Bifrost: Chapter VII

VII - Unveiled

Tiere

Kirk buttoned the top of his tunic in the cool night air. Beside the fountain between the dining hall and the living quarters he sat, listening to the water trickle from the homage to the Asgardian Gods. 

If he was a believer in fate, he would find it humorous that he should pair with Odin’s only daughter, someone he would otherwise feel unworthy of. Because of what he was, whom he had come from–never would Asgardians be able to accept him as Aztrit’s partner. If she ever found out, he was certain she would no longer be able to stand his touch, let alone his presence. 

Thoughts of trying harder to keep her away crossed his mind, but he would not let how he felt get the better of him. Something inside him desperately called for her whenever she was near. 

“Still waiting?” Eric voiced in disbelief. Kirk had waited for the healer for hours, when would he realise she was uninterested in his company? Eric took a seat on the cold concrete next to him. “There are plenty of lovely Vertanians waiting, cousin.” 

Kirk sat up straighter and looked to Eric. Never would he be able to understand the hold on his heart the pretty brown minx had. He hardly understood himself. “The more for you. I prefer the quiet of the night more than the music in the hall anyway.” 

Eric had noticed how strange his cousin had been acting before they left Karth. When Aztrit was around all of his attention rested on her, and when she was absent he kept to himself, seeming lost without her. 

She was beautiful–even to Eric. But no woman was worth the longing Kirk had been feeling. She was just another witch posing as a healer, spurring on a wealthy lord to entrap. “Kirk, her kind are masterful at deception. Perhaps there’s something a bit off about her?” 

Kirk looked at his cousin in annoyance and scrunched his eyebrows. “Her kind, Eric?” 

“Witches. She could be doing spells to make you feel this way.” 

Kirk laughed lightly and shook his head. He looked up at the stars studding the black wall of the sky. It was nice of his cousin to care and speculate for him, but he could never trust him with the truth. 

If only Eric could see the look in Aztrit’s eyes whenever she was happy to see him, when she needed him desperately. 

Kirk closed his eyes, feeling ashamed. He was hiding who he was out of his own selfishness. He didn’t want her to realise what kind of monster he was because he would never get to see that loving look in her eyes again.

But she did deserve to know.

Eric patted Kirk’s back and stood, “You deserve happiness. We all do in the shadow of this war.” 

When his cousin re-entered the hall, Kirk thought about what Eric said. They did deserve happiness. Was he depriving her of the happiness she could have with someone more worthy than he? Someone untainted and heroic that she could covet, not keep in the dark. 

Now that Loki knew of their fast forming familiarity, how much longer would it be before the rest of her family knew too? Odin was already interested in him; if he found out what role he would play in his destruction, he wouldn’t hesitate to end Kirk’s life. Leaving Aztrit heartbroken from his lies. 

He had to be the one to tell her. Tonight he would. 

A rich womanly voice warmed the late summer air on the other side of the fountain. He smiled broadly. “I don't think your date is coming.” 

The top of her dress was a solid black corset that hardly covered the tops of her soft bosom, and the bottom was completely black sheer with only black lace designs hiding her personal areas. Her hair was a bundle of curls down her back, just as he liked it. 

He looked over his shoulder at the woman. “It’s probably for the best, she was hideous.” 

Aztrit laughed and circled the fountain to where he now stood. His hair was pushed away from his face, and his beard was wild from travel. His silver eyes roamed her body as she neared. She knew he would like this on her, she was pushing the Vertanian dress code, but all she cared about was his reaction. 

“You didn’t plan on wearing that tonight, did you Valkyrie?” Kirk would have to maim anyone who came close to her in that. He eyed the fabric, hardly covering her body from his gaze as she turned in a circle for him. “You have to change.” 

“Why? Everyone dresses loosely for these parties, I took a look before I came to make sure.” The female elves did dress with an element of risk for celebratory parties, but many shortened their dresses to highlight their long legs, not their other assets. She took one of hands and did another slow turn within his reach. “I thought you would like it, Lord King Verdulke, ruler of Men, Champion of Callonwood.” 

He stopped her spinning and brought her close to his body, “I like it too much, Aztrit.” He touched his lips to hers and took a gentle fist of her hair.  

She felt her excitement growing inside her. The force of his kiss foretold that he was much more eager than she had intended to make him. The more she submitted to him, the rougher he became. She didn’t resist as he backed her up to the nearest pillar and lifted her to align their bodies. 

Kirk wanted more.

He hiked up the hem of her gown, exposing how bare she was from the waist down. She clung to his chest, suddenly feeling fearful of being caught. “Kirk, not here. After dinner.” Her body was flushed from his touch and although she was refusing verbally, she wanted him inside her right then–not caring if they were seen. 

