Author's Note: Let me begin by saying I am ridiculously nervous about how late this chapter is coming to you. For as long as I let this sitting, I am thankful no one sent me any hate mail! Thank you for that. I'm not going to apologize for waiting so long to write this because the muse simply wasn't ready for it to be written until literally 24 hours ago. Once I started I couldn't stop. I wrote over 4k in nearly one sitting because Empire was begging me to. I am grateful the muse for this returned even though I have other projects that need to be finished as well.

With that said, I truly hope that you enjoy this chapter as it was very emotional for me. I cried at the end because the words spoke to me... it was also a relief to have it done. After this chapter there is one more and then this story will come to an end. I'm not going to ramble any longer as I am sure you're anxious to read. Please, enjoy this chapter. I am dedicating it to all of you. Thank you from the bottom of my angsty heart. Much love, xxDustNight88.

Thank you SquarePeg72 for the alpha read and starrnobella and GaeilgeRua for beta reading! You three are always so amazing at making sense of my nonsense. Much love, xxDustNight

Disclaimer: All non-original characters, plot points, and information belongs to those at Marvel Studios, Warner Brothers, or J.K. Rowling. The title, "Empire" comes from the song of the same title by the fantastic Of Monsters and Men. The story plot and dialogue belongs to me. I do not write for profit.

Song Recommendations: "The End of All Things" by Panic! At the Disco, "Hurricane" by Fleurie, "Panic Room" by Au/Ra, "Strength of an Empire" by Thomas Bergersen/Two Steps from Hell, "Final Hope" by Audiomachine, and "Undying Love" by Thomas Bergersen/Two Steps from Hell.

"I fear no monsters, for no monsters I see.
Because all this time the monster has been me." ― Nikita Gill

Part XIX: Empire

Jotunheim was far different than what Hermione remembered from her last visit here. As she, Loki, and Gwyneira exited the Astral Plane, she took in the snowy surroundings with curious eyes. Loki held their daughter safely in his arms as she wandered about the area. They'd arrived close to the reconstructed ice palace, but Hermione knew what lay beyond that beautiful facade.

The place where she'd killed Thrym in order to protect Loki's soul. It was also where Loki had taken her star magic and banished her to Earth so that he could return the favor. It felt like more than a lifetime since that all passed. Taking a deep breath, Hermione turned and gave her lover a grim smile.

Holding out her hand, she said, "Will you show me what you've done to the palace?"

Nodding, Loki tucked their daughter closer to his chest and then took her hand. "I would love for you to see what I have done."

They walked in silence, Hermione feeling safe for the moment despite the obvious danger they were currently facing. Thor may have gone to Asgard to face Hela, but that didn't mean he would succeed. Hela could still come looking for them here, and that's what Hermione worried about the most.

As they entered the main area of the palace, Hermione whispered, "We should have left Gwyneira on Earth. She'd be safer there."

"I can better protect her here with my army," Loki answered just as quietly, but Hermione felt his hand tense ever so slightly. "Neither your government nor any other would allow an army of Frost Giants to roam freely upon Midgard."

"Didn't your father attempt to conquer us once upon a time?" Hermione questioned as she stepped closer to Loki. It was cold here, and she was thankful that their daughter was half Jotun so that she would not freeze. Hermione, however, muttered a quiet warming charm to keep herself warm.

In response to her question, Loki sighed heavily. "Lauffey was not benevolent, but that is in the past. I promise you that Eira will be safe here." After saying those words, Loki stopped in front of a grand doorway.

"What's inside there?" Hermione asked, her curiosity getting the best of her.

"This is the throne room. If anything should happen, this is the safest place for both you and Gwyneira," Loki explained and then handed Gwyneira over to Hermione.

She was fast asleep, and Hermione dropped a kiss to the top of her head. "Where will you be? You can't expect me to let you fight alone?"

Sighing heavily, Loki placed a hand on Hermione's shoulder and squeezed. "I brought you to Jotunheim because I know you do not wish to be separated from me again, and I feel the same. However, you and our daughter are everything to me. I want you to come here if something goes wrong. My guards will protect you until their dying breaths."

"You can't always keep me away during battles, Loki," Hermione said, feeling a bit bolder. "I fought in a war before. You told me I could help you now."

"It's too risky, Hermione," Loki said, his voice dropping in irritation. "I know you are fully capable of holding your own in battle. I have seen you be ruthless with Thrym and myself, but someone has to survive for our daughter. We can't leave her alone in this universe."

