At the top of Stark Tower, on Tony's private floor.
This space, originally built by Tony exclusively for himself, had now become the Avengers' temporary resting area.
Tony had designed the floor to be exceptionally spacious. Enormous floor-to-ceiling windows offered a sweeping view of the Manhattan skyline, but the scene outside no longer held its former prosperity. Smoke still rose from distant streets, and many buildings bore scorched black marks across their outer walls.
The Avengers were scattered throughout the floor, each taking a rest.
Thor occupied a single sofa, his long golden hair messily draped over his shoulder armor. His posture was casual, but his gaze often drifted to the space before him.
Because Loki was lying there.
Asgard's second prince had been bound tightly by Lin Hai's vines from neck to toe, with only one... uh... half of his head exposed. His black hair was a complete mess. Thor had placed him on the carpet in front of the sofa, where he lay curled up, looking both miserable and aggrieved.
Professor Selvig sat on another sofa to Thor's right. After resting for quite some time, he looked more alert than before, though the dark circles beneath his eyes were still obvious.
"Has she been doing well lately?" Thor asked, looking at Selvig.
Selvig naturally knew who Thor meant. "Very well. Jane has her own research to pursue. Ever since she met you and went through so many things, her horizons have completely opened up. Some of her astronomical research has reached a level that even puts me to shame."
Thor nodded, his expression relaxing somewhat.
"We've talked about you too," Selvig continued. "Of course, you have your own responsibilities, and Jane completely understands that. But I still hope that, when you have the time, you'll visit her more