He kissed her exposed cleavage and opened her legs wider. He could smell her heavenly aroma. If he touched her between her thighs he knew he would find her drenched for him. “I will take you now, and I’ll take you after.” 

Aztrit knew there was no use urging him to stop. He had made up his mind, and she did not have the discipline to say no. Not with his stiffness pressing against her stomach. 

She held onto his shoulders as he pulled the front of her corset down, and took his mouth to her waiting breasts. He ran his hand in between her swollen lips and shook his head in appreciation, “I’ve hardly touched you Valkyrie.” 

His whitened smile made her moan. To be taken like this with such an element of risk; his wicked smirk and the words he spoke to her made her question how she had gone so long without having this fantasy she was living. 

He pulled his pants just below his waist and freed his member, not wasting any time before placing it at her entrance. He rubbed his head against the wet hole that pulsed, begging him to sheath himself inside her. 

Kirk was sorry. He would have to take her swiftly again. When she had left earlier that day, he had planned to make love to her, and emphasise the bond they were building. But she had to anger him being late, and then arrive in a garment that left little to the imagination. 

The swell of her breasts, and the curve of her full hips under the sheer material was a worthy opponent against his self control. She had brought him to his knees before her, and left him with no will power to resist. He was hers to use for her ceaseless pleasure.

Aztrit mewled in his strong arms, she felt herself panting–begging him to slip in. 

She did not have to wait long. 

Just as she was about to voice her desire he gave a firm thrust with his entire length. Her mouth hung open, not being able to make a sound. He filled her like no one else could. The size alone was enough to make her knees weak as he entered her repeatedly, but the way he manipulated his body to hit her sweet spot each and every time he slipped in made him the best lover she had ever taken between her thighs. 

Kirk played her body like a harp, orchestrating sweet music with her voice. “Kirk.” She gasped out hoping to slow him. 

But he would not relent. 

He continued as she called his name. He could feel her tightening around him, she was undoubtedly close to her release. He moved his lips to her ear–his breath rolling down her quivering chest. “Come to me again and again, Aztrit. I’m not stopping until I’ve had my fill of you.” His lips grazed her heated skin. 

“Oh, Gods. Kirk!” She felt fire rolling through her legs and up her body. She cried as she clutched him. He stayed true to his word, not letting up for a second. He felt so good inside of her. She convulsed around him, letting the throes of her pleasure suckle him, coaxing him to give her his seed. She tried to control the volume of her pleas, but she had no control of the heat massaging her body from his manipulation. 

 He groaned and took to her sweet sweating neck. He was close to giving her what she wanted. He pulled himself out to stop from emptying inside of her before he was ready. 

The way her body responded to him, it was hard to keep his promise of longevity. He was unsure if it had felt so good at the lake because it was the first time he had taken her, or if she really had the warmest pussy he had ever taken. Now he knew each time they were to join, ecstasy would not be out of reach. 

The hall doors far in the courtyard opened, splashing light on them. Kirk gathered her and slid to the side of the pillar out of view of the door. No one would see his Valkyrie. Her body was only for him. 

She tensed her body and covered her breasts, preparing for Kirk to stop as they got caught. But as quickly as he had moved them out of sight, he entered her again, prompting her to try to struggle free. 

He placed a hand over her mouth and resumed his pace. “You are mine. I will not allow anyone see you.” Kirk’s eyes made Aztrit forget her fear, and she let him continue. She stuck her tongue out and suckled his thick fingers as they pressed against her lips. Her amber eyes kept his silver gaze through her muffled moans. 

“Kirk?” 

She opened her eyes wide with fear as she heard Eric call for him. Surely they would be discovered. She heard his heavy footsteps getting closer until it seemed he was right behind the pillar they were enjoying each other on. Her heart was beating rapidly in her chest. She gave a muffled sigh and focused on Kirk’s weight pressing her into the cold stone.  

 She breathed a deep sigh of relief as Eric retreated, followed by the loud noise of the door creaking closed again.

Kirk watched her as the fear passed, a bemused smile on his lips. This was clearly her first time with such a factor, and he was honoured to be giving her her first experience. 

He was close now. Her sweet sighs played to his desires. He took his hand off of her mouth and placed his lips there instead.  

She looped her arms around his neck, and kissed him deeply. She was close again. He was picking up speed as he suckled and bit her lips gently. He pulled away and stared down at her. She closed her eyes and anticipated the euphoria she was about to undergo. Her climax was more intense the second time around. The fear in the back of her mind made her release sweeter. To find satisfaction so openly, where they could be spotted, made her come to him unabashedly. She buried her face in his neck to cover her screams, taking in his musky scent.