Hermione wanted to argue, but Loki had a point. The last time they had a war, Loki had sent her away for the sake of their unborn child. He was always putting her first, and for that, she only found herself loving him more. "If you need help, promise me you'll allow me to fight. I feel like it's my fault Hela is coming for all of us in the first place."

"Hela has one objective, and that is to gain power," Loki explained as he placed a hand on Hermione's lower back to lead her away from the throne room. "She will do everything she can, destroying everything in her path to obtain it."

Hermione allowed Loki to lead her through the palace. "What happens if Thor fails?"

"If Thor cannot stop Hela, then she will surely come here," Loki said, his voice grim. They were heading upstairs now. "My army will fight for Jotunheim, and for you and our daughter."

They were quiet until Loki paused in front of an ornate door. Clearing her throat, Hermione asked, "Are these our chambers?"

Loki nodded. "I had them prepared for the three of us." Opening the door, he allowed Hermione to walk inside first. Her gasp made him smile. They were expanse and beautiful, that much he knew. "I wanted this place to be special for us."

Hermione held Gwyneira to her chest as she stared around the rooms in awe. Loki's quarters in Asgard had been something to see, but these were exquisite. The walls were carved from the mountain, but the room was kept warm by the large fire in the center grate. There was a small room to the right that held a crib, rocking chair, and changing table for their daughter. The main room not only held the fireplace but a large sitting area in front of the open balcony.

Hermione wandered into Eira's room and sat down in the rocking chair. Gwyneira was now awake, and it was time to feed. Undoing her blouse, Hermione adjusted herself so that her daughter could nurse. When she felt her take hold, Hermione smiled and lifted her gaze to Loki, who stood in the doorway. "The rooms are perfect, Loki. We'll be quite happy here."

"I'm glad," Loki said as relief flooded his soul. He was sure Hermione could feel it too. "Wait here," he told her. "I am going to prepare our room so we may rest."

Hermione nodded and then he was gone, leaving her to feed their daughter in silence. It was strange, this feeling of contentment even though soon their final battle would begin. If they survived, Hermione knew there would be a choice to make, but for now, she decided to just enjoy the few peaceful moments before chaos arrived.

By the time that Loki returned, Gwyneira was once again fast asleep. Without being asked, Loki strode forward and took her from Hermione. He gently placed her into the crib as if he'd done it five thousand times. Immediately, she cooed and curled onto her side, fast asleep and dreaming.

Hermione stood and joined Loki to watch their daughter sleep. A quiet sigh escaped her lips as Loki wrapped his arm securely around her waist. This was all she had ever wanted; someone to love and a child to love with them. Now, she had both, and Hermione secretly vowed she would do anything in her power to protect what they had now.

After a few minutes, Loki's hands moved from her waist to slide underneath her shirt. He cupped her breasts and began to massage, urging a sigh of contentment from Hermione's lips. Soon her nipples hardened, and he pinched them lightly at first and then a bit harder. When Hermione's sighs grew a bit louder, Loki removed his hands and guided them back to their bed.

Clothes were removed as they went, leaving a trail from one room to the other. They collapsed on the bed, Hermione settling into the center as Loki crawled between her legs. He placed heated kisses on the inside of her thighs, above her slit, and on her stomach before finally reaching her lips once more. Hermione was practically panting from want as she felt his cock hot, hard, and ready against her thigh.

"Please," she begged, rocking her hip against his body. "I need you."

Loki chuckled, but did not deny her wish. Tonight there would be no games, only love. If there was a risk this would be their last night together, he wanted it to be special and something they would both cherish forever. Gently, Loki slid inside her body, groaning with delight at the feel of it all. Hermione moaned too, a soft sound that sent shivers up and down his spine. His lips sought out hers, and he kissed her once more.

"I love you, Hermione," he whispered, his emerald eyes searching her amber ones.

"I love you too, Loki," she replied, brushing the hair from his face before kissing him.

Together, they rocked against one another until Hermione could feel herself approaching that glorious edge. As much as she loved when they were rough with one another, she adored this easy, gentle lovemaking just the same, if not more. She felt more connected to Loki than ever before as he kissed her lips and neck before whispering how much he loved her into her ear. With their emotions so riled up, neither would last long this night, and so it was that before too long they did reach that peak together.

Breathing heavily, Hermione curled herself around Loki, allowing him to brush his cool fingers over her heated skin. She was not ready for sleep, and it appeared neither was he. They spoke softly before they once more found their bodies yearning for one another. They made love until neither of them could keep their eyes open any longer, and while their rest was anything but, they felt content in each other's embrace as the final battle approached.

