AN: This was written on Tumblr for Valentine's Day.

You know that when I hate you, it is because I love you to a point of passion that unhinges my soul.

She was laying on a bed.

It wasn't a meaningful realization…but there she was, and she wasn't home.

Jane tried to sit up, but she was tethered to this bed, and she didn't have full control of her movement.

…and then she began to sweat a bit. Where was she…?

Jane Foster looked around (she could move her head), and there, in the corner of the room where she lay, was a figure.

"Don't be frightened."

Her breathing sped up, and she tried to move her fingers.

"You don't listen terribly well, do you?"

Jane closed her eyes and swallowed. And before she knew it, she was looking up into the face of Loki…

…and then she panicked. "What's going on?"

"Well, there is quite a lot 'going on', as you say."

"Tell me where I am," she said quickly.

"Asgard."

"And why am I strapped to this table?"

"You are tied here because you have a very powerful entity residing inside of you," and Loki walked away, but continued to talk. "The Aesir do not understand it, nor how it can stay inside of you, without your mortal frame succumbing to its power."

And she remembered being inside of the abandoned factory in London, then Thor taking her through the wormhole…

…she must have passed out during the transport. "What is inside of me?"

At this he turned, a small smile playing upon his features. "An ancient power, a potent one…and it is, indeed, baffling, that you can withstand it."

Jane breathed in deeply and looked at the ceiling. "Where is Thor?"

"He is with the All-Father."

"And why are you here?"

She heard him sit. "To observe the mortal whose abilities must be much more profound than her mettle might suggest."

"Abilities?" she asked, then chuckled. "I have no abilities that you would be interested in."

"Oh, I wouldn't be so sure, Jane Foster. You harbor the aether. The fact that you can is of enormous interest to me."

"The what?" but she never received an answer…he left.

Jane laid there for a while, thinking about the situation she was in, and wondering how on earth she was going to get herself out (ironic, in a way, since she wasn't on Earth at present).

…and she was left there, quite forgotten, for what seemed like quite a long while.

Often she had thought about what it would mean to held against her will, to be a prisoner. She thought about it, though, in terms of her position as a female scientist. A lone feminine voice in a room of shouting baritones.

So when she woke once more in a glass cage, she thought for a moment that she was imagining it.

There was a bed the size of a cot on the far wall she was laying on, and some books on a shelf on another wall. Otherwise, it was pretty stark.

She slowly got up from the bed/cot, and looked around her. It was fairly bright in the glass enclosure; the light seemed to emanate from the ceiling, though no source could be spied. She rubbed her face.

"You must be hungry. Mortals often are…"

Jane's eyes snapped to the source of the sound…but it was dark outside of the enclosure, and the torchlight flickered in the darkness beyond. "Who's there?"

…and a pale face emerged from the deep, slowly and deliberately, a serious look about the visage. "I am accustomed to be referred to as 'My Prince,' but since you are Midgardian, I suppose 'My Lord' will suffice."

"Loki…?" she whispered.

"In the flesh," and he smiled, his arms outstretched, then falling back to his sides. "Disappointed?"

"I…" she was, but she was more confused than disappointed, as such. "What am I doing here? What has happened?"

"You, Jane Foster, impossibly, carry a power within you so potent it could level your tiny Realm in an instant," he was near the glass now, looking at her very steadily. "The All-Father knows just how remarkable this is. Frigga, though I have not spoken to her directly, likely does as well," he paused, looked down, then looked up again. "Thor," he almost hissed. "Has but an inkling…but I believe that his attachment has interfered with whatever logic he possesses."

"Don't be cruel," she cared for Thor and didn't need his psycho brother making fun of him.

"Ah, but cruelty is something I am well versed in, Jane Foster. I cannot help the inclination."

She wrapped her arms around herself, and looked at Loki steadily. "You didn't answer either one of my questions."

"What are you doing here? Well," and he folded his hands behind his back. "You are here because Odin is wary of a mortal possessing the power of the aether. He doesn't understand it, and that which he doesn't understand, he subdues," he paused. "I should know," and Loki looked at her. "What has happened? We are not certain how you are able to contain it, nor how you were able to find the aether…but it is inside of you," he sounded almost seductive. "And that is where we are."

Jane looked at her hands. "I don't remember anything really…not after Thor brought me to Asgard." She didn't mention the brief conversation she had had with Loki whilst strapped to a table.

"You were examined, then brought here. Not much occurred."

She looked at Loki now, anger brimming. "So I am a prisoner? I've done nothing wrong."