This time, Kirk could not stop himself from releasing as she milked him. Her cries were filled with the intensity of her pleasure and nothing would ever sound as magical to him than when she said his name in the face of passion. He held her as she continued to shudder from her orgasm, until her body let go of the tension she was holding in his arms.  As he rubbed her back and spoke softly to her, Aztrit wished to stay there forever, never having to face what would soon become of them. 

When they finally entered the noisy hall, Aztrit was relieved. She no longer felt the presence of her brother. Her eyes travelled across the long table at the back of the hall, she spotted the real General Frovik hunched over his plate, looking like he would be sick. 

The poison Loki gave to his victims in small doses was never enough to kill them, only to knock them out until he was done borrowing their likeness. The General was most certainly experiencing the harsh side effects of the drug Loki had made himself. Everyone else was seated at tables throughout the hall, or crowding the floor to show their appreciation for the soft music in the air.

“We are to sit at the table with Frovik, Valkyrie.” She nodded in response to his words and began moving forward through the throngs of dancing elves and humans, swaying near their round tables. The hall was decorated lavishly with assortments of jewels surrounding candles, giving the hall multitudes of soft glowing colours.

 She spotted Eric dancing with a brunette elf much taller than he, stepping on her toes repeatedly. Clearly the strong mead the elves had received from the dwarves was his undoing. 

When Eric spotted them, he shook his head disapprovingly, and focused his efforts on the frustrated female in front of him. 

The colourful jewelled dresses in the hall were nothing like those worn when they had first arrived. She was reminded that in the Old Vertanian culture, pairings were only welcomed during community gatherings, when everyone had an equal chance to showcase their availability and their personal wealth. They bid faint hellos to Frovik, who was turning passionately chartreuse.

With everyone else done eating and crowding the tables in front of them, Kirk and Aztrit only had each other as company. “I want to know more about your home.” Kirk said to her while she tried to chew quickly through the roasted bird that was served. 

“What do you want to know?” She tried to say, covering her mouth from his eyes. 

He wanted to find out as much as he could before he revealed himself. He wouldn’t get another chance. She deserved to know. “Tell me more about your brothers.” 

Aztrit nodded her head and scooted closer to him, unable to speak loudly. “Baldur was the oldest before he passed, Thor is the oldest now. He’s my only brother by blood. Loki is the second, as you probably already know, adopted from the giants of Jotunheim, one of the nine worlds we belong to at the roots of the Great Tree Yggdrasil.” 

“Why would Odin adopt him as one of his own?” 

She shrugged her shoulders. “I never really thought to ask. But my father has always valued power. Maybe he saw what Loki could do, and chose to keep him close? It was before I was born. I heard Thor was furious when it happened. He’s always been quick to anger, and slow to understanding.” 

Kirk took in what she had said about Thor, how would he react to what was happening between them? “What would your brothers think about us?” 

She choked on her mead and coughed roughly. “Thor would most definitely try to kill you. I’m his only sister, and he’s protective of his family. Loki already knows, and what he’ll do with that information, I don’t really know. But my brothers love me just as much as I love them. They do not, however, get along with each other. Thor especially hates Loki’s children, our nieces and nephews. I’m not particularly close with them because they’re all much older than I am. But I’ve met Fenrir, his son. Not a pleasant being. And Jörmungandr, I’m sure you’ve heard of him, the big serpent in the ocean that surrounds Midgard.” Her fingers made circles around the rim of the grey stone cup.

“The one that eats its own tail because of its length? I thought that was just an old wives tale to keep children from the seas. He’s Loki’s son?” Kirk shook his head as she said yes. He was fascinated, why hadn’t he asked more about her world sooner? “And your niece?” 

“Oh.” She sat her cup down and breathed deeply. She didn’ like talking about her. Aztrit had never met her, but from the tales her father told about her, she belonged where she was. “You know Helheim, world of the undead? His daughter is Hel.”  

Kirk’s blood froze.

He stood abruptly, knocking the chair backwards, causing it to clatter against the marble floors. She jumped from the sudden movement. “Are you okay Kirk? What’s wrong?” He looked just as sickly as General Frovik did, with shock reading wildly off of his irises. 

“Loki is Hel’s... father?” He said it slowly to try to clarify that she had said that to him. 

Aztrit eyed him and confirmed. “Yes. Are you okay? Are you feeling sick?” 

Kirk stared into her worried face. Too stunned to move. 

When he gathered the courage, he picked up his chair from its off kilter position and sat back down. He ran his hand through his hair and down his beard. 

This couldn’t be happening. After everything they had done together. How could he not have known?

She touched his back and peered into his distressed face. “Are you okay? You’re scaring me. Was it something I said?” She was confused. They had been talking so casually, and then he turned different shades of red and blue. “I know Helheim can be a little…unsettling to think about.” 

“No, Valkyrie. I am fine. Keep going, I’m listening.” He didn’t look into her face. He was too embarrassed. 