The next morning, Hermione woke to find Loki had already left the bed. Sitting up, she pushed her rumpled curls from her face and sought out his presence. With a sigh of relief, she found him standing on the terrace. As she climbed from the bed, she quietly called out to him, "Loki? Is everything alright?"

Turning, his regal features broke into a rare smile. "I am sorry. Did I wake you?"

"No," she replied, finding her clothes where they'd been discarded the night before and getting dressed. "I think my anxiety did that." Once she was fully clothed, she looked around for her wand and put that in her pocket as well.

Loki walked back into the room and sought her out for a kiss. When he pulled back, he noticed she was still wearing the Rime Diamond on a necklace. He fingered the ring and said, "I thought you would be wearing this on your finger now."

She shrugged one shoulder. "I was afraid it would get lost if I were to fight, so I put it on the chain for safekeeping," she told him. "I can also hide it easier."

Loki hummed in approval. "I removed the Rime Diamond from my scepter and gave it to Thor to keep," Loki explained as he played with the necklace around Hermione's neck. "I wanted to be able to check on him if needed."

Hermione's hand reached up to still Loki's cool fingers before it could remove the chain. "I think we should destroy these once Hela is dealt with."

Loki pondered this for a moment before replying. "I think you may be right. It's far too dangerous for these to fall into anyone else's hands."

"What will happen to us when we destroy them?" Hermione quietly asked the question that weighed heavy on her mind.

Loki tipped her chin up with one gentle finger. "You are worried our bond will be broken?" He searched her eyes for the answer even though he could read her with every ounce of his soul.

Voice trembling, Hermione reluctantly answered, "I love you too much to lose what we have, Loki."

"The Rime Diamonds only amplified what was already there," he explained softly, taking a half step forward and closing the space between them. "Our souls were always meant to be bound: the diamonds simply revealed us to one another."

"And our powers?" Hermione asked, biting her lip as she fingered the ring that changed her life. "Will they disappear?"

Sighing, Loki shook his head. "Honestly, I do not know the answer to that question. Either way, as long as we have one another, I do not feel we need the power of the Rime Diamonds. You are all I will ever need."

Knowing that was all the answer she needed, Hermione slipped onto her tiptoes to kiss her lover. He returned her kiss eagerly, hands roaming over her back to hold her warmth close. After a few minutes, they reluctantly pulled apart, knowing there was much to do today to prepare for a possible invasion from Hela.

Loki was taking a step backward when a horn echoed from somewhere outside. Frowning, he moved again to the terrace to stare into the early morning gloom of Jotunheim. Hermione joined him, her heart racing with fear. "What do you think it is?" she asked, wrapping her arms around her midriff.

"I'm not sure," Loki said, eyes narrowed as he searched the horizon. "It could be nothing, or it could be-"

"Hela," Hermione finished for him, a chill racing down her spine. "What do we do?"

"You take Eira to the throne room," Loki said, turning and taking hold of her hand. He dragged her into the room and then began dressing in his leather armour. "Like I said, you two will be safest there while I disperse of her with my army."

Unsure, Hermione stood in the middle of the lavish room. She glanced at Loki preparing for battle and then at the door to the nursery, torn with what to do next. "I want to help you. She nearly killed you once before, Loki. What if she manages it this time?"

"Then I will take her down with me," Loki said with a feral snarl, showing his teeth as he palmed two daggers.

Gasping, Hermione felt his rage through their connection and staggered backward a step. "And what about me?" she retorted, unable to tame her ire. "You'll leave me alone?"

After holstering his weapons, Loki turned to Hermione with a glare. "You will have our daughter, and you will be safe. My life means nothing if I lose either of you. Now, get our daughter and run to the throne room. I must join the Frost Giants and prepare for battle."

He swept out of the room without another glance her way. Hermione felt wholly unprepared for this moment, but somehow she ignored the anxiety tearing away at her insides and ran into the nursery. Scooping up the sleeping baby, she made sure she was wrapped comfortably in a blanket before leaving their quarters.

Gwyneira, thankfully, slept peacefully as Hermione rushed through the palace of ice and rock. There were Frost Giants running around as well as they hurried to secure the grounds. When she finally reached the throne room, the two Frost Giants guarding the doors opened the way for her. She quietly thanked them and then stepped inside the large chamber.

