Chapter 23

Some philosophers thought that a proper way of thinking is equal to matter. Unfortunately, I am not a rational being, but one very reckless and impulse. And you can only imagine what I think about… Things I want. With the infinity stone in my chest, my wants are equal to doing the actual deed. That is how Sif got in the hospital. I almost killed her or the stone almost did, it was hard to say these days when the stone and I are one. Clearly, the stone decided not to kill the host... For now.

I did what was in my best interest. Brainwashed her, left the spot and sent one of maids to find injured Sif. I sneaked back to my chamber and locked myself in the bathroom. Sif did a good job, especially on my forehead. I'm not sure there is a way to hide cut like that. And the clothes, there have been just too much blood on the dress to make it seem like I was on my period. I had to act quickly, destroy any evidence left. How exactly, I had no idea, because in this fucked up situation my body is the proof.

After washing my body, I threw the dress in the bathtub and tried to rub out Sif's blood. It was nowhere as successful as I hoped it will be. I couldn't sneak out with it, but I can hide it and in few days convince maids it is the red wine stain. This plan was beyond stupid, but the best I had. The dress wasn't even the biggest problem. How in the name of Odin will I cover bruises and head wound? Sure, the clothing will cover most of my body, but the neck will pretty much be revealed and head... Maybe I could cut bangs.

Only hilarious ideas crossed my mind. All about hiding evidence, but I hadn't yet asked myself why I did what I did. I could have played the victim when Sif realized Loki is portraying Allfather. That is believable, I am weak mortal after all. I could have done that and Sif would do everything in her power to protect me from Loki. But the thing is, I didn't want to reveal Loki. I spent so much time with him, that even now when he wants to kill me I refuse to betray him. Damn the universe, but I am still loyal.

I must be the most miserable being in the whole universe. It was in my best interest to kill Loki before he kills me, but I cared for him way too much to do it. I couldn't kill him to save myself, but I killed to save Loki. I would do anything to prevent killing him and I've already done so much… My flow of thoughts was stopped by the strong ache in my chest. If I had a tongue, I would have bitten it off how much that bitch hurt. Once it stopped, I was sure I'm about to pass out, when actually I felt better. There was no pain and no worry in the world. The stone erased all evidence.

"Isabella!" I heard Loki scream and second later he broke down the doors of the bathroom to get in. "Isabella." He wrapped his arms around me.

Loki? What is going on?

"Someone attacked Lady Sif-…"

That is horrible! I shrieked, only thing that is horrible is my acting. But why are you here?

„Sif was in the library when she got attacked, you are usually there around this time and.."

You were afraid something happened to me. How sweet. I'm here, I was having a bath and… Don't mind my nakedness…

"I see you're fine, I have to get going. See if Sif remembers anything." It is too late to play it cool now honey.

Do you think the attacks on Sif and Lorelei are connected?

"Possibly."

Loki turned back before leaving chambers. I was confused by his behavior, but shrugged it off. I had no worry in the world as Sif knows nothing. Next day, whole palace was gossiping about yesterday's events. They all were afraid there is a mole on the court, they were of course correct, but there was nobody they could point their finger at. With whole Asgard in fear, I was the only one collected. There is no reason for panic. Loki acted the same, though I suspect it is all for show as he spent the whole night pacing up and down.

"Sif knows nothing." Loki said as we dined two days after the incident. "She was attacked from the back with her own weapon." This whole drama with Sif bored me. Surely there was something else we could speak about. "Is dinner not to your liking?"

I was just thinking about something. Meat is delicious.

"I'm glad…" Something was off. "It is Lorelei's heart."

What?

"Do you know what day today is?" He ignored my previous question like it was no big deal. I shook my head. "Heimdall informs me it is September 13th today."

My birthday.

„Exactly. I arranged dinner, cake, even present." Loki placed small vial with black liquid on table."I found a way to give you what you want the most, your tongue, your voice… It was a while I wanted to hear your voice and convince myself you are real and not some voice in my head, making me insane… Isabella, I truly wanted it, to be the one to give you your voice back, but I am afraid you will have to take it now and explain to whole Asgard why you killed a prisoner and attacked Lady Sif." He pushed the vial in my hand.

I stared at him and dared to smile. Maybe you'd like to explain to whole Asgard why you killed their king?

Did you kill Odin?