Chapter 3

He tilts his head, his eyes returning back to me and his wicked smile fades.

"Who sent you here?"

Can I answer that? The humans had many "retaliation camps", and I wanted nothing to do with any of them, but my sister & I had not fled New York City fast enough, before I was foolishly convinced that these camps would protect us. Now I was here and she was far from me. He seems impatient and stands up, walking toward me, gripping his staff in one hand. I tremble, holding onto the floor for some sort of protection. You will not risk your sister's life. He approaches me and crouches next to me and slides his hand on my chin, tilting my face so that I would be staring directly at him. His eyes stare into mine, and I can't seem to look away, his green eyes almost mesmerizing.

He smiles and this time his voice is soft, "Who sent you, little one?"

His green eyes flicker a color lighter than the original as he stares at me. You should tell him, tell him, tell him. The voice in my head demanding, and I inhale to answer him, as my mind becomes fuzzy, my vision is blurred, and his question rings in my mind. Tell him my mind begs me. I feel faint. I was consumed with the urge to do as he asked. Just as I was about to answer, my sister's face flashes in front of me. She's smiling and her brown eyes are full of light. I shake my head, suddenly feeling my mind become clear, and my vision returns to me, as I'm staring at the green eyed man. He pauses, lifting his eyebrow in disbelief.

"Well, this is interesting."

His eyes are cold, and I look away suddenly released from the captivating state. The devilish smile that sent my adrenaline rushing in fear appears on his face.

"I guess we can do this a different way."

Do about what? I feel overwhelmed with confusion. Suddenly there's a burning pain gushing through my cheek, catching me off guard and sending me sliding away from him. I whimper as I put my hands over my cheek, my head spinning from the hit. My eyes dart to him, filled with panic and fear as his expression is nothing but cruel. I've never been hit before, and I feel my heart skipping beats, my body begging me to run, my mind telling me it's useless. I feel torn.

"Do I scare you, mortal?"

His voice is mocking and he stands up, walking toward me. A whimper escapes me, and I stand up, obeying my body's desire to run. He grabs me by my hair before I can even push myself away, slamming me against the wall, holding me still. I stand on my tippy toes, trying to avoid the painful grip on my hair, I wince. I feel my body weaken as I become frightened. He leans in and whispers in my ear, "Who sent you here?" Each word pulsing through me as a threat. My breathing becomes shallow. Protect your sister. I look back at him, his harsh expression giving nothing away.

"I-I" I stutter, I feel how bad I'm trembling, and I pause to try to compose my words.

"I-I can't, they ha-have my sister." I say in a whisper, flinching reflexively, expecting more pain to come.

Silence. Nothing happens, and a moment passes when I can't even hear him breathing. He's still and I'm too terrified to move. He steps back and let's go off me. My legs give up from under me and I fall down, my hands trembling.

"Ah, they got you bound by blood?" He asks as he looks down at me.

I nod, not managing to speak again. He seems to stand there, lost in thought, and eventually a sigh escapes his lips.

"What's your name, little one?" His voice is soft again.

I'm confused, this man is impossible to read. But then again my thoughts are shaken up.

"F-Faye."

I scold myself for sounding so scared. My head clears, feeling the awful pounding of a headache. He nods.

"Loki."

His tone mocks mine, and he even allows himself to laugh a little. This is the God of Mischief, who is reaping havoc on my city.