I shook my arms out after putting on my armor as if insects crawled over me in waves. Everything from my toes to my fingertips tingled with nerves. And for what? I had been present at new rank assignment ceremonies for a decade, yet not since my endowment had I been so palpably anxious.

Perhaps it was because I felt it was my turn to rise to prominence and be recognized as a real force in New Yggdrasil. Or perhaps it was because I'd decided to pull Heimdall aside once things were over and—once and for all—ask his blessing to pursue my dearest friend as something more.

I muttered a few curse words, grateful Mum wasn't present to admonish me for doing it in her house. It was unbecoming of a man in my position, she'd say. But since Narvi died, it was my last lick of rebellion that I could largely get away with. In the wake of his death, I was burdened with heavy expectations.

Still, I mumbled. "Okay. I'm fine. This is fine. I can do this."

"Vali, where are you?" Father yelled from downstairs.

"Coming!" I bent down to catch a better glimpse of my face in the old looking glass and swept my hair off my sweaty forehead. Not enough time to fix anything now, and the walk to the Bifrost would only make it worse. Before I'd do anything potentially stupid in front of the council, I'd have to cast a charm over myself to appear more put together than I was in reality.

Mum waited for me at the bottom of the steps after wiping Father's shoulders free of Tiwaz fluff. He no longer wore armor like me and instead donned all black, except for a collar of his preferred green and gold—such a decoration was now expected of senior officers such as himself. Both Uncle Thor and even Heimdall dressed in the same way, proving how distinguished they were against youth such as myself.

Like with my underarmor, a secret lining of purple graced the inside of Father's left sleeve, forever reminding him that we weren't alone. We were beholden to someone else and his legacy. Narvi was a better motivation than the ancient gods and goddesses of the past, though; at least, I thought so.

"I'll never be used to seeing you like that," Mum said, blinking back a few tears and adjusting my cape at the shoulder. "All grown up."

"And you'll never stop saying it whenever I'm here." I peered into the kitchen and waved to Hela. "I'm sure next year you might be joining us for this, won't you, Hel?"

She simmered in her own thoughts and continued to scribble in her leatherbound journal, all but ignoring me. With a quick nod, she acknowledged what I said and went right back to whatever commanded her furious strokes.

I raised a brow at Mum and whispered, "I see what you mean about the attitude."

She sighed. "Don't worry about her. She'll grow out of it, I'm sure. But I don't like the reminder that next year, you might both be far away. I do so wish she wouldn't rush it."

Father cleared his throat and opened the front door, leaving with a flourish that told me he missed the drama of his own floor-length cape.

"Better not keep you," Mum said, finally pulling my face down to peck my forehead. "Good luck."

I smiled, though the rush of adrenaline through my gut made my mouth water. I don't need luck...I need courage today.

The Bifrost on New Asgard was busy when we landed; so much so, few actually acknowledged our arrival. It was just as well, since kin from the far-off worlds of Borgheim and Dagheim also came to witness the announcements. It was tradition for family to join their respective soldier for the first calling of rank; Father only attended now for his own duties and not with me specifically. It made Mum jealous, but she understood that I was too old to make a spectacle out of every professional development.

Like a slow-flowing river, we funneled toward the palace and into the common hall. Two rings of seats surrounded the round table at its center. The inner ring was reserved for those with special invitations, myself included, and known diplomats. Established soldiers—some who knew Father before the Ragnarok—stood on the perimeter of the room. Most of them were mentors instead of people expected to fight if the time ever came again.

Father took a chair and pointed at the next spot over for me. I couldn't decide if I was grateful for his presence or resentful for the fact that he made me feel younger. Too old for a chaperone, aren't I?

Uncle Thor entered after most everyone was settled, earning a raucous applause and standing ovation from all. His thick red collar was threaded in gold the same was Father's was, making him ever more lion-like, though his hair was now grey where it once was blond. He smiled in his ever-present wide show of teeth, which finally registered to me as friendly and not the threat I saw as a child.

"My people, friends, brothers, leaders...I am so thankful you would come to my home, our home, to discuss the growth of those whose very hands will hold the future. Please, sit." After his announcement, Uncle Thor weaved his way between the rows to his seat between Father and Heimdall. Other faces directly at the table included Astrid's father, Uncle Theoric, and a known Valkyrie named Skál. An empty space waited directly across from me.

Cousin Modi arrived with a commanding stance and filled the spot. His regular companions, Gunnar and Tyr, found space in the second row not far away from him. His expression was as coldly confident as it ever was. Like me, his ensemble set him apart even amongst the other soldiers simply because it was unique. The darkness of his cape made him appear perpetually bloodstained and heavy, even though most Asgardian soldiers had some kind of red as part of their uniform. For the king's son, he did not beckon anywhere near the same enthusiasm from the room as his father, which made me pity him for a moment.

Perhaps they didn't clap for him not because they had doubts or dislike, but terror that he could destroy them all easily, so it would be better not to draw any attention their way at all. I waited for him to meet my eyeline so I could say hello with a cursory nod, but he seemed to be working hard to avoid my gaze as much as possible.