She continued to try to soothe him. “I have a blood niece too. Tihala. The Valkyrie you saw that night in the Mistwood. She looks so much like her father sometimes, and I worry for her on the fields. She’s so young and new to war, but she has his craving for it. That scares me. I don’t want her to struggle the way Thor has had to.” 

“So Thor is a redhead too? I always imagined he was blond. That myth that blondes are empty headed, like he’s said to be, crafted my picture of him.” He was calming himself down now, attempting to joke with her. To his delight she did laugh. 

“Aye, that is true. He is not the sharpest spear. But Tihala takes after her mother, Sif, in intelligence. Thankfully.” She paused before she continued. She had been thinking about telling him the true reason she was sent to him on Midgard. After she spoke to her father, she had made up her mind. Before she met Kirk, she wasn’t sure she could've done it just off of principal alone. But after he showed her what real happiness and affection felt like, she was positive she could not do something so damaging to their relationship. 

She was going to tell him tonight. He deserved to know. “Kirk, I have to tell you–”

She was cut off by the loud booming of Eric’s voice as he approached the table with a new, much younger elf with long black hair and sad looking eyes that pleaded for help. “Cousin! And witch my cousin has bedded.” He nodded sloppily to her as he pressed the elf into his body. 

Aztrit narrowed her eyes at him as he belittled her. It may have been the drink he partook in talking, but she could feel her pulse rising with anger. Before she could retort, Kirk stood and spoke instead, “I think that’s enough for tonight Eric. You must rest for tomorrow.” 

Eric stood staring back at Kirk as his arms grew lax, giving the shy elf underneath him a chance to escape. His face was plastered crimson, as he swayed back and forth from his weight. 

After unsuccessfully attempting to stare Kirk down in dominance, Eric threw his hands and the mug he was holding in the air in defeat. “I was beginning to tire anyway.” 

Kirk turned to Aztrit and took her hand in his, kissing her knuckles gently. “Forgive me, but I have to ensure he actually gets to bed. You could meet me at my quarters later or I will come to you.” She couldn’t help but blush lightly from his frank statement. He was not asking. She could only nod her head, unable to formulate words. 

When he let her go and left, she attempted to calm herself. ‘It's not your first time with him. Or the second.’ But it would be the first time they might really spend the night together, and wake up next to each other. 

She knew exactly what they would do with all of that private time. But she was ashamed. Would he be so willing to continue if he knew she was to confirm the suspicions he used to have of her?

Aztrit got up to leave the hall next, walking with haste towards the room he would be staying in. She was so enamoured she hadn’t felt the blind eyes on her back as she walked again through the graceful elves, and out of the mead permeated hall. 

✴

Kirk had finally laid Eric to rest in his bed. When he left the grand barracks the Vertanians had fashioned for the visiting warriors, he walked casually through the dark. He could feel a presence watching him as he winded through the upscale buildings. It wasn’t until he reached the courtyard before his destination that he turned to face the jade eyes boring holes into his body. 

From out of the saturated darkness came Loki in his true form. Kirk crossed his arms over his chest as he returned his glare. “Stealing images is quite a talent. But stalking is not your strong suit.”

Loki grinned and shook his head. “You have no idea what I’m capable of, Lord Verdulke.” He came closer and watched him for a moment before he continued. This was the warrior his father wanted? The one capable of rousing Aztrit’s rebellious nature? He was almost jealous. Almost. “I’ve been trying to place your scent since we met this morning. Does she know who you are?” 

Kirk tensed his jaw. “Soon she will.” 

“Lying to my sister is not a good way to win her over. Although our father already favours you. I was going to tell him, but Aztrit wouldn’t be deserving of the retaliation she would face. Especially if Odin’s days are numbered.” Loki trailed off as he said this, trying not to give too much away. “And they are numbered. You and I know that. Don’t we?” 

Kirk said nothing. Fate could change. He did not have to kill Odin simply because it had been seen before. There was an element of choice at play.

“You seemed so familiar to me this morning. But I could not place it. Still I find myself trying to wrap my head around my daughter never telling me she had a son. We do make for a highly dysfunctional family, don’t we, Lord Verdulke?” 

“Hel was never a mother to me.” Kirk tried to control his anger. Never had she reached out to him. She had given birth to him, attempted to kill him, and then vanished, leaving his father with a newborn and little else. 

“That I’m not surprised to hear you say. She was never very attentive as a child. But you are our family by blood. And that matters to me. So hear me when I say that Odin wants you. The Allfather is a desperate man that will do anything to try to save himself during Ragnarök. But as an immortal, you’re not fated to die for quite some time. So who does he send to make sure he has what he desires to keep himself safe?” Loki paused. “Who other than my sweet, loyal sister–noble and righteous–to descend from the heavens and ensure you win this war so that Odin may have you for the real battle. For Ragnarök.” 

