Escape Party on Sakaar

The Grandmaster's face appeared on the holographic screens above the arena. He spread his arms, his voice rising with excitement. "A new Champion! The Lord of Thunder!"

All of Sakaar roared. The noise nearly shook the artificial sky.

In the VIP box, Loki's smile stiffened. He applauded along with everyone else, but his eyes were cold.

His dear brother had become the center of attention yet again. Loki picked up his glass and leaned toward the Grandmaster. "See? I told you he was worth watching. But a Champion you can't control isn't a good investment."

The Grandmaster glanced at him, his smile widening. "Don't worry. There's a way to play with every toy."

In the corner, Valkyrie took a long swig from her bottle. She watched the golden figure bathed in light below, a distant look flickering through her eyes.

It had been years since she had seen eyes like his: defiant, burning with their own light. The last time had been in Asgard, when she faced that woman.

She shook off the blood-soaked memory and drank again.

Medical robots carried Beta Ray Bill past Thor on a stretcher. The horse-faced Korbinite gave him a weak nod, a gesture of respect between warriors. Thor nodded back.

He ignored the deafening cheers as a group of towering guards escorted him toward the Champion's private passage. He knew this was only the beginning. He had become the Grandmaster's most valuable toy. Leaving would be harder than ever.

He needed allies.

His gaze passed over the crowd and settled on Valkyrie, who was drinking alone.

The Champion's suite was absurdly large. A huge portrait of Thor hung on the wall, showing him with bulging muscles and a savage glare. It looked nothing like him.

In the center of the room stood a bar