Chapter 118: Are You a Devil?

"The Dark Elves were defeated by King Bor thousands of years ago," Thor began, addressing the Asgardian soldiers gathered in the war room. "Now their remnants hide in Svartalfheim. Defeating them isn't difficult—but finding and rooting out every last Dark Elf in their familiar darkness is another matter. This will be a battle of annihilation, not just victory."

Among the gathered warriors were the Warriors Three, and Sif, who had just returned from Earth. Loki, recently released from his cell, sat quietly, observing.

"Question," Loki interrupted, raising a hand with a smirk. "If we know their location, why not just use the Bifrost to blast Svartalfheim to pieces? It worked on Jotunheim, didn't it?"

During the dungeon chaos the day before, Loki had proven himself surprisingly dependable, helping to maintain order and giving Asgard's forces the chance to focus on the Dark Elf threat. On Frigga's plea, Odin had decided to let him join the war effort as a chance to redeem himself.

Thor turned to his brother, explaining, "The Dark Elves are not like the Frost Giant, who lack advanced technology. The Bifrost's energy builds up gradually. During that time, they'd escape on their ships. Plus, with the realms aligning, the space between realms is too unstable for the Bifrost to lock onto Svartalfheim."

Odin, seated on his throne, then spoke. "We will destroy their ship, their soldiers, and every trace of them. Let them hide where they may—it won't save them."

Thor paused, taking in his father's words before resuming the strategy discussion.

After the meeting, Loki caught up with Thor. "Did you catch the tone in Odin's voice? He sounds like he has his own agenda."

Thor, his face serious, turned to Loki. "Before we go to war, I need you to understand something. Yesterday, you held the line in the dungeon. You earned a measure of trust. But I'm not convinced of your loyalty. I'm giving you this chance because of Mother. She believes in you and wants to give you this opportunity."

Loki's expression softened slightly at Thor's choice of words. For the first time, he used "Mother" instead of "Queen" when referring to Frigga, making it clear this was about family, not the throne. Thor's stake in this war was personal; it was about avenging blood and protecting those he loved.

"Then what if I betray you?" Loki asked, his voice mocking but with an edge of curiosity.

"I'll kill you without hesitation," Thor replied coldly.

Loki's bravado faltered for a moment before he nodded. "Don't worry. At least until the Dark Elves are gone, you have my loyalty."

As they made their way toward Frigga's chambers, Sif appeared, blocking their path. With one smooth motion, she drew her sword, holding it at Loki's throat.

"Uh… what's this about?" Loki quipped, though a hint of nervousness crept into his voice.

Expressionless, Sif replied, "Thor may trust you, but that doesn't mean the rest of us do. Betray us, and I'll gladly face any punishment necessary to end you."

Loki raised his hands, feigning innocence. "Fine, fine. For once, we're all on the same side."

Thor chuckled, patting Sif on the shoulder. "All right, Sif, no need for intimidation. When the war is over, we can all take turns beating him up."

Sif sheathed her sword with a grin. "Looking forward to it."

Loki scowled. "Why is everyone's happiness dependent on my suffering?"

They continued toward the Queen's chambers, but along the way, the Warriors Three joined them. Hogun, Volstagg, and Fandral greeted Loki with wary expressions.

"If you betray us," Hogun said, deadpan, "we'll kill you."

Loki rolled his eyes. "So thoughtful of you all. Are you planning to form a line?"

Thor smirked. "Don't worry, Loki. If you do betray us, I'll use the Aether to transform you into a mindless puppet and hand you over to the Hulk."

Loki's face went pale as he considered that horrifying fate. "You're all devils," he muttered, shuddering.

The Warriors Three laughed, Fandral whistling in delight. "Count me in for that!"

Vostagg, typically more reserved, nodded with a grin. "For once, I'm looking forward to seeing you betray us."

Loki swallowed hard, realizing that his own survival was something of a group project.

Inside the Queen's chambers, Frigga lay on her bed, still pale, with Jane Foster sitting nearby, carefully tending to her.

Thor stepped in, concern etched on his face. "How is she?"

A maid responded, "With Asgard's magic, the Queen will recover quickly. She should be back on her feet in a few days."

Frigga, overhearing, gave Thor a small smile. "Thor, I need a word alone with Loki."

Thor looked surprised, but nodded. "Of course, Mother." He gestured for the others to leave the room, giving Loki an encouraging look as he closed the door behind them.

Now alone with Frigga, Loki felt a pang of anxiety. Why would Mother want to speak to me alone?

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