Svartalfheim-the hiding place of the Dark Elves.
The place was utterly desolate. Not a blade of grass grew on the ground, and dark clouds shrouded the sky.
Malekith, king of the elves, stepped out of his ship. This was the first time he had set foot on this planet since awakening.
He looked up at the sky. Although the clouds blocked the sunlight, he still felt that glimmer sting his eyes.
"I had almost forgotten the days without light, Aggrin."
Malekith spoke to the subordinate following behind him. "We will make the warriors of Asgard pay twice over for our suffering!"
"I will reclaim the Aether! I will restore our world."
Malekith flung away the black sand in his hand, his eyes burning with the fierce flames of vengeance. "I will put an end to this corrupt universe once and for all!"
"This is impossible."
Odin held his hand above Jane's arm. Under the influence of his magic, the substance hidden inside her revealed its form.
"Whatever has infected her is protecting her."
Asgard's most senior healer leaned closer in curiosity. She had treated at least eight hundred patients, if not a thousand, but this was her first time encountering one so difficult to treat.
Odin's expression was unreadable.
Standing beside him, Thor shook his head gently at the healer's words. "No. It's protecting itself."
Odin did not contradict Thor. He silently withdrew his hand.
He knew his son was right. This thing was indeed protecting itself. It was more like a form of self-defense, merely preventing anyone from harming its host.
Odin sensed a storm brewing. His brows furrowed as he sank into thought.
The God King had reached no conclusion, and no one else knew how to proceed.
Thor, Jane, and the other Asgardian healers could only