Astrid
I quickened my pace, ignoring the call behind me. My eyes stung, threatening to betray my composure. I blamed the dust particles, but deep down, I knew better. Five years had passed since that fateful night, yet the wound still lingered.
"This morning, he acted so much like her. The way he smiled, his eyes sparkling with mischief, it was as if Eira's spirit had briefly possessed him. My delusional mind played tricks on me, superimposing her face onto his - her raven-black hair dancing in the morning breeze, her forest-green eyes shining with amusement each time I failed to guess the shadow puppets correctly.
It was a cruel reminder of our morning ritual, the one we shared before... everything changed. Eira and I would sit together, watching the sunrise paint the sky with vibrant hues, and I'd try to guess the silhouettes she'd create with her hands. Her laughter would ring out, and for those fleeting moments, life was perfect.
Now, the memories lingered, bittersweet and haunting. I couldn't shake the feeling that he was conjuring Eira's ghost, taunting me with what I'd lost.
Breathe, Astrid. Breathe. It's been five years. Act like you always do - unfazed, unbroken. Pretend it doesn't hurt."
*Flashback: The Tragic Night*
Astrid's memories blurred together, but this moment remained etched in her mind like a scar.
She pushed open the door, and her world shattered.
Her father, once a pillar of strength, now rampaged through the room. Furniture splintered, and vases shattered as he vented his madness.
Eira, her younger sister, stood frozen, tears streaming down her face as she tried to calm their father. "Please, Father, stop! Don't do this!"
Astrid's heart sank. "Eira, step back! Get away from him!"
But Eira didn't move. She kept pleading, her voice trembling. "Father, please..."
Astrid sprinted toward her sister, but her father's eyes snapped toward Eira. His face twisted in a snarl.
"No!" Astrid screamed, but it was too late.
Her father's dagger flashed in the candlelight, striking Eira multiple times. Astrid's sister crumpled to the floor.
Astrid reached Eira's side, embracing her as warmth seeped from her sister's body. "No, no, no... Eira, don't leave me!"
Eira's gaze locked onto Astrid's, her eyes fading. "Astrid... don't take revenge..." she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"Why, Father? Why did you do this?" Astrid's anguished cry filled the room.
Eira's hand weakly grasped Astrid's. "He's still... your father... Remember that..."
Astrid's tears fell onto Eira's face. "I'll never forgive him!"
Eira's smile was a faint whisper. "I love you, Astrid... Always remember... I'll be watching over you... in heaven."
With those final words, Eira's eyes closed, and her body went limp.
Astrid held her sister, rocking back and forth, as the world around her dissolved into darkness.
*Present Day*
Astrid's eyes snapped open, the memory still searing her mind. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the journey ahead.
Her father's actions had ignited a fire within her, but Eira's last words remained etched in her heart. Astrid vowed to honor her sister's wish, seeking justice without succumbing to revenge.
But the pain and anger still simmered, waiting to boil over.
Astrid's eyes snapped open, the memory still searing her mind. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the journey ahead. Her father's actions had ignited a fire within her, but Eira's last words remained etched in her heart. She vowed to honor her sister's wish—to seek justice without succumbing to revenge. But the pain and anger still simmered, waiting to boil over.
Since that day till now, I live to trust no man.
Loki
I walked alongside Astrid, observing her with interest. Her emotions were a fascinating spectacle, like a tempest brewing on the horizon.
As the landscape shifted from dunes to rocky outcroppings, Astrid remained lost in thought. Her gaze drifted, unfocused, and her steps grew mechanical.
"Lost in your own world, little one?" I teased, my voice laced with amusement.
No response.
I chuckled, intrigued by her stubborn silence. "Astrid, you're as captivating as a sphinx. But I suppose that's what makes our journey together so... entertaining."
I studied her profile, noting the tension in her jaw and the faint crease between her brows.
"Your secrets are safe with me, Astrid. For now." I smiled to myself, wondering what lay hidden beneath her stoic exterior.
The sun climbed higher, casting a golden glow over the landscape. Astrid's distress only added to the allure of our adventure.