Just as well. I didn't like him, either. Time with Modi reminded me too much of the last days with Narvi. Beyond that, we'd hardly spoken. More like strangers than family.

"G'day, Lokison," Astrid whispered from the row behind me.

I startled and twisted my neck to see her, though I'd wished for a drop more of composure beforehand.

"Miss any shots today?" Riggs asked with a decidedly flirtatious raised brow.

"I...I-I-I..." The words were stolen straight from my throat, caught in the air between us. How I wished to reach out and collect them before their broken pieces reached her ears.

"Ah, nervous, I see." She snickered, beckoning the same insect-like itching all over my body again. "Need a kiss for luck?"

My heart slammed painfully against my breastplate. "W-what?"

"Shh. It's starting," Astrid said, twirling her finger to make me turn around.

I did so almost fast enough to snap my neck in half. A kiss? Was she serious? Would she do it? What could that mean? My carousel of thoughts went round and round so much, I missed Uncle Thor's overview of the classes and barely resumed listening just prior to my own introduction.

"...and it is with special honor that I extend welcome to the soldiers who hail from realms beyond New Asgard's borders. Those of you to which this applies, please rise." Uncle Thor spoke with a stilted, nearly awkward cadence that seemed too formal, even for him.

Father seared a glare into my face for not standing fast enough. I pretended not to notice his scowl once on my feet.

"These soldiers are the final frontier just as much as they are the future not yet realized," Thor continued. "Today, they will be honored with specific ranks and duties closely suited to their strengths." He met eyes with all of us who stood at his call, tacitly asking us to sit again. "We shall begin with our first-year additions to the guard."

Any year before, I would've been simply bored listening to the many names called out and welcomed to service; this time, the knowledge that Riggs sat behind me heightened all my senses and made me feel exposed. Every moment that passes was another moment closer to a dreaded conversation I rehearsed like a prayer.

An hour in, and the attitude of the room mellowed. Proud parents of first-year additions tearfully congratulated their soldiers and sank into the background. Wallace, the young soldier I'd greeted in the palace after practice yesterday, said his vows and gave me a nod with a beaming smile. His excitement made me proud. Astrid and Riggs were both declared Forraðs for the Valkyrie, a step up from their previous rank. They kept their composure as long as was required, but at the first lull in activity, the girls resumed the same chittering excitement they would at any other celebration.

I peered over my shoulder at them, but Father cleared his throat at the same moment, so my congratulations would have to wait. It was almost a gift to not have yet another distraction.

Please touch my shoulder, I wished, praying to feel her brush against me. Their gossiping made me wish I could transform my ears alone to their wolven form and catch everything. Was that my name? What's—

"Vali, stop that," Father whispered.

"What?"

"Your leg is shaking. Enough." He refocused on Thor and folded his arms.

Just over halfway through the ceremony, and I'd have to pour my energy into appearing completely still. I sighed and commanded my nerves to stop jittering. Father didn't chastise me again, so it must've been successful.

Every person in the second row was addressed and announced in an ever-closing spiral. At the end, Uncle Thor glanced over his parchment and dropped his congenial smile.

He puffed his chest and held up his right hand for everyone to silence their private conversations. "My friends. It is now time for Modi, Prince of New Asgard, Captain of Arms and the first company assigned to explore the outer remnants to give his report. Let us hear him well." Thor squared his jaw as if preparing for a challenge.

Modi rose from his seat in a slow display that proved a strong command over his body and armor; anyone else might've struggled to be on two feet with so much metal on their shoulders. So close to Uncle Thor, it was almost uncanny how alike they were, except Modi never had the same welcoming aura about him that his father did. Still, the audience of the room gave him reverent attention, myself included.

Modi put his hands behind his back and stared blankly past me, avoiding my eyes just as strongly as when he first arrived and making me wonder if his short speech was written on the wall somewhere. "My men have enlisted the help of humans atop the Bifrost to view the remnants of old Yggdrasil above us. They proved most helpful in giving us an aim to land. We identified several islands of questionable sustainability, and some creatures reminiscent of fire beasts survived the Ragnarok on such lands. We successfully dispatched such threats."

Father raised his hand and became suddenly invested in Modi's every word. "You've seen battle?"

"I wouldn't call it battle." Modi took a breath and firmly met Father's gaze. "I merely took their lives before they could take ours. Such is my burden as Captain of Arms."

"And how many lives were there?" Father asked.

Modi sniffed sharply. "Fifty, give or take a few."

Uncle Thor must've sensed the same awkwardness as everyone else and chimed in before they could debate. "Right—a meager number compared to that of the past. Loki, don't interrupt. Continue, my son."

"Thank you." Modi recalibrated his posture. "There is nothing else consequential to report. No hostile forces threaten the delicate balance of the new universe. While we did not identify a new realm for settlement, I have no doubt such places are budding as we speak. When they arise, I'll make it my burden to risk my life and challenge any creatures who seek to claim them. I give my word, as always, to protect New Asgard and her people until my last and dying breath."

"To the end," all us soldiers said in unison. Father only muttered it, apparently resistant to the new tradition.

