“GRK—LOKI!” Summer’s surprise was so great she couldn’t react more than to shriek his name. “WHAT are you doing?!” She tried to jerk her head up, at least, so she could watch their backs, could warn him. A thought put the fire out, leaving the halls in shadow, but she didn’t need sight to guard them.
Empathic senses spread wide, net-like, searching for the least hint of discovery.
They burst out onto the black rocks, and Loki’s quick pace led them quickly the portal area. ”You are an idiot to think I’d let you stay behind in that state,” he huffed bitterly. Then he dropped her onto the ground unceremoniously.
Those who pursued were still a growing rumble.
“Take hold, now!” he waved the device in front of her.
Wincing as she put a hand on her own hair, Summer slapped a palm upward against the device. “Then I’m an idiot. You should’ve trusted me.” But her eyelids were flickering with exhaustion, and she could feel muscle tremors on the edges of her awareness.
After a pull of light and pressure, they were back on the edge of the bridge in Asgard.
Loki stepped back from her and waved his hands to mask the device again, and it was gone. The two of them stood safe and successful.
In a flurry of thought, Loki wasn’t certain if he wanted to hug her or go drink mead and sing war songs with her. Or perhaps he would just catch her as she fainted.
Summer’s head lay back in his arms and he stroked her rebellious hair from her face as he looked down at her. Even in sleep, he could see the pain behind her features. He could feel the edged pulse and burn of the flames still within her delicate frame. What a fair facade, he thought, to house something so powerful and great within such lovely vessel. He pressed a fevered kiss to her forehead, thankful for a moment where such actions would not be noted. He had a reputation, after all.
Then he carried her the rest of the way to his chambers.
Half-aware of being carried, Summer roused enough to blink at Loki as they entered his rooms. “Where … ?” she managed, trying to look around. “This … ” She flailed a hand loosely.