She was once again taken aback by the simple beauty of the ice throne. Behind her, the guards sealed her inside, locking her and Eira away from the fight inevitably about to erupt beyond. Wanting to get as much space between Hela and herself, she resolutely made her way across the large room until she stood at the foot of the throne.

"This throne is where your ancestors sat before you," she whispered to Eira. "They were not always the kindest or best of the Jotun people, but their history is a part of you."

In her sleep, Gwyneira cooed and curled more thoroughly into Hermione's embrace. That was when Hermione noticed a small bassinet to the side of the throne. Smiling at the thoughtfulness of Loki, Hermione stepped up onto the pedestal and settled Eira in the special place created just for her. Then, she backtracked and turned to stare out at the empty room.

"Once upon a time your father was left here to die," Hermione murmured. "I just hope that our fate is not the same."

On the outskirts of the royal grounds, Loki stood staring into the blizzard that had formed. He felt a presence out there and waited impatiently for this battle to begin even if it meant it would be his end. Growing restless, Loki took a few steps only to stop short. Someone was walking out of the swirling snow looking worse for wear and downtrodden.

"Thor," Loki breathed, pausing where he stood. His warrior brother was bloodied, beaten, and bruised. He was also missing an eye… Why was he here?

"Loki," Thor said when he finally reached the dark-haired Jotun. He coughed, and blood became visible on his lips. He wiped it away thoughtlessly with the back of his hand and smiled, but the gesture did not reach his lone eye.

"What has happened?" Loki inquired, eyes sweeping over his brother for any other injuries or clues as to what transpired on Asgard. "You should still be on Asgard."

"Asgard is gone; it has fallen."

"Surely we can fight for your home together and-"

"No," Thor growled, angry now. "The entirety of Asgard is destroyed. It exists no more."

Loki blinked and stumbled backward. "Asgard is…gone?"

"Yes, I allowed Surtur to destroy it in the hope that Hela would be destroyed with it," Thor explained. He was breathing heavily and appeared exhausted.

Shaking his head in disbelief, Loki said, "How did Surtur find his way to Asgard?"

"Lady Sif brought him there. We do not have time to discuss the loss of our home, Loki," Thor said, pushing past Loki to get into the city of ice. "We must prepare in case my plan has failed."

Loki glanced at Thor and then back into the blizzard. "Where is Lady Sif now? Has she not come with you?" He was almost afraid of the answer. She had saved his life, and he hoped that she had not perished in the fray.

"I hope that she escaped with Heimdall and the rest of the Asgardian people before the realm exploded, but I am uncertain," Thor explained, taking water that was offered to him by one of the Frost Giants. He thanked them and then turned back to his brother. "Hela has grown stronger than I ever believed possible. She is… She is nearly indestructible I fear."

Briefly closing his eyes, Loki tried to sift through this information. He was also trying not to let his panic seep through the bond he and Hermione shared, but it was difficult. Asgard had fallen, and if Hela was still alive, all that separated her from Hermione and Eira was his meager army.

"Let us hope that she perished with Asgard then or we may not survive this war," Loki said solemnly. He looked back to the palace where Hermione and Eira waited for his return. "We can get medical attention for your wounds while we wait."

"I am fine, brother," Thor said as he strode forward and placed a comforting hand on Loki's shoulder. "Let us protect your empire now."

The corner of Loki's mouth lifted in a smirk. Thor for all their past grievances still had his back, and for that, he was eternally grateful.

As they stood shoulder to shoulder, Loki suddenly felt a stab of intense fear pierce his heart. It nearly brought him to his knees. Through the bond he shared with Hermione, he heard a single word that brought terror to his soul.

Hela.

Thor, who had gone on alert at Loki's change in demeanor, asked, "What is it, brother?"

"Please," Loki pleaded, reaching for his brother's neck. "I need the Rime Diamond I gave to you."

Withdrawing the diamond from his breast pocket, Thor handed it to Loki. "Here, do what you need. I kept it safe for you."

Loki said nothing as he put the diamond in his hand and spun it around. An ethereal projection appeared on the ground at their feet. "She's in the throne room," Loki hissed as his emerald eyes took in the sight of Hela and Hermione standing far too close. "We must get to them!"

Inside the throne room, Hermione found herself pacing to keep from going insane. She wanted desperately to be out on the front line to help protect Loki and this world he'd grown to love. Pausing, she cast a glance at Gwyneira, who was awake and cooing happily in the bassinet. She was such a happy, joyful child now that Loki had returned to them. With a sigh, Hermione could only hope that she would always be that way.

