Thor frowned, glancing between them. "Enough riddles. If he threatens the Realms, I'll crush him here and now!"
But Loki raised a hand slightly. "No… not yet." His tone had shifted, less playful, more wary. "You might want to think twice before swinging that hammer. This one," he said, eyes narrowing on Taufik, "isn't something you can simply strike down"
Loki's words were meant as a warning, a subtle reminder to his 'nephew' not to act rashly.
But to Thor, it sounded like something else entirely.
An insult.
As if Loki had just said: Step back. You're too weak to face him.
*Crackle!*
Lightning exploded around Thor's frame, dancing wildly across his armor like a living storm. The sky above darkened in response, rumbling with raw fury.
Loki's expression faltered. He had forgotten, any warning, no matter how well-intentioned, only sounded like provocation to the God of Thunder.