Aztrit could feel something was wrong. 

After joining for the first time, she could feel Kirk’s emotions almost as strongly as she could feel her own. At first it was uncomfortable, but she was starting to be thankful for it. If he was in trouble, she would be the first to know. 

She stood from the canopy bed and moved to the door. As she reached for it, it swung open with such force she had to move out of its way. Anger was all she could read from his handsome face. 

“I’m going to ask you this once, and I don’t want to hear anything other than yes or no.” Kirk kept his voice level and calm as he towered over her in the doorway. “Were you sent here to take me dishonourably?” 

Aztrit could do nothing but keep her silence. 

“Yes or no?” He repeated through his gritted teeth. 

She dropped her hands to her sides and tried to stop her eyes from watering. Her heart in her throat–her world was falling through her fingertips. “Yes.” She finally said, unable to look at him. “But Kirk–” 

He held up his hand for her to stop talking. He needed to think. 

Was this all a facade? Her sweet words, her loving touch? Was it a lie so she could lull him into a false sense of security and become the Allfather’s puppet? But then again, weren’t they all? “You abused my love and my trust in service to your father. You were sent here for my soul, and yet you believe it is because I am a gifted leader?”

 He held his breath as he waited for her answer. He didn’t know if he would be able to carry the burden in his heart if she said yes. He had begun to hand pieces of himself to her the first time she kissed him. Never would he be able to reclaim what would be lost without her.

Aztrit’s face stilled as he accused her of further manipulation. Did he believe she could be so cruel? “I have seen your prowess for myself, you are gifted beyond words. Should I find it strange that my father knows of your talents?” 

Kirk released his breath and pushed past her into the candle lit room. She did not know. She was only following the orders of her King and father. There was hope yet for them both.

He sat on the bed and took his face into his hands, unable to quiet his mind. Her truth was a pious one, just as Loki had said. Kirk couldn’t be angry with her. He was just as dishonest as she was. 

He sat up and looked at her. She had changed into one of his tunics from his satchel, still her hair dangled loosely. She was so beautiful. He was convinced neither of them had expected to feel so strongly amidst this chaos brought on by the Gods. 

“Come.” he told her, putting a hand out for her to grasp as she came close. He wiped the tears from Aztrit’s eyes and held her face. “You would not have done it. Am I correct in assuming this?”  

“Yes.” She choked out, unbelieving that he was being so understanding. “I’m so sorry, Kirk. I know that I have done nothing to deserve your trust, but I know that I can convince Allfather to stray from this path if you allow me time.” 

Kirk held tightly to her. Her love for her father was clear, but Odin was undeserving of the vision Aztrit held of him. “I know. I’m not upset with you. I’m angry with your father, for forcing you to partake in his preservation. He wasn’t thinking about you when he ordered you to do something like this. He was only thinking of himself. He didn’t care about how it would torture you.” He quieted and stroked her cheek. Here he was belittling what another man put her through. Was he going to let someone else divulge the information that should come only from his own lips? “Aztrit, I need to tell you something. I only ask you to give me a chance to explain myself as I’ve given you. Can you do that for me?” 

She saw the plea in his eyes. Her heart dropped to her stomach. What could he possibly say to her to make her waver after what she hid from him? “Yes.” She said steadily, praying that it wouldn’t be out of her reach to forgive. 

Kirk took a deep breath and began, “Hel...is my mother. It is likely Odin knows this and sent you to rid himself of another harbinger and thwart my mother.” 

Aztrit felt her face stiffen. 

She went through a myriad of facial expressions, trying to figure out which one was proper for the moment. “I did not know Hel had a child. Why would he lie to me this way?” She whispered, more to herself than to him. Hel was a threat to Asgard–to her home. If Kirk was her son, they found themselves on opposing sides.

“Neither did your brother. And I did not know who my mother’s parents were until you told me tonight. I’ve never had contact with my mother, and I want you to know that I would never willingly defend her.” 

She still didn’t have any words. She assumed him to be some kind of supernatural being. But Prince of Helheim? 

Harbingers were already feared for their prophesied roles in ending worlds and their talent for God-Killing. Did this mean Kirk too was a risk to Odin?

Hel had been cast to the underworld and made it her own. She captured the souls of murderers, thieves, and corrupt individuals of every nature, sucking the life out of them until they became loyal corpses forced to do her bidding. But if Kirk could forgive her for lying, and plotting to kill him, shouldn’t she be able to look past his lineage, something he had no control over? “You spoke to Loki?”

“He stalked me from the barracks.” 

“He told you about what my father asked of me?” She raised her brows in understanding and pressed her palms together in front of her face. Her brother was in for the beating of his life. She was going to kill him.