Suddenly feeling quite exhausted, Hermione perched on the throne and put her face in her hands. "Eira," she muttered, "if we lose your father, I will never forgive myself." Any further words were cut off as a new voice echoed throughout the chamber.

"And here I thought defeating you would be a challenge."

Hermione was on her feet in an instant: wand pointed at Hela, who stood in the center of the throne room. Panic and fear flared within her soul, and she sent a word of warning to Loki.

"Hela."

The dark-haired villainess smirked and sauntered forward a few steps so that she was fully in the light. "It appears Loki left you alone just for me. Oh? And his half-breed child too? How wonderful. I'll get the joy of destroying you both."

Hermione stepped in front of the bassinet where Eira was now squirming. She obviously felt the discontent her mother was feeling and reacted to it. "How did you get in this room? There are guards posted outside the doors."

Another smirk. "Ridiculous mortal, did you really think I couldn't get into a locked room? Loki and I have similar powers. I too can walk through the void."

"You won't leave Jotunheim alive," Hermione said, trying to bide some time. She knew that Loki was on his way because she felt his urgency, but he was minutes away still. "Loki won't allow it. You can't continue to destroy worlds just for the sake of conquering."

Hela seemed to observe her for a moment before stepping forward until the tip of Hermione wand pressed into her chest. "The realm of Asgard has fallen, and soon this one shall too. Then, I shall take that rock you call home and break it apart before rebuilding it to my liking."

"I'm not going to let you destroy my family, Hela. You're a monster," Hermione hissed, eyes narrowed with anger. They also burned with unshed tears as fear threatened to overtake her. No matter what happened to her, Hela could not destroy Earth. She refused to let her own stupidity destroy an entire planet full of people she loved.

"As are you," Hela retorted, quirking an eyebrow. "I have seen Loki's thoughts of you and what you have done. Neither of you deserve the happiness you seek."

Hermione blinked and stumbled back a step. "I'm not a… a monster."

"Are you certain?" Hela questioned, side-stepping Hermione so she could stroll past the throne and smooth a pale hand over an icy pillar. "Think about your past… Think about what you have done in order to get where you are today."

Slowly, Hermione lowered her wand as she thought about the words Hela spoke. She thought of the hurt she caused Astoria, Blaise, and Theo. She thought too of the years of torture she put Harry and Ron through as she battled her demons and took advantage of their friendship. And what about Draco? He had given his life for her.

And if they hadn't gone back in time and altered their reality? Blaise would be gone. She'd hurt Loki as well. People always got hurt because of her carelessness. For all the good she thought she did for the world, she was really working off of ulterior motives for herself.

Running a hand through her curls, Hermione thought of all the times she'd wanted her life to end… Part of that was her depression, but the other part was her selfishness for not getting what she wanted. Now, though, she knew how hurtful that was not only to others, but herself as well. How could she even think to raise a child when she had such notions?

She glanced over her shoulder to stare at Gwyneira, who was whimpering. That beautiful baby deserved a strong mother who fought for what was right and not just what she wanted. Right now, Hermione knew she needed to do that and stop wasting time standing around waiting on Loki. She was a strong and powerful witch; she would defend Jotunheim and Earth not only for herself, but for all the innocent lives that deserved better.

"Have you figured it out yet?" Hela asked, circling back around to where she began in front of Hermione. "

"All this time... " Hermione said trailing off, a distant look in her eye. "All this time I have been the monster." She squeezed her eyes shut as the tears finally flowed free. She'd done this. Everything was her fault, and she selfishly hadn't realized until now. Regret exploded within her chest, but then it changed, erupting into an intense fury. "But I will never be one again. This ends here, Hela, and if I have to sacrifice my life to take yours, then so be it."

Raising her wand, Hermione yelled, "Sectumsempra!"

Surprised by this action, Hela was barely able to get out of the way in time. She threw up a magical shield before darting to the side as the spell broke through. "If that's how you want to play, then play we shall," she sneered, rushing toward Hermione.

"Protego!" Hermione countered, managing to get out of the way in time. Hela brandished two long swords and continued to stalk her. "It doesn't have to be this way, Hela. Surrender."

"I will never be caged again," Hela hissed, surging forward and slacking one deadly blade through the air. "You will have to kill me!"

This time Hermione didn't manage to get out of the way. The sword cut through her shirt, slicing her shoulder. She screamed in pain and stumbled backward, but she did not fall. "I don't want to kill you," she said, whimpering only slightly at the pain.

