The night sky over Asgard was filled with stars, yet the entire realm was wrapped in a heavy, somber atmosphere.
Along the golden streets, Asgardians stood in silence, each holding a white ceremonial ring. Small boats carrying the remains of fallen warriors floated down the River of Heroes.
When the boats reached the heart of the current, Thor—standing beside Odin—raised his torch high and set the nearest vessel aflame.
Behind him, rows of Asgardian soldiers released burning arrows, igniting the rest of the boats.
Flames danced across the river, and the people on both sides released their glowing rings, which drifted upward like thousands of stars.
Not far away, even Jane Foster was deeply moved by the solemn sight. She silently wiped her tears as she stood beside Kai.
After the memorial ceremony, in Thor's chamber—
"Thank you, Kai. Mother told me if you hadn't arrived in time, then…"
Thor lifted his cup in gratitude.
Kai raised his own and clinked it against Thor's. "Don't mention it."
They downed their drinks, and Thor set his goblet down before introducing Sif and the Warriors Three—his childhood friends and trusted comrades.
After the introductions, Thor's expression grew serious.
"My father has ordered the Rainbow Bridge closed. No one is allowed to enter or leave Asgard."
"Our energy barriers are still down. The turrets can't lock onto the Dark Elves' ships, and even Heimdall's eyes can't see where they're hiding."
"Asgard has lost its defenses."
Thor took a deep drink from his cup, the sound of the glass striking the table echoing.
"Kai, I plan to pursue Malekith and his Dark Elves—to end this in their own world. What do you think?"
Kai set his chopsticks aside. "Turning their home into the battlefield makes sense. The Aether particles are with Jane and me. The Dark Elves' hatred for Asgard guarantees another surprise attack."
"If Asgard can't defend itself, innocent people will die. Shifting the fight away from here is the best move."
Hearing that, Thor's face lit up. "I knew you'd agree!"
He drained his drink and threw the cup to the ground—Asgard's highest gesture of respect after sharing fine wine.
"I argued with my father," Thor continued, frustration rising in his voice. "He knows Malekith will strike again but still believes the Dark Elves can't destroy Asgard."
"He said even if Asgard bleeds dry—if only one warrior remains—we will still prevail!"
Thor slammed his hand on the table. "But I refuse to watch Asgard die for pride. I need your help!"
Sif and Fandral exchanged uneasy looks. "Thor, the king ordered the bridge sealed. Defying him is treason."
"Sif, listen to me!" Thor said firmly. "With me and Kai, we can win this war together."
"Father can't see the truth, but I can. I won't let Asgard fall—and neither will you."
He took a step forward, voice burning with conviction. "Yes, disobeying Odin means exile or death. But for Asgard—for our people—there's no other choice!"
Then Thor turned to Kai. "You're with me, right, brother?"
"Of course." Kai nodded. "This started because of Jane and me. I'll stand with you."
"What about you?" Thor asked, looking to his friends.
"I'm in," Fandral said first, grinning.
"We'll follow you too," the other two Warriors added.
Sif hesitated for a moment, then sighed. "Thor, I'll help—but the Rainbow Bridge is sealed, Heimdall is watching, and the Tesseract is locked in the royal vault. How will you leave Asgard with Kai and Jane Foster?"
"I've already spoken to Heimdall," Thor said. "He'll look the other way. And as for leaving Asgard… there's a secret passage. Only one person knows it."
He paused.
"That person is Loki."
Half an hour later—
"Where are we going?" Jane asked, watching as Sif quietly dismissed the guards outside her chamber.
Kai appeared at the doorway, motioning for her to follow.
"Out of Asgard," Kai said. "We're going to draw the enemy away."
Jane hesitated, remembering the funeral that had just ended. Then she silently nodded and followed him.
Inside the Asgard dungeons—
"Thor," Loki said from behind his transparent barrier, lounging lazily on his couch. "You finally came to visit. What is it this time? To gloat? Or do you actually miss your brother?"
Thor's face was grim as he gripped Mjolnir. "Loki, many Asgardians died today—warriors, civilians… even Mother was nearly killed by the Dark Elves. If it weren't for Kai, she'd be gone."
Loki's smirk faltered. His eyes flickered for the briefest moment.
He knew. He was the one who'd revealed the secret paths through the palace. If Frigga had died because of that—
Wouldn't that mean he'd been the one to kill her?
Thor saw the change in Loki's eyes.
"I thought you didn't care about anything anymore," Thor said quietly. "Guess I was wrong."
Loki took a step back, masking the flicker of guilt with his usual grin. "So, what now? You came all this way to make me feel bad?"
He spread his hands. "Congratulations—you managed to make my heart tighten for half a second."
Then, with a mocking smile, he added, "Wow. The great Odin and his mighty heir couldn't even save the Queen of Asgard. Had to rely on a Midgardian instead."
He laughed softly. "Truly, Asgard is powerful."