“This is disastrous. How are you staying so calm?” Aztrit’s mind swept away with the events of the war. Loki appeared to be playing the field. 

Who could they trust?

Kirk reached up and pulled her hands from her face. She was over exerting herself going over the details. He kissed her hands as he looked into her eyes. “I know you had no choice but to say yes. Even when your brother told me, I knew in my soul you were not going to comply, and that made me fearful of how Odin will react when he finds out. And he will find out. So we need a plan.” 

Aztrit was elated to be so candid with him about what was happening. But they could not allow this to run away from them. “Promise me that if it should come to battle with Odin, you will not kill him.”

Kirk hesitated. But for his love, he would agree. “It will be as you wish, Odinsdottir.” If it was Aztrit or the Allfather, he would do anything to keep her safe. “I am yours, as you are mine. Yes?”

She smiled back at him, “I would like that. It’s just so… odd.” She couldn’t help laughing. Out of everything she had heard and seen over time, being shocked by something was new for her.

He joined her in her laughter. “Isn’t it?” He kissed her hands repeatedly, thankful the air around them was lighter. He should have been hurt by what she kept from him, but he could only feel relief. Everything was out in the open, and nothing was being kept secret between them. They could focus on what they cared about, before their world’s were emerged in war. 

He put his hands on her waist and pulled her further in between his legs. He slipped his hands beneath the soft material on her body, running his rough hands up her gentle curves. Her warm skin seemed to glow in the candle light. He worked his thumbs against the swell on the underside of her breasts. 

“Let us start over.” she said with a smile.

“Where do you want to start?” He kissed the tops of her breasts through the fabric.

She put her hands in his silky black hair and pulled gently. “How about what your name is?” 

He lifted the bottom of his shirt over her head and dove back into her bare chest. “You seem to know my name well enough.” His mouth moved against one nipple and tugged the other. He placed his other hand on her firm rear and squeezed it. 

She made a sound of uncertainty, “I have no idea who you are, sir. Care to remind me?” She laughed as he took her body into his hands and tossed her on the bed beside him. She watched him as he undressed. He started with his shirt, lifting it over his head, his muscles flexed under his scarred flesh. 

Kirk looked at her on the bed as he pulled his clothes off his hips, letting them fall to the floor. It was just like the first time he had touched her, but this time, he was confident in their ability to be much more than two people who joined for pleasure. 

She moved her body until she was laying her head on the lush feather pillows of his bed. Her dark hair corrupting the white pillows underneath her. 

He took her ankles in his hands and parted her smooth legs, holding her open for him to see. He stayed silent, roving his eyes over her womanhood. She felt her face get hot from the intensity of his stare. She realised it was the first time he was really getting to see it. The last few times had been underwater and in the dark. Here in the confines of this room, he was finally going to get to savour her.  

She held her breath in anticipation as he let go of her ankles and slowly inched his palms closer to the apex of her thighs. He bent his face closer to her pussy lips and pulled away at the very last moment, kissing the insides of her thighs instead. She took one hand and spread her lips open further, hoping to tempt him from making marks on her flesh. His silver eyes only spared her display a glance and went back to his torturous teasing on her legs. She whimpered underneath him, needing him to touch her where she was throbbing most. His lips slid over her hot skin until he was right over her mound again. He took her hips into his hands and led his face to her slit. She gasped from his initial licks and kisses. She hadn’t expected to be so sensitive to his touch, but now that he was down there, and drinking from her like he had an unquenchable thirst, she was nothing but grateful. 

He led his tongue in circles around her nerve ridden sex, taking it between his lips and licking gently every now and then. He languished her taste as he dragged his tongue across her seeping hole, licking up each drop of cream liquid that escaped her body. 

She tasted of toasted apples and rose, just as she smelled. He took his time slipping his tongue in and out of her, enjoying her joyous moans as she ground her hips against his face. 

Aztrit rested her legs on his shoulder as he continued feasting on her. Her thighs were growing heavy from the attention he was giving her. He made her feel so delicate and valued as he savoured her. She sighed and ran her hands over her breasts and down her core. She gripped her thighs and held them open as he pressed his tongue further against her heat. Flicking pressure on top of her clit. 

He gripped her wrists and pulled them underneath her thighs, using her own arms to lift her closer to his face. “Gods, Kirk.” She said breathlessly as he moved his lips around her sensitive flesh harder than he had before. He suckled and licked fiercely. 

This position opened her the most, and the added pleasure of him restraining her was building heat in her thighs. “Please don't stop.” She groaned as her chest heaved. She looked up at the intricate ceiling as she felt her climax nearing, being so open to his whim. She clenched her thighs as the pleasure captured her body, she panted quickly and screamed for him. The electricity surrounding her legs pulled and vibrated her body against him as he continued to lick her. She pressed harder against his face as he lapped up everything she secreted. 

