I rolled my hands into tight fists as I breathed in the summer air. Unclenching them again, I deeply exhaled. My palms were sweaty and I hated that feeling, yet the adrenaline running through me, every urge to run back, every twitch telling me to leave, well, I loved that more. Summer air ran past me in a gust of wind, leaving my dress to trail behind me, calming me. Right ahead of me was a large door which was heavily guarded. It was the palace. It was not unfamiliar, I spent much of my childhood in this courtyard, and even inside on many occasions. My mother was a cook for the royal family, and I would come every evening after dinner to walk her home. But this was different. I wasn’t here for her, and I’m not a little girl any more. I was there for myself. All for an idea, an insane idea, which for whatever reason, managed to be followed through.

“Ah, Tara!” A deep voice interrupted my thoughts. I smiled warmly to the man that emerged from the large door.

“Sinim!” He welcomed me with a warm hug. Sinim is a highly esteemed soldier, and a close friend of mine.

“Are you ready for this?” His gray eyes searched my face looking for any sign of doubt. I just smiled more.

“Of course.” He nodded and led me through the doors. We passed through many dark hallways. The farther we went the faster my heart pulsed.

“Tara,” I jumped at the sudden noise.

“Yes?” I tried to appear calm, but Sinim could see through me. My father left my mother and I when I was quite young, so I always looked to Sinim as a father figure, and because of our relationship, he could always read me like a book.

“If anything goes wrong, or you begin to feel uncomfortable, just call for help, and I will be there immediately. What you are doing is kind, but I cannot lie, I believe it is idiotic.” I smiled at his bluntness.

“I will.” was all I could manage as we approached the dungeon. With one look at me he opened the door and a bluish glow emerged into the dark hallway. With a deep breath, I cautiously walked in. I could feel the eyes of the prisoners watching me as I awkwardly walked behind Sinim.

“Could I, um, go on my own from here?” I whispered, doubting my own courage. He stopped and rested his eyes on me.

“Be careful, I will be nearby.” He hesitated, but walked back the way we came. I could see the white glow of one cell. It stood out clearly from all the blue cells, especially with the two guards standing in front of it. Three measly steps and he would be able to see me. Was I truly ready for this? Perhaps I wasn’t as prepared as I thought. I wanted to run. But for whatever reason I took a step forward. Then another. At last I half threw myself into the white light. I stopped as our eyes met. I wanted to look away, I didn’t like the feeling coming off of him, but he held my gaze. Slowly a smirk emerged on his face.

“Ah, my visitor arrives.” He said smoothly.

“Hello, Loki.”

Notes

Hey guys! I hope you enjoy this first chapter, and I will update soon!
-Alixandra