"Nothing save baffling Odin. That, in and of itself, can yield a lifetime in these cells."

She began to panic. "I need to see Thor."

"Mm. I suspected you might say that. He is currently pleading your case. It may take a while."

"So I'm just to be left here…" she looked around her…"What about food and water? A toilet?"

"Everything will be made available to you. And I will see what I can do to hasten Thor's visit," he turned away.

"Loki?"

He looked at her.

"Why are you here?"

"Because I want the aether for myself," and he walked away.

Loki's long strides were heard amid the stark silence of the palace; and he walked, as he did everything, with purpose. He would keep Thor away from Jane for as long as possible…he would need to earn her trust.

And then strike.

He entered the map room where Thor was attempting to convince Odin to release Jane.

"…she is our guest, father. She should be housed in a proper room."

"She is, but she is dangerous. We must keep close watch," he looked at Thor. "I am through here. I wish to speak of it no longer. Go," and he sat.

Thor let out a long sigh, but turned and left.

And there was Loki, just outside the door, smiling at him. "Well, brother," he smirked. "Looks as though the All-Father won't hear your case."

"No matter. Odin won't take long to persuade."

"You have a lot of faith in your abilities," they began to walk down the hall.

"I know him well. He is reasonable. He is simply perplexed now."

"Hm. The Odin I know does not enjoy being perplexed, and often will lash out if he feels cornered."

"No one is cornering him."

"You are."

Thor stopped and glared at Loki. "What says Jane?"

"Not much. She remains unconscious."

"The aether must be taking its toll on her mortal frame."

Loki nodded solemnly. "No doubt."

"Keep me informed of her state. I will try once more with Odin, and visit her on the morrow."

Loki nodded and watched him leave…then smiled, and went to the kitchens.

Jane wondered what madness must lurk in the mind of Loki, for he had brought her food, three times a day, for a week. She never really spoke to him, nor did he say much to her…but it was him, and only him, who came to her cell.

She was infuriated at the situation, and had asked him about Thor nearly every time he came. It was always the same thing: "He's busy." Or…"He is speaking with Odin now." It was trying her patience, to say the least.

She wished to see Asgard, arm in arm with Thor…she was a scientist, in another Realm (or planet, or whatever), and this was very nearly a dream come true.

Except it wasn't, for she was being treated marginally better than a common prisoner.

Jane nibbled on the odd bread Loki had brought with the stew for her dinner. She looked up, and there he was, sitting against the wall opposite her, watching her, but in a casual way.

It wasn't the least bit creepy.

"So," she said, to break the discomfort she was feeling. "Tell me about Asgard."

"Asgard?" and his brow furrowed.

"You can't give me any useful information about Thor, or how soon I might be set free, or why no one is examining me or asking me questions. So, this is the next best topic."

Loki smiled. "I do not know the answer to any of those questions, Jane. Though I must admit it is curious that Eir hasn't been here to look you over."

She shrugged. "I'm afraid that everyone has forgotten about me. Everyone but you, and you invaded New York and killed hundreds of people."

His face hardened a touch, and his gaze fell. He must tread lightly. "An unpleasant memory, Jane. Bad form."

"Bad…?" she was shocked he could be so dismissive.

"Asgard is the Realm Eternal, and a place of light and peace. For the most part," he smiled, interrupting her. "At least, that is what we are told."

"You mean it isn't?"

"I mean that we must always question what we are told to believe. That the truth is likely not nearly as clear as it appears."

Jane had a feeling that they weren't talking about Asgard anymore. "I wish I could see it," she whispered…and an image of her laughing with Thor filled her thoughts.

"Perhaps you will."

It took Eir almost two weeks to visit Jane, Thor as long. The problem, they said, was that Odin was being stubborn about her, not wanting the Aesir to come in contact with the Aether until they knew it was safe to be around her.

"But what about Loki?" Jane asked, as Eir waved her hands above Jane, the red particles dancing above her. "He's been around me."

"Loki is not Aesir," Thor explained. "He is Jotun. They have different abilities."

"He isn't your brother?"

"Of course he is, Jane. But he is adopted," and he held her hand. "I am sorry for not attending to you sooner. Odin can be a stubborn father," he smiled.

"Well, she appears to be withstanding the Aether quite well. Astonishing, really," and Eir shook her head.

"I'm tougher than I look," Jane replied. "Does that mean I can get out of here?"

Thor cleared his throat. "Ah, Jane…I wish it were that easy. The All-Father fears the Dark Elves, and their leader desires the power within you more than you can imagine."