When she was nothing more than a whimpering puddle of satisfaction, he wiped his mouth and beard and placed himself at her entrance. He took one of her brown hips in his pale hand and dragged her further beneath him. She opened her golden eyes and grabbed the blankets beneath her. “Ready for me, Valkyrie?” She nodded. “Want to hear it from your lips.” 

“Yes, Kirk. I need you.” Breathlessly, she ached for him. 

He smiled down on her and entered her slowly. Her back arched in anticipation. 

“Gods.” She would always love the first few moments he placed himself inside of her. 

She was always too tight for him the first few pumps, clinging to him with no give. This is when he filled her the most, before she adjusted, she felt as if there was no room for him to continue. She swore as he pumped slowly, keeping her hips in place on the feather bed with his long fingers. He stilled himself before he continued pumping, taking the time to gather how wet she was for him. Each time he pumped their bodies made noise from her tight heat. She was already throbbing gently from her last release, and her legs were spread as wide as she could make them. He felt the soft flesh of her hips and continued thrusting. He only gave her slow deep strokes. 

She grabbed his arms, his large body on top of her made her feel unbelievably small, like she would break from his actions. She held onto his thick forearms letting him split her open each time his hips met hers. His strokes were meaningful. Each one relaying to her what she meant to him. This time, their joining was much more than every time that had come before. She felt he was making love to her body, giving her a larger piece of himself. “Kirk?’’ She called to him, making him look up at her. She held her arms open for him to come closer to her chest.  

She touched his cheek as his lips hovered above her own. Their eyes stuck together, conveying how blissful this moment was to them both. He kissed her plump lips and laced his fingers in with hers, each digit connecting slowly. He leaned his body further upwards, so that each time he moved in, his shaft connected with her clit. He picked up his pace giving short, sharp thrusts, and then relieving her with soft and deep strokes. 

Aztrit sighed. There he went playing music with her willing body again. He kissed her neck as she sang for him once more. 

They kept all of their heat stuck between their bodies, selfishly keeping the love growing there from escaping. He lifted one of her brown legs, and held it in place from the underside of her knee. She took in more air as he slid in further. The control he had over both of their bodies was astonishing. He knew exactly how to deliver them both to the havens of their bodies. “I’m so close.” She whispered into the thick air. She had never wanted to come more. 

He gathered her body in his arms and sat her upright, never disconnecting their bodies. She held onto his shoulders as he continued pumping upwards into her. He held her up with his hands on her rear, keeping her steady as he prepared to give them both their release. 

He gave her the entirety of his length until he felt her legs quivering around his waist. “Aztrit,” he exhaled into her ear as he began coming with her. She felt his come coating her walls, seating itself deeply within. She dug her nails into the flesh on his shoulders as she came. Her nipples grazed his hard chest as they moved together. She shook as he held her, rubbing her back as her climax held her captive far longer. 

Her back was wet to his touch from the sweat they had conjured together. He laid her back down, letting his member soften before he removed himself. 

Aztrit accepted Kirk’s wet kisses as he held her close. Their even breath was the only noise filling the room. 

She was taken. 

She loved this man more than she had loved anyone. If she told him, she was confident he would say the same. The love she held for him was deep within her, something that she had not been able to ignore from the moment they met. 

She belonged here in his arms as long as he would have her. 

He pulled his lips away and gazed down at her. She was sure he would say it now. “So you do know my name then, don’t you Valkyrie?” 

She gasped and playfully hit him in the stomach. “You’re insufferable.” That was not what she had wanted him to say.

He laughed at her attempts to hit him. “Oh, aye? Forgive me, I seem to recall one of us screaming for someone named Kirk? Now that I think more about it, I recall hearing that repeatedly.” He mimicked her, “Kirk, Oh my Gods, Kirk.” 

She was mortified. Her eyes were as big as saucers. She couldn’t help what she had said in the moment, but hearing him imitate what she said was horrifying. She laughed so strongly she choked on her air. He fell next to her, prompting her to move underneath his arm next to his sweaty chest. “You’re a giant child, I hope you know.” 

“This I have heard.” He retorted with light laughter. 

She scooted closer to him, listening to his chest rise and fall from the intake and outpouring of air into his lungs. “Do you have any special powers you’ve hidden from me?” 

“Why would you think that?” 

Aztrit ran her fingers across his slowly rising abdomen. “Well Loki is really in tune with the Jotun magic. I don’t know who he fathered Hel with, but to make her, he would have had to have someone just as powerful as he was. I know your father was human, but surely you inherited some kind of trait?”

Kirk thought before he spoke. When he discovered what he could do, he was devastated. It was an indication that no matter how hard he tried, he would never escape Hel’s reach. “I can control a subject’s will–their thoughts, their actions. I can make them do anything I put my mind to. That and my gift of war.” 

