Chapter Four: Blooming potential
Fuelled by a mix of frustration and anger, I storm out of my bedroom the next morning, Loki's adjacent door is closed with no signs of life inside. Odd, I didn't take the God of Mischief to oversleep.
Director Fury's office is thirteen floors below, I make my way to elevator determined to demand an explanation. They promised me safety and protection, and with Loki right across the hall that is not happening.
Rushing down to the floor of offices, I swing open his door. Fury looks up from his desk, his eyes narrowing as he takes in my determined expression. 'Rosalinda, what can I do for you?' he asks, his voice steady and composed.
I hold my head high, trying to keep my emotions in check. 'I would like to know why Loki Odinson was placed in such close proximity to my bedroom. I am uncomfortable, it is inappropriate and I—'
'Wait. Loki was near your bedroom?' He questions, sitting up in his chair. One hand already on a phone, the other dialling.
'Last night. He was across the hall; he spoke to me.' Confusion sweeps over me, my anger dissipating.
Fury speaks with urgency into the phone. 'Security breach five, reindeer games.' Then hangs up. 'What did he say?' he shakes his head, standing from his chair walking around the desk and leaning against it.
My face contorts with confusion at that very short phone call. 'He um… he just asked my name.' I respond, my voice tinged with bewilderment.
He nods before explaining. 'Rosalinda, I can assure you, Loki is not housed anywhere near your room. He has accommodation two levels below and in a separate area of the building. What you interacted with last night was likely one of his illusions.'
'Illusions?' I ask, my confusion evident in my voice. 'I'm sorry, I don't quite understand. So, what I saw last night…it was one of Loki's illusions, not actually him? It seemed so real,' trying to grasp the concept.
Fury lets out a sigh, his expression grave. 'Yes,' he confirms, gesturing towards me. 'Loki possesses the ability to create illusions, making things appear real when they are not. It's one of the reasons he's considered dangerous. I apologise for any distress it caused you,' his eyes flicker to the phone. 'I am already addressing this risk today.'
I nod in acceptance of Fury's explanation a lingering unease persists within me; the idea of Loki's illusions playing tricks on my senses leaves me unsettled. After further discussion about security and prevention of this happening again, I turn to the room.
After a moment of silence, I can't help myself. 'Has Natasha found anything?' I ask hopefully turning to face Fury. His expression tightens, and I know my answer before he even speaks. Disappointment fills me, but I gather myself. I simply nod, acknowledging the lack of progress, and silently make my way out of his office.
Heading back up to the living area, I walk into the kitchen for breakfast, as my stomach now grumbles voicing its hunger amidst the underlying anxiety. Having the freedom to satisfy my hunger when I want, I don't ignore it. I saunter across the marble kitchen admiring the picturesque morning view of New York through the expansive floor to ceiling windows. I pop the kettle, it's comforting hum filling the air, and place two slices of bread in the toaster, I make haste getting out the tea bag, sugar and cup.
As I engage in the simple act of preparing my meal, I start to reflect on the last six months. I would have never imagined this. It still feels somewhat surreal to have the freedom to eat when I am hungry, to leave when I feel like I need fresh air, and to talk to people who are genuinely kind. Natasha's words resound in my mind once again, maybe I'm not using this newfound autonomy the right way? I want too, believe me but I can't stand being out there not knowing where they are or if they are waiting for me.
As the kettles whistle comes to an end, I lift it by the handle and begin pouring my tea, with milk and sugar. Somethings you can't change, even if they bring up bad memories. As I stand by the toaster, waiting for the bread to turn a perfect golden brown, a sudden chill sweep over me. Before I can make sense of it, a voice whispers in my ear.
'Enjoying your breakfast, Flower?'
Startled, I turn around to find Loki standing before me for a second time, his mischievous smirk playing on his lips. My eyes widen in disbelief.
"My sincere apologies for the slight delay this morning," he smirks, his voice oozing with amusement. "You see, I encountered a minor security breach. But fear not, I managed to acquire a brand-new Stark-Banner approved device.' He extends his arm, showing a thin bracelet-like technology on his wrist.
My heart skips a beat, and my stomach drops into a pit as I process his words. Did my earlier conversation with Fury trigger the security breach? Was that what Fury being on the phone about, well Reindeer Games is an interesting code name.
'It goes with your eyes.' I joke lightly, attempting to lightening the mood that Loki is darkening.
He steps forward, a fake dark chuckle escaping his mouth. 'Ah, my dear Rose.' A shiver runs down my spine at the use of my name in his mouth. I instinctively take a step backward, the curve of my spine meeting the marble countertop. Anxiety washes over me, his tall frame towering over me, intensifying my discomfort.
Loki's proximity and the way he effortlessly corners me, triggers my unease. I've always been wary of men, especially those with a reputation for deceit and manipulation.
'I must say, your unease is rather delightful,' he continues, his eyes fixated on me with an intensity that sends a chill down my spine. 'I have always found the discomfort of others to be quite amusing.' He eyes me up and down as he did last night.
My heartbeat is audible at this moment filling my head as I try to focus, while his amusement is evident as he relishes in my unease. I refuse to be a pawn in this twisted game, no matter how much he may make me tense with his presence. I swallow, standing my ground, my eyes locked with his, unyielding.
I reach within, tapping into a section of my power that resides in me. With one swift motion, I channel my abilities, focusing on the knife holder that I know rests behind me on the kitchen counter. In an instant, a surge of energy courses through me, and the knife holder lifts into the air. Knives gleaming in the morning light, before they wield towards Loki's illusion.
The smug expression falters, as the knives make contact in several areas of the illusion. Green light emanating from, what should be puncture sites. The thin bracelet flickers, his illusion dissipates leaving me alone in the kitchen.
I stand in the now empty kitchen, my heart pounding. Knives scattered across the floor. It's been some time since I've tapped into this aspect of mu abilities, and the rush of adrenaline and satisfaction still courses through my veins, leaving me both exhilarated and cautious. I cant help but smile to myself, feeling a surge of empowerment in the aftermath of defending myself against a potential threat.
However, the euphoria is short lived when I realise the significance of what just happened. I've just unveiled a glimpse of my powers to someone who could pose a danger. Panic sets in, and a single word escapes my lips, laden with worry and regret.
'Fuck'