"So…you're saying that I'm being held here for my own…protection?" what a bunch of bull, thought Jane.

"That's right, my Jane. We want to keep you safe…you harbor one of the most powerful things in Yggdrasil in those tiny veins. There are those who might wish to compromise your…I wouldn't say virtue, but…"

"Say no more," she held up her hands. "Fine. But can't I at least roam the palace? I feel like a prisoner…unless I am?" she cocked a brow.

Thor took her hands in his. "Of course not. I will speak with Odin. All will be well," and he pecked her forehead.

Jane managed a smile, and as he left, she began to wring her hands and pace…

…something was definitely not all right…something was going one, whether it was with Thor, or this "Aether" they kept talking about…

"Frustrating, no? Having to live at Odin's whim?"

She stopped and saw Loki walking toward the cell. "What do you know about what is going on here?"

"I? Nothing," he sat on the floor, as was his custom.

"I don't believe you."

"Clever girl."

"Stop it Loki. This has got to be the worst situation possible. You, my only friend in a foreign land…some weird-ass red stuff coursing through my veins…"

Loki laughed. "You have a way with words, Jane."

"Shut up. This sucks! How am I supposed to get out of here?" and she ran her hands through her hair, and slumped to the floor.

He considered her a moment. "I can get you out."

"What?" she breathed. "How?"

He dropped his gaze. "You must have forgotten. I am a very great sorcerer. I can let you out in small intervals…Odin need never know," he paused. "Of course, this means that Thor must never know, too. Can you keep such a secret from him?" he observed her steadily.

Could she?

She smiled. "Of course I can."

"Well Jane…you seem much more at ease. I am working, as I said, on Odin releasing you…but I am afraid his concern over you continues to mount."

"A dutiful King," Jane said from the chair in the cell.

It had been a fortnight since she had first been examined by Eir, and now she and Thor came every day to observe her progress, or her fortitude, or whatever it was they were examining. She had lost interest…she was positive that they had no intention of ever letting her go.

"That he is," Thor beamed. "Until tomorrow?"

"Yes," and she stood, went to him, and kissed his lips lightly. She needed to continue to let him believe that she was still loyal to Odin…though she always felt a pang when kissing him. As though she was being manipulative.

Well! What do you call what he has been doing to her?!

He left with a pleased look on his face.

"You are a fine actress, Jane Foster," Loki said, emerging from shadows.

She wiped her hands on her jeans. "I try," she was still looking at the exit where Thor had left. "When can we go?"

"Same as every night, my eager mortal. I'll be back for you in an hour or two. Care to bathe?" he waved his hand, and a tub filled with water was in front of her.

She sighed. Loki had offered her every comfort since she had agreed to have him let her out…she had asked how his magic worked inside of the cell, and he had explained that his magic could penetrate the cell, as long as he was on the outside…and he related this fact with a dark look, as though he knew from experience that it wouldn't work with him on the inside.

But oh! How wonderful to bathe! To eat good food! To walk in the starlight and breathe fresh air!

She and Loki hadn't spoken much when they first started doing this, but conversation had increased with every passing night, and it had become something that she looked forward to. "Lovely. Thank you," she smiled.

"There are clothes for you," he jerked his head toward the bed. "I'll be back later," and he left.

He had done much in terms of ensuring that no one would discover them, including dressing Jane up in Aesir clothing. He had, every night, administered a drought of sleep to various guardsmen, hung a tenebrous cloak of dark around the windows of the palace…

…but something was happening he had not planned.

He was beginning to care for Jane.

How unfortunate! He was losing touch of his purpose, something that never happened…he needed the Aether…and he needed her trust to obtain it.

He would make it so it seemed that she gave it to him willingly. That way the brunt of the anger and blame would fall on her, and deflect any search for him once he escaped into Yggdrasil.

He began to weave his spells around the palace…

…and soon he would return to the dungeons to let the mortal out.

Jane was waiting in her glass cell, changing into her Asgardian clothing. She was smoothing out her skirts…something she was unaccustomed to doing. Jane was….well. A jeans and flannel kinda girl.

But it had been nice to wear finery. To walk amongst the gardens, under the stars…

And to have company.

…she couldn't deny that having Loki along during her jaunts in the garden was fun.

And though she was loathe to admit it (for she couldn't admit anything remotely positive about Thor's brother who destroyed New York and who didn't possess any remotely interesting characteristics), she was beginning to see him a bit differently.

That maybe…just maybe…she liked him.

