense Valerian's presence looming. You start by allowing me to send him back to hell", Furya stepped past him, shooing him away from her. Her boots tapped rhythmically as she entered the balcony and the moonlight basked upon her.

It was silent. Unnervingly so at the darkness that expanded around her. She loosed a sigh from her lips, readjusting the silver tiara in her hair. The night truly gripped her without the reassurance that Loki could interject at any trouble. But he had other priorities. He had the wellbeing of Asgard to account for. With Valerian on the prowl, it was a job that required his undivided attention.

Fury dismissed that longing in her heart, sweeping the silver hair from her sight. It was for the better that he wasn't there. She didn't want to let him see the monster that erupted when Valerian provoked her.

Below her sight lovers giggled in hushed tones, creeping beneath the cover of the palace. They were wrapped in each other. Carefree and Inseparable. She watched with a knowing smile. Those fools didn't know what was going to hit them. The innocent stolen kisses reminded her that she had fallen in love with a creature that was anything but innocent. A demon. And now, more than two hundred years later there was nothing she regretted more. Not only did he escape death. She was still bound to his name. Diaval. Furya Diaval, wife of Valerian, queen of nothing.

Furya

That alluring accent sprung to life in her mind. Queuing the smirk on her red lips. Her tattoo tingled with green luminescence beneath the unforgiving blackness of night.

I'm here

She replied with a forced sincerity.

What happened in the garden?

How did you know about that?

A servant commended the immaculate light show that swept through the courtyard.

Furya breathed out without reply, tapping her fingers at her the cement rail that separated her from a long drop. He had painted a target on her back when he had deceptively announced her as the Queen of Vaniria.

A glowing green outline appeared before he did and it wasn't long before those emerald orbs crashed on her lonesome figure. Fury grasped his hand and showed him what had transpired. Leaving out her own miserable fate at Valerian's hand. He was silent. He opened his mouth to speak but closed it again.

"You should have let me know", His arms crossed over his gold plated jacket that made him seem much taller than he was.

"You knew he was here", She hissed with bitterness, gripping the railing in her anger. She didn't know why Loki had welcomed Valerian into Asgard. She didn't understand. She couldn't.

"Furya", Loki met her eyes with a look she had never seen from him. Soft hands curled tighter around her wrists. One abandoned course and rested on her chin, nudging her gaze upward into his orbs that became a depth of green electricity. " If he even dares to breathe to your dislike. Expel him from Asgard", Loki's rough voice lowered, "You remember how don't you?",

Fury nodded slowly, taking in the fear that arose from behind his wall of sinister smirks and sarcasm. He had indeed taught her that neat little trick she used to send the Vanir away. She remembered it well. it was raining that day in the woods and she wasn't successful in any attempts to cast away Loki all day. He was frustrated and short-fused by the end. Fury herself was no happier, not when he muttered a backhanded comment. She was so mad she cast him into the body of water that bordered Asgard. He had saved himself but nothing was sweeter than seeing him absolutely drenched and deathly livid.

"If not I can cast him into the water", Fury provoked a beautiful smile followed by a weak chuckle.

"Do what you must", Loki bowed his head and then he was gone.

"Poor, Furya. Left outside by herself.", Valerian's rough voice taunted, startling Fury who span to meet the creature that crossed his arms over his chest.

"In case no one had told you today. Fuck off, Valerian", She bit back, mirroring his stance from the balcony of the palace hall.

"My wife. So feisty.", He swaggered towards her and suddenly the celebration behind him died completely. The lights that beamed upon her skin were taken. And she was alone with the beast.

"There will be no repentance once I have you Furya. Just you and me for all eternity.", The demon snarled and she crept away from his touch. The darkness took her sight but she lifted the veil between magic and reality. And she caught that hand that swung towards her, engulfing it in ice. Valerian hissed in agony. His glowing outline seethed red.

"Do your worst", Fury spit with the venomous rage that encased her heart. She grabbed his jaw and her crimson fingernails extended into metallic claws, drawing blood from his skin. Those orange eyes smiled on their own. Though his face was void of emotion. She ran her sharp nail down to his throat, drawing a thin line of blood. "How easy it would be to end you right here", Her metal pointed claw tapped tauntingly at his jugular vein and she felt the beast gulp. It was euphoric. "But as for me. I am a lady. I wouldn't kill you today of all days. Not on your Birthday", Fury released him, turning on her heel with a victorious smile.

"Always so disgusted by demons and Vampires yet what are you? What abomination have you become just to defeat me?", Valerian spat with a voice as soft as silk. Lust lingered in his orange orbs, swatting away the black blood that dribbled to his collar. Like a predator.

"My dear, Valerian. I'm a motherfucking monster.", She smiled a smile so unsettling that Valerian himself flinched, stepping away from her. "I do hope you've enjoyed yourself", Furya spoke and cast the beast back to Vanaheim. Back to those angry Vanir. As soon as he was gone the smile vanished from her lips and bile rose in her throat. Her hands quivered at her side.