"I will not die this day," Hela said, stalking forward as Hermione continued to try and get out of the way. "But you will, and so will Loki and that screaming child."

Infuriated that she would bring Eira into this, Hermione charged at Hela. "Confringo!" she shouted, pointing her wand at the stone floor. A crater appeared between the battling women, cracking the floor with it's force.

They both stumbled, falling into its center. Hela was the first to get to her feet, but she lost one of her swords in the process of climbing from the hole. Hermione tried to follow, but struggled. One of her ankles was badly injured, but she clenched her teeth and forced herself to climb from out of the hole.

"You have tenacity, mortal witch," Hela said, eyes narrowed as Hermione limped in front of Eira's bassinet. "I will give you that, but this must end now. I am growing weary of this fight." She started to come at Hermione with her remaining sword, but Hermione was not ready to give in just yet.

"Expelliarmus!" Hermione shouted, grimacing at the pain in her ankle. Surely it was broken. Scarlet light erupted out of her wand and hit Hela square in the chest, causing her remaining sword to go flying against the far wall. A cry of outrage was her response.

With her swords lost, Hela ran forward and shoved Hermione, who tripped over Loki's throne and into the bassinet which held her daughter. She crashed to the floor, taking Gwyneira with her. It was at that moment that Hermione knew all was lost, but Hela would never get to hurt her daughter. Sprawled on the floor, Hermione pushed herself so that her back shielded Eira from Hela's sight. She was bruised and in pain, but her heart was true. Her wand clattered from her hand as she gave Hela one last hate-filled stare.

This was it, Hermione thought. Hela had her cornered, and she was about to die, but her death would not be in vain. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and cast the strongest protection charm she knew. It wasn't a simple charm learned many years ago at Hogwarts or even one she learned alongside Draco during their training at the Ministry. This was special, and it would protect those that held her heart.

It was a protection of love, and not even Hela could break through that.

Gwyneira, my love will protect you now and always. You will always be loved, my darling girl. Whatever happens here, I know that you will be safe forevermore. You, your father, and everyone we care about and that cares about us in return. I am sending all my love as protection.

Faintly, Hermione could hear pounding at the door and shouting that resembled both Loki and Thor, but she couldn't focus on them right now. All that mattered was that she repeated her vow of love and protection over and over in her head so that it would take hold. It had worked on Harry when his mother had died, and she hoped it would do the same now.

Hela grabbed hold of Hermione's neck and began to squeeze. Adamant that she would face her death without fear, Hermione opened her eyes and glared into Hela's dark ones. She struggled to breathe as Hela's grip grew tighter, her hands scratching at her neck for relief. As darkness began to take hold of her mind, she could only hear Gwyneira's cries. With her remaining strength, she tilted her head until she could see her beautiful daughter one last time.

Gwyneira's emerald eyes were open wide, staring at Hermione as she screamed and threw her little fists in a tantrum. I'll always love you… Hermione thought once more. Suddenly, Eira began to glow, and her cries were abruptly cut off. Had she understood Hermione's thoughts? The change must have alerted Hela too, because she glanced at the infant.

"What is this-?"

Before she could say anything further, the glowing that surrounded Gwyenira grew until the light was blinding. Then, a piercing cry erupted from the baby's mouth, and the light exploded outward. It hit Hermione and Hela with such force that they were thrown forward, effectively allowing Hermione to breathe once more.

As the light explosion surrounded them, Hermione felt its power. It was Star Magic! Gywnerira had cast out her Star Magic, and it was destroying Hela. Hermione felt the ring she wore with the Rime Diamond absorbing the magic that berated her body, but Hela had no way to protect herself.

She screamed in pain as the power of the stars burned her flesh, and then her bones until nothing remained but dust. Hermione watched in both fascination and horror as the Goddess of Death met her demise. When at last the last of the light faded and the dust blew into nothingness, Hermione crumpled onto her hands and knees, unable to hold herself upright any longer. She felt like she wanted to cry, but no tears would come.

The doors finally burst open, and Thor and Loki ran across the throne room. Thor was looking for Hela while Loki dropped to his knees and cradled Hermione's face in his hands. "What happened? We couldn't get through the door? She used her powers to seal it shut."

Unable to speak, Hermione still struggled to breathe. She scrambled from his hold to get to their daughter. Eira was unnaturally silent, and Hermione prayed to all the gods and goddesses that she was still alive. "Eira," she coughed, grabbing hold of the baby and holding her to her chest. "Please, please be alive."

Sensing Hermione's urgency, Loki joined her and checked their daughter for