She stopped what she was doing. No…she couldn't possibly…

"Ready, then, Jane?"

She turned quickly to see Loki standing on the other side of the glass wall…"Ready," and she went over to him. The glass vanished, and she stepped out of the cell. She smiled at him, suddenly a bit nervous.

And she walked out with Loki, into the dungeons's dim light.

The night was not so dark that they couldn't see…but the light was but a dim spark, and Jane couldn't see much.

"I understand that soon Odin will attempt to extricate the Aether from your blood."

Jane looked at him. "How?"

"I do not know. The All-Father has magic I know little of."

She swallowed…"What does this mean?"

Loki walked passed her and folded his arms in front of him. "It means that Malekith is on the move. That he may mean to come to Asgard in search of the Aether."

Jane looked to the sky. "I'm not afraid."

"I'm not surprised…"

She didn't answer him. "Something is different tonight."

Loki's mind was racing…"I should leave. You can see yourself back into the cell," he turned to leave.

"Why?"

He couldn't answer her. He was confused and tormented by uncertainty, and he turned to head for the the palace. "I need not answer you, Jane Foster. Knowing that I must needs go should suffice."

"Look at me."

He did.

"What's happened?"

"Nothing, save your mortal life is in eminent danger. Nothing, except I need that power which lives inside of you. Nothing, save the fact that you irk me beyond reason, and I desire to be left alone," Loki spat, turning away from her and returning to the palace.

Jane sighed. She should be terrified…

…but she was smiling.

Loki went back to his rooms shortly following the spat with the mortal in a mood. He was irritated at her, but more than that, he was irritated at himself. He should not allow her and her silly mortal charms to distract him from his purpose.

Perhaps it was the aether itself working his mind. That he could almost understand.

How unfortunate that he should enjoy her company, especially when he enjoyed so few others presence.

The fact that Odin allowed his release from the dungeons should be enough evidence that he feared Malekith and the power of the aether.

That he made Loki look after the mortal evidence that he either thought the aether would destroy him, or he respected his magic enough to withstand it.

Likely the former.

He ran his hand through his hair and sat by the window in his room. He waved his hand and a fire blazed.

Loki sighed heavily and sat back in his armchair. He mustn't give in to these tendencies…tendencies which he hadn't succumbed to in a long, long time.

And he wouldn't start now, with a mortal, of all things!

And Thor's mortal, at that.

How humiliating!

He stood, resolute, and went left his rooms to begin work on his plan.

Jane made her way back safely to the cell, thrilled at invigorated by the evening stroll.

And it seemed to her, for even the smallest of moments, that she wasn't a prisoner…

…she laid on the bed, and began to think…

…she was the one who harbored the aether, with little to no effect on her. She was the one who had the advantage, and she should learn to use it as such. Perhaps what she should be doing is learning how to control the entity inside of her, instead of victimizing herself and waiting for Thor to come to her rescue.

She was no shrinking violet! Why should she behave thus?

Jane took a deep breath and sat on the bed ramrod straight…she closed her eyes, and allowed herself to feel the aether pulse her veins…

…and when she opened them, she saw the red of life, and it swam in her eyes…

"Malekith is certain to recognize the rouse, father. You must see this," Thor slammed his fist on the heavy wooden table.

"Control yourself, Thor. I'll not listen to you in a temper."

"You do not listen any other way," and he turned his back on the All-Father. "You are a King of all the Realms, yet you neglect a subject whom you are meant to rule. Jane wastes away in the dungeon…she is partly your responsibility…"

"Enough! I'll not let you, nor anyone else tell me what my responsibilities are," and Odin stood. "You will not let whatever poison that mortal fed you cloud your judgment. She stays put, and when he comes, as I am certain he will, we will keep her hidden."

"But what if he comes with an army?"

"He will. And Asgard has a bigger army."

Thor's mouth fell open. "You are willing to place your forces into certain death…to prove a point?"

"And what is war, son, when it comes down to it? All of it, to a greater or lesser extent, is point proving, is it not? The only difference is that you have an interest in the outcome. A personal one."

"As should you…! The Aesir count on you to be a responsible King!" he spat.

"I've had enough, Thor. I understand that you do not wish for Jane Foster to be in danger. And she won't be. I'm through discussing this," and he left the room.

Thor's face contorted in frustration at his father's obvious indifference. He was attempting to gain Jane's release from the cell, but Odin would not be persuaded, and Thor was unaccustomed to being refuted so steadily from the All-Father.

"Odin's favorite son not so favorite, hm?"