Those metal talons sank back into mortal red painted nails, diving beneath her skin. She had wanted to tear out his throat with them and watch him choke on the blood. Of all things, her new trick was sprouting claws. She groaned and rebuilt the veil of the magical world, stepping through it, into the celebration that glimmered with blinding lights and deafening song.

Beneath the blue light of the chandelier, Furya sauntered through the crowd. Thor could only watch the inexplicably beautiful woman. Words seemed to surpass his mind as those blue orbs pulsed onto his own. The black gown clung to her in a tasteful manner that had drained his mouth of saliva. His chest rose at her magnificence. For a moment the deafening loudness ceased and it was just Fury in the hall with her heeled boots tapping softly against the stone. Her silver hair swayed over her shoulder as she dropped her glance.

"Care to dance?", Her long red-tipped fingers extended and grasped his hand, leading him towards the dance floor. Her nails swept against his skin, sending chills through his spine. She turned to him, assaulting him with her floral scent of rose oil.

"Lead the way", Fury snapped his thought clear and he slid his hand to her waist as the dance became slow. She slung her arms over his neck abruptly to match the swaying couples that mindlessly stepped around them with no real rhythm. They just swayed.

The lights dimmed and he followed the steps of the dance which was just a slow-paced movement that required no real skill. With her pressed against his chest, he wanted nothing more but to kiss her crimson painted lips. Yet he could not find the strength to do it. So he swayed with her. Smiling at the youthful mischief that sparked in her eye towards those who stumbled. And before he knew it the song had ended.

"Shit", Furya hissed, her hands swept past her silver crown of hair. "Weren't you wearing a crown?", Thor observed with narrowed eyes. Furya tore herself away from him, rushing from the dancefloor with unmatched speed. "Fury?", He called, chasing after the woman who bounded down the courtyard steps toward the gardens. Her black dress caught the wind and majestically swept behind her.

Fury's blue eyes glanced over the cobblestone where she had slammed her fist into the earth. It had to be here. She could even comprehend what Valerian would do with the tiara. What she'd do to him for stealing it. She was sprinting now. Her boots thumping against the path. Thor was not far behind her.

Her chest heaved as her legs halted in place, eyeing the silver glint of metal. She approached the concrete bench at the heart of the garden. Her crown lay upon it.

"What?", She breathed out. Was it a trap?

"Fury?", Thor caught up to her as she palmed the tiara, her hand rested on her knife.

"Crisis averted" Fury chuckled, burying the metal crown into her hair. Thor smiled that charming smile he did and grasped her hand.

"You know that tiara was my mother's", His voice rumbled through the open seating area. The small abundance of lights flickered around them. Strewn over the branches in decorative patterns. It was breathtaking.

"My apologies", She cringed at her wreckless loss of the precious item.

"No. I think it suits", He matched her blue eyes, pressing his chest against her own. He tucked a strand of silver hair behind her ear and leaned closer to her lips. Watching them part with each word she spoke.

"Then why did you hide it, Loki?", His eyebrow raised at the oddity of her speech. "What...wh...what do you mean?", He stammered, raising his stance.

"I bit you", She gingerly touched the base of his neck. "Right here. Yet Loki has the scar. I find that quite strange don't you?", Furya crossed her arms, wondering what explanation he could give her. Thor smiled a weak grin that was overcome with a flash of green and Loki stood before her. Dressed in a simple black suit with matching undershirt. It was tight against him. She noticed the mass he had gained from portraying Thor in the fitted suit. Their vigorous training sessions over the months had expanded his muscle almost twofold.

"Surprise", He spoke weakly, crossing his arms.

"You Mischievous little cretin", She hissed, gripping onto the material of his shirt at his chest. He turned his face from her rage, awaiting it. She rethought her initial revenge of punting her fist into his jaw. Though she was pissed. She was betrayed and she was tired. Fury conjured the power within her core, enveloping her arm in white light. Her chest ached with agonising rage that rattled her rib cage. Loki's viridian gaze widened as her magic exploded in a fit of white and she became a glowing beacon of pure magic.

"Furya", He warned in a low tone, still in her tight grasp. His tone was calm at first and his hand cupped her cheek like he was shaking her awake. No matter what he did. She didn't forgive him. The God of Lies and Deceit. What did she expect?

Fury gritted her teeth with anger and summoned the ground beneath him to turn to water. "No. Furya. You wouldn't", He chuckled with a glimmer of fear, eyeing the portal to a long drop beneath him. "Therein lies our crisis", She smiled and released her grip on his suit jacket. He growled as he descended into the body of water. It was followed by a splash. Furya smiled, stepping toward the dark forest. Flicking the tiara on her head to the cobblestone ground. It bounced then settled by the hedges.

"Queen of Vaniria", She chuckles with darkness in her heart, venturing further into the night.

The next chapter will contain an abundance of smut. You've been warned. I plan to upload it soon once perfected. Enjoy.