Their firstborn is a daughter. In a frozen cave south of the Heart of the Wood in Jötunheimr, Hel is born. It is just him and his beloved, Aletheia, to welcome their daughter into the cold world. Despite her diminutive size and fragile state, her lungs function perfectly and her wails echo loudly in the cave. For a moment Loki fears it will draw someone's or something's attention, but his beloved is quickly soothing the newborn and his fears are abated.

Hel is the most beautiful being next to her mother Loki has ever seen. Her skin is pale, almost translucent with a rosy hint of life and little pointed nails dot her fingers and toes. Wisps of dark hair curl around her ears and dust her forehead. Her eyes are already colored silver-blue, watching sleepily as they hold her close. She is the very image of her mother and Loki does not doubt that she will grow into a fine woman one day.

Their second born is a son. He is born in the same cave as Hel behind the southern waterfall. Though it is almost the estival solstice, the wind howls through the cave almost as loud as their baby as he emerges into the world. Jörmungandr, they call him, and Loki thinks this child is beautiful too.

His eyes are gold, pupils slitted as a serpent's and are like wells of knowledge mischief despite having just opened. His skin is several shades darker than Hel's and Jormungandr's hair is dark and full. Though his smooth features are not yet fully defined, Loki can see so much of himself in his son.

Loki and Aletheia's third and final child is another son. He is their most anticipated. Fenrir, they had named him before he was born, is just as beautiful as his siblings. Like Jörmungandr, to the child's great delight, Fenrir's eyes are gold, but with rounded pupils. He is the darkest skinned of all the children and like Hel, tiny claws dot all twenty digits. His hair is dark and full across his little head, curling around his softly pointed ears, and Loki sees both himself and Aletheia in their second son.

Loki feels a swell of pride as he holds his two oldest children so that they can see the baby. Aletheia, weary from giving birth, yet immensely delighted, holds Fenrir where the two can see. Hel reaches out to touch the baby's hair, mindful of her sharp nails, and squeals at how soft his hair is.

Jörmungandr insists on holding his new brother. Aletheia, with Loki's help, situates Jörmungandr on her lap and helps him hold Fenrir. The baby blearily watches Jörmungandr and he stares in wonder.

As his beloved rests her head on his shoulder, Loki thinks they are all oh so beautiful and wonderful. His children. His family.

Hel is nearly fully grown when she travels to Asgard with Loki. Her sharp smile is as dangerous as it is captivating, her height towering as her mother's, and her long, dark hair woven into braids. Loki finds a place for them outside of Asgard where they can remain without detection.

It does not take long for him to discover his daughter has taken to exploring the city when she is left to her own devices. Her rebellion sparks arguments between them and Loki has half a mind to send her back to her mother. Instead, unable to willfully stifle her inquisitive nature, he lets her be with a promise that she will keep her origins secret.

Loki does suspect a suitor is behind her willingness to roam the city streets and he makes a note to poison whoever it is that thinks they can take his daughter. He doubly suspects Jörmungandr knows exactly who it is, how he is not sure, the sly boy will not say a word to him. Merely gives him that infuriating smile that tells everyone he knows, but they never will. It is far too much like Loki's own smug smile.

Jörmungandr does indeed know and it will take him dying and living another life before he betrays his sister's trust in him.

Shortly thereafter of Hel's arrival, Loki decides to bring Jörmungandr with him as well. Only to discover his first born son has an innate ability to slip between realms and defenses as easy as breathing, and has been roaming with his sister all along.

Loki tries to not be angry at the deception, bitterly reminding himself children take after their parents (it cannot be denied Jörmungandr very much takes after his father), and informs Aletheia what their child has been up to. Their combined efforts to keep Jörmungandr in one place or the other do not succeed for long, much to their despair and frustration.

Loki comes to the conclusion that the belligerent behavior is borne of jealousy and a fervent need to hold his father's attention. Though Loki does not have favorites in his family, the way Fenrir clings to him with sharp claws and cries to be with him, it is hard to argue otherwise. He can see the way it wears on Jörmungandr despite the boy's affable nature. His first born son will not say it, though his eyes linger and long, he is jealous of the way Fenrir so easily captures his parents' attention.

Even still, Loki cannot help wanting to bring Fenrir to Asgard with him. He does so despite Jörmungandr's protests, thinking them to be out of spite, and hides Fenrir in the Well of Urdr where he believes the child will be safe. Where he should have been safe.

The decision haunts him well into his next life.

A/n: Welcome to my first multi-chapter fanfic in 8yrs! Woohoo! As of this year I have been writing fanfiction for ten years:D I am very excited to celebrate this milestone with sharing this story that has been haunting me since I played AC Mirage last year.

Please be patient with me as I take on this journey! I will update every week or every other week. Don't forget to give some feedback and a little love!:)