Thor turned to see Loki approaching him. "We shouldn't be sitting here waiting for Malekith to come for the aether."

"No," replied Loki, a slight smile on his face.

"But that is what the King suggests. He wishes to stay here, allowing the enemy to just…" he waved his hands around…"…march in here and take as they please. I cannot allow it. As the future King, I should put a stop to this madness."

"Aye, you should," Loki replied with a hint of a smile. "Odin is too presumptuous. To have him assume that Asgard could withstand an attack from Svartalfheim is idiotic, especially without properly preparing the forces."

"He will not listen to reason," continued Thor.

Loki saw the opportunity to strike…"Then react as a true King would, Thor. Your judgment means something. Act," he hissed, and left.

He made his way to his rooms with a satisfied mind. He had planted a seed for Thor to work with, and now he was going to ready the strike.

Jane wasn't certain if she was seeing things more clearly or not…but as she gazed around her cell, she was able to spot the weaknesses in the force field, able to sense the other prisoners…it was odd.

But as she looked around her, it was less obvious what she was looking at. Where once books stood, she saw nothing but black emptiness.

She sat, transfixed by the aether's effect on her.

"Well, Jane, it appears that Odin is ready to sacrifice you to Male…" he stopped, and looked at her closely from the other side of the glass. "Jane?"

"Loki?" her voice sounded different.

"What has happened to you?" his eyes narrowed in his examination from afar.

"Nothing. I was just trying to…"

"What have you done," he spat, and began to pace in front of the cell.

Jane stood. "Nothing. Nothing that I shouldn't do, anyway. The aether is in me, and I am trying to siphon its power…use it to my advantage."

He stopped, looked at her, and laughed. "You?! You are attempting to harness the power of the aether? A mortal? Is there no end to your idiocy?"

"Hey. This is my life. I'm a prisoner, though I've done nothing wrong. I'm here, with no friends, save you, which is questionable at best, and I have a power to level the cosmos in my veins. I just want to get out of this dungeon, and get the aether out of me."

"You'll not accomplish either of your paltry goals, Jane Foster, attempting to do what you're doing. You'll end up dead."

"I'm ok so far. I'll take my chances," and she crossed her arms in front of her.

"You have no idea what you are saying! That entity inside of you is not made to be commanded, not by you, anyway," he ran his hand through his hair.

"Then how do you explain why I'm still fine?"

"There must be something particular about you…" his voice trailed. What was it about Jane Foster? How had he come to care about her welfare, for though he certainly hadn't lost sight of his goal, the idea of her death was unsettling to him. "Though I cannot fathom what that might be, since you are such a small mortal."

Jane smiled in spite of herself, and looked down. "There's trouble, isn't there?"

Loki swallowed. He turned away from her when he spoke, "The Dark Elves are on the move, apparently. Thor is attempting to convince Odin that Asgard should be preemptive, or, at least, more prepared. He is concerned about what lengths Malekith will go for the aether."

She wasn't surprised, not really. She had assumed that something like this was the case…though she had been hoping that it wouldn't be so dire. "So. You're letting me out."

Loki turned. "Excuse me?"

"You're letting me out of here. Giving me a fighting chance."

He smiled. "Jane, you know that that isn't possible."

Her anger flared. "I know? No I don't! You need to let me out! Malekith is gonna kill me!"

Loki swallowed, then turned, and left Jane there, yelling at him in his wake.

Her hands balled into fists, and she closed her eyes, livid at what was happening…

…and when she opened them, the glass had disappeared.

The sky was darkening overhead in waves of deep gloom. It was evident that Svartalheim was about descend upon Asgard in all its might.

And Thor was seething, standing on a precipice, not far from the palace, next to his brother. "Are you ready, Loki? Malekith approaches."

He was hardly paying attention…he was thinking about Jane Foster, and what she might be doing presently. He nodded only vaguely…

…and the sky split, hoards of ships came out from the clouds overhead, and the God of Thunder ran inside to alert Odin. "He approaches father! Ready the men!" he came back out with Mjölnir, waving it, ready to fly…"Prepare yourself Loki. A great battle is afoot," and he flew into the air, soaring with the might of Mjölnir.

Loki took a deep breath and summoned the seior, pointing his hands toward the oncoming army.

Jane ran through the palace, out of breath and desperate. She wasn't sure where she was going…she had been in the dungeons for what seemed like months.

But on she went, terrified though she was…she heard the sounds of war in the distance.