Three hours passed, and Astrid's trance-like state began to lift. Her gaze refocused, taking in the desolate wasteland. The black sand had given way to a dull brown, and the rocky outcroppings now boasted rust-hued hues and jagged edges.
"Astrid, welcome back," I said, grinning. "I was starting to think I'd lost you to the void."
Astrid's expression remained stoic, but a flicker of awareness sparked in her eyes. "How long...?"
"Three hours, give or take," I replied, shrugging. "You were lost in thought. I kept you company, nonetheless."
Astrid's brow furrowed. "What did I miss?"
"Oh, just the usual," I said, waving my hand dismissively. "I had a riveting conversation with that rock over there. Fascinating fellow."
Astrid raised an eyebrow. "You talked to a rock?"
"I did," I deadpanned. "His name is Steve. He's a sage, sharing wisdom on the art of... rock-ness."
Astrid's lips twitched, a hint of amusement. "And what did Steve say?"
"Ah, he imparted gems like, 'A rock's purpose is to remain stationary' and 'The key to life is being unmoving.'" I chuckled.
Astrid's voice dripped with sarcasm. "Truly groundbreaking stuff. Someone call the press."
I beamed with pride. "You say ridiculous, I say unpredictably fabulous. Like I said, I am a man of many talents."
Astrid snorted. "I'm sure that's on your business cards."
Our banter continued, a dance of wit and sarcasm, as we traversed the barren landscape.
As the sun dipped toward the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the desolate landscape, I suggested, "Pretty lady, shall we call it a night? You must be tired, hungry, and perhaps suffering from a migraine?"
Astrid ignored my plea, her focus fixed on the book she'd retrieved from her bag. She flipped through its pages, oblivious to my fatigue.
Doesn't she ever tire of reading? I wondered, shaking my head.
I quickened my pace, catching up to her. "We've walked together for nearly two days, Astrid. Care to share why you're searching for the mask and how you acquired this book?"
Her silence was predictable.
Time to shake things up.
With a swift motion, I snatched the book from her hands, a sly smile spreading across my face.
"Hey, what are you doing? Trying to steal the book?" Astrid's voice was laced with controlled frustration.
Where's the fire in her eyes? I thought, goading her. "Why would I steal the book when I could steal a pretty lady like you, Astrid?"
Her breathing quickened, and I savored the spark of reaction.
"I'll return the book," I said, closing it with a loud clap, "only if you answer three of my questions."
In truth, I had no questions prepared. I just wanted to see her shed her tough exterior and live in the moment.
Astrid's gaze locked onto mine, her expression a mixture of irritation and curiosity.
Astrid
Einar's eyes sparkled with curiosity as he asked, "Do you know the true nature of the mask you seek? Its powers and its price?"
I hesitated, uncertainty creeping into my mind. How much did I truly understand about the mask?
"Ah, the mask..." I began, stalling. "I know it's said to grant immense power, but at what cost? Some say it's cursed, others that it's blessed." My voice trailed off, and I shrugged. "I suppose I'll find out when I claim it."
Einar's gaze didn't waver, as if searching for more.
Next question, he said, his tone gentle. "Are you running from your past or toward a future you're not sure you deserve?"
My thoughts stuttered. I'm not running from my past, I'm trying to rise above it. To prove to myself I'm worthy.
"I'm moving forward," I said, voice firm. "Toward a future I'm determined to shape."
Einar's eyes narrowed. "And do you deserve this future, Astrid?"
My confidence wavered, but I pushed aside the familiar self-doubt.
"I'm working on it," I replied, jaw set.
Einar's expression showing that of beguile, and he asked his final question:
"If I gaze into your heart, what would I find: hope, despair, or something in between?"
My mind reeled. What could I reveal?
To myself, I admitted the truth: If he looked deep enough, he'd find the weight of my guilt, the ember of self-hate that still lingered. But he didn't need to know that.
"I'd say... potential," I said, choosing each word with care. "A chance for redemption, for growth. And the will to seize it."
Einar's gaze lingered, as if searching for more. But I'd revealed enough.
The silence stretched between us like an abyss.