"Well done. Take a seat, Captain." Uncle Thor relaxed as Modi sat, like the hardest part of the meeting was over.

Until that point, the anticipation of my name had been mostly benign. Now, I was practically vibrating out of my skin. I resumed my quick leg bouncing involuntarily and twisted my hands together. Come on...what else is there?

Uncle Thor cleared his throat and put his hands behind his back. "It is a rare occasion when we see a soldier rise to the highest ranks, especially in times of peace. But there is one among us who has earned such an honor." He shifted my direction and nodded. "Vali, son of Loki, please rise."

Finally. I exhaled through a silent whistle and stood, attempting to do so as smoothly as Modi had. "Aye, King Thor. I am ready for any and all tasks you require."

The moment I spoke, I swore Riggs' voice rang like a whispering bell behind me, though I didn't dare turn to see her. I painted her smile in my mind instead to calm me.

Uncle Thor laughed, filling the room with a new lilt of sunshine. "Vali, you're unlike any other soul in Asgard's army. My brother has taught you well. On the guard, all know your name. Most have shared stories with me of your willingness to teach, especially the most youthful additions within this room. You've superseded the expectations set before you. State your rank as it stands."

I suddenly felt as if my words were automatic and I merely witnessed the scene. "I am Vali Lokison, agent of Asgard and Narvlheim, Forrað of the company assigned to defend New Asgard's immediate territory."

He smiled at Father before addressing me again. "I think you've done enough to prove your worth, don't you think?" He spoke slowly now, like his words were a binding contract. "And so it is, Vali, son of Loki, agent of Asgard and Narvlheim, until such day comes that you are either honored with the crown or stripped of your title, I declare you Captain of Defense."

I blinked quickly and fought against the urge to smile, which only left my face twitching. "Thank you. I...I'm proud to serve."

"So it is. With this title you are granted free reign to travel throughout the realms. Your duty is to work beside the Captain of Arms on the front line of battle, should it ever arise, and guide those around you to protect the people. With your magic, there is no foe Asgard will ever face that cannot be conquered."

Father brushed my hand to force my gaze on him. An undeniable spark of pride flickered back at me. It was just enough to ground me back to the honor of the moment and stop being distracted by any other goals for the day.

I nodded with new purpose. "Again, I thank you. My life has been pledged to protect those who cannot protect themselves, to carry with me any soul claimed by my hands, and to give of myself unto anyone who needs something I can provide. With this call, I reaffirm my vows to all of Yggdrasil and Asgard, to my last and dying breath."

All yelled, "To the end!"

The room seemed to erupt with congratulations, save for a distinct void in the voices straight ahead. Modi didn't cheer; he avoided looking at me altogether and clenched his jaw tightly enough to make it look more like a wince. He didn't need to say what I knew he was thinking—my new status trespassed on his station. Both Captains. Both privileged. We'd never gotten over the too-painful reality of our traumatic introduction to one another, and now we'd be forced to work together unlike ever before. His two closest favorites folded their arms behind him, clearly as biased against me as he was. Yet Modi was a prince—heir to Asgard's throne—and I'd never eclipse that, so what was the issue?

Uncle Thor adjourned the council while I was still standing, and my heart sank when I found Riggs and Astrid missing. Seems more time had gone by than I thought before regaining full consciousness. Just as well, since I couldn't hope to say what I needed to if she was close.

Heimdall stood at the same time Father did, and I worried he'd escape just as quickly.

"Lord Heimdall," I said, clearing my throat when he didn't seem to hear me.

His booming laughter at something Thor said shook my armor. "Yes, Lokison?"

I felt Father was too close and prayed he'd notice my anxiety enough to step away. "If it's alright, may I discuss something with you in private?"

Uncle Theoric interrupted the thought to shake Father's hand and mine after, congratulating me with some compliment I barely heard over the pounding in my head. I nodded congenially but hoped he'd go away. Not now. Please not now...

While I impatiently flickered my eyes toward Heimdall in a silent signal to stay where he was, the room progressively emptied. Modi disappeared with Gunnar and Tyr without a word. Wallace waved at me, but didn't bother trying to work through the throng to see me directly, for which I was grateful. Time was running out. It would only be more awkward if I asked again with an intimate audience.

But Uncle Thor surprised me by touching Father's shoulder, keeping him in place. Heimdall gave Father a look that said the same. The four of us stood in virtual silence, giving nothing but pleasantries to the few attendees who remained.

Father shook his head once we were all alone. "Thor, what—"

"Actually, we have more to discuss with you," Heimdall said, squarely addressing me. "Take a seat, Lokison."

All the blood in my body left my head for my feet, dragging me down, weighing me toward the floor. Their six eyes were even more oppressive than the last time we were all alone, presenting me with armor and the load of life's expectations. The signposts of my life were easily marked and traceable to moments much like this one—my birth, Narvi's death, dancing with Rigs, my endowment—even if some that I'd been promised were yet to be fulfilled. A first real love. My first kill. A new realm found by my eyes first.

Somehow this felt equally important. Whatever they said, whatever they knew, I would leave a different man.