Jane was in a long corridor, and for a moment thought about hiding. She whipped her head around, trying to determine just what she ought to do. Should she try to escape to the Bifrost? Should she attempt to find Thor? Loki…?

She turned toward the door at the far end of the corridor. She couldn't stay and fight…

"Damn it!" she hissed.

Jane had no idea what she was doing…but she ran for the battle anyway…

And outside there were loud trumpets, and growling, and steel blade upon steel blade…it was chaos, and she instantly regretted coming out.

She turned and ducked, just as a sword missed her shoulder…she had no weapon! What was she thinking?

Jane looked up at the Dark Elf, who lifted the sword high above him, and just as he began to lower the blade, and Jane shielded her head with her arm, wincing…

Nothing.

She looked up.

Loki was there, panting, staring at the Elf…"Move, Jane!" he yelled, and his magic wrought through her like a dagger…she was thrown from the fray, and watched helplessly as Loki fended off at least ten Elves himself.

Jane was astounded, gaping at the scene; she tried to get up, but was tethered to an unknown force, binding her to the wall. She tried to scream, but no sound came…

Thor landed next to his brother, deep in the heat of the battle.

Jane watched in horror as the two gods took swings at the Elves…the Elves who were shrieking and spitting and tearing the air apart.

…what she didn't see was Malekith behind her, approaching her by stealth…

She attempted to summon the aether from her veins, but Loki's magic was too much, and she ended up tilting her head back onto the wall in exhaust. She didn't hear the Elf tear the shield with his own magic, but she felt the tendrils grasp her waist and pull her from the ground.

"It is good to see that you have maintained your might, Loki!" yelled Thor from the heat of battle.

"As if I would not have," Loki muttered under his breath. He blasted four more Elves from their path, and let out a sigh. He was sweating, dirty…and he had not encountered Malekith, something he was certain would have happened by now. Loki looked toward the palace where he had left Jane.

She wasn't there.

He turned and ran over to the spot…gone, by magic of another kind.

Malekith.

He didn't bother to alert Thor, he ran into the palace, and summoned his senses…closed his eyes…

"Are you looking for me, God of Mischief?"

Loki's eyes snapped open, and he turned to find Malekith in all his grotesque glory, Jane high above him in a prison of red sea.

He swallowed. This was not how he had planned this…"I am. And look. There you are," he smirked.

"With a mortal of curious abilities."

"Mm…not so curious, I think."

"No? She harbors the aether. I am quite certain that you are aware of the power that lurks in her veins…"

"Aye," Loki replied, and began to approach the vile Elf. "I am aware. Keenly. But the question is, are you? The aether acts to protect itself. If you threaten the mortal, it will respond in kind."

"I can command this entity, Odinson. I have the seior…more than you can fathom," he spat, and Jane moved in her position above them.

Loki never took his eyes off of the Dark Elf. "You forget yourself, Malekith. The aether is an ancient thing. Older than you or I…and you should respect its power."

At this, Malekith struck, Loki shielded the blast, and it rebounded off of Jane's shell in the air above them, causing her collapse. Loki ran to her, thinking that the Elf had fallen…"Jane Jane…" he pulled her to him. "You wretched mortal. Soft. Inconsequential…hated and loathed by all who know you…" she was not moving…"But you know that when I hate you, it is because I love you to a point of passion that unhinges my soul," and he touched her face gently.

…and then, a strike from the back…a blade ripping open his chest…and he screamed…

Jane opened her eyes to see Loki writhing in pain…"Loki?" she whispered.

He fell, bleeding…

And Malekith laughed.

Jane gathered herself. "Loki!" she cried, and then looked at the Elf.

With all the power she could muster, with everything that she was, she forced the aether out of her, placing her hands on his wound, healing it instantly. And then, she gathered the rest (whatever left there was), and struck Malekith down with the force of the infinity gem.

Jane collapsed.

And Loki breathed.

He sat up, confused, and saw the dead Elf lying a few feet from where he was…

…and Jane Foster, barely breathing, next to him. "Jane …" he took her in his arms. "Do not fret, Jane. I can save you…" he watched as the aether bled from her skin, leaving her pale and gaunt in its wake…

And he thought that he should stop it, for there was his chance to claim the gem for his own.

…but with the mortal dying in his arms, he could not think to do it…nay, to do anything save hold her.

"You are not alone, Jane Foster. I have you. I can get you to the All-Father. It will be well," he touched her cheek.

"I'm cold," she said. And he wrapped her closer in his arms. "Don't leave me Loki…you're my only friend in this place."

He kissed her forehead…

"Never."