“I’m surprised Hel hasn’t tried to use you to her benefit.”

He shrugged his shoulders. “She probably doesn’t know I have them. I only use my gift of war. I made the mistake of losing control over my anger when I was young. Luckily, I knew to stop myself before I willed something to happen that was irreparable.”  

She reached a hand out and ran a finger down the warm skin of the scar on his face. “If you have such a talent for battle, how did this happen?” He said nothing. Sensing he wasn’t yet ready to divulge that one she fingered a scar on his hip, white and raised. “And this?”

“When my father told me what I was, and who I had come from, I struggled with my identity. For the longest time, I felt using what came naturally to me was betraying the person I knew I could never be. Even after years of self doubt, I still have a hard time reassuring myself that I don’t want the same things my mother does. So, I refused to use the gifts I had. But even after all of these wounds, even the deepest, I never died. I could never run from my immortality.” He stayed quiet for a moment and then a smile broke across his face. 

“What’s so funny?” She responded, still fingering the scar and crossing his lips. 

“When you cut me the night we met, I believed you would be the one to finally free me. Now I find that it was true, but I do not wish for death as I did before. I had never been against a weapon fashioned for a god.” He sat up and leaned his back on the wooden headboard. “Why not kill me then?” 

She took her hand back and sat up along with him. “Honestly, because I thought you were handsome. And…Odin didn’t want you until after the war, taking you so soon would have made him angry. He may be my father, but when he’s angry–or when he doesn’t want to admit he’s afraid–he does things I’ll never be able to understand. Do you want to see it?” 

“See what?” 

“Kulda. My blade. The one that I would’ve killed you with, had you been ugly.” 

He laughed and raised a dark, thick brow at her. “Maybe I do. Do you still plan to use it on me?” 

Aztrit stretched her hands out in front of her and called Kulda in her mind. “Keep calling me old, and I just might.” her obsidian blade appeared in her open palms. The deep black of the blade played to the shadows of the candle lit room. The gold handle looked red from the reflection of the gentle fires. 

She gripped the handle tighter. It felt as if it were burning, something that had never happened before. She lifted the hilt closer to her eyes. There was now script on it that she didn’t understand and a sigil that she recognized. Baldur.

Kirk watched her inspect her blade. She was so gentle with it, he could believe that it was sacred to her. But she looked at it as if it was the very first time she had seen it. "What is it?” 

She shook her head, not knowing what to say. “It’s changed. It is Kulda. But someone’s written on it. I think someone may have gotten into my armoury.” 

“Do you need to go and check?” 

“No. I’ve already let Dahlia know to secure it.” 

He looked around at the otherwise empty room, “You spoke to someone? Just now?”

She placed her blade on his lap gently and nodded. “Valkyrie can speak to each other telepathically, if we choose. Don’t touch the blade itself. I had it enchanted by the elves of Alfheim to draw blood even if touched gently on its surface.” 

He lifted the sword by its cool hilt, inspecting its weight and grip. “Isn’t this length too large for you? Your arms are so short.” 

“It adjusts to the wielder. With you holding it, that’s the largest I’ve seen it expand.” She yawned as he handled her blade as if he had been swinging it himself centuries. It had taken her long to discover how to use her body in unity with it, and she never let anyone touch it. But she knew she could trust Kirk to give it its intended respect. 

“Baldur crafted this for you? It’s the finest I’ve ever seen.” 

She looked at him in bewilderment. “You can read the inscription?” 

Kirk set Kulda on the bed and looked at her. “Yes. Can’t you?” 

She shook her head and picked up the hilt, giving it another look. “No Kirk. This is Vanir. The only people who knew the original language were Baldur, and the Vanir Gods. What does it say?”

“Birth of the fire wielder. It must mean you.” 

She searched inside of herself for an answer. But she could find none. “After I healed Dahlia tonight, I felt something change inside of myself. Usually after healing someone so damaged, I would be unable to heal long after. But before I left, I had enough energy to keep healing the rest of my sisters, and I wasn’t breathless. My armour changed colours, and my wings are heavier. Now, this? I’m just not understanding what’s changed.” She continued, telling him how she felt healing Dahlia, and the heat burning her body as she pushed her powers to her limits. Trying to make sense of it herself.  

 Aztrit raised a hand over Kulda and dismissed it. She was perplexed, but she was growing increasingly tired. It had been long since she had slept well.

Kirk saw her yawn again. “Whatever it is, we can try to discover it in the morning.” He lied down and pulled her into the blankets with him. He placed her under his arm and clung to his side. They cuddled in comfortable silence, she felt her eyelids becoming heavy. She moved closer to his body, taking in his scent. 

He kissed her forehead as she felt herself drift quickly into darkness. 

 

To be continued...