Borrowing the Aether

The family dinner ended. There were no guests, but the hosts were all satisfied—except Loki.

After letting something slip, he caught several of Russell's meaningful smiles throughout the meal, leaving him on edge the entire time.

Hela, on the other hand, was much more straightforward. She glared at Loki as if she wanted to eat him alive while chewing her food slowly.

Those two were a perfect match—no, they were both far too dangerous!

Loki silently cursed his bad luck. After the family dinner ended, he stood dejectedly by the door.

Frigga took Hela away, while Russell and Odin moved elsewhere, seemingly to discuss something important. That left only the slow-witted Thor beside him.

"Loki, it's been a long time. How about we spar a little?"

Thor carried his axe and wore an honest, simple smile—the kind with his mouth hanging open as he scratched his head and grinned foolishly.

"Where's your hammer?" Loki asked curiously.

"I gave it up."

"What?"

Loki looked utterly baffled. He really could not understand this family anymore. It was not just his sister and brother-in-law—even his... second brother had become strange.

"Come on, let's spar. I promise I won't hurt you too badly."

"You?"

Loki shook his head disdainfully. Thor had been training outside lately, but Loki had not fallen behind either. He had sought magical instruction from his mother, Frigga, and his assassin skills had grown ever more refined. He was confident Thor had not pulled too far ahead of him.

"Want to try?"

"Let's try!"

Inside the magnificent hall, Russell and Odin sat facing each other. One pair of eyes stared into a single eye, which was a little awkward; it improved somewhat when they sat farther apart.

"Odin, I came to dinner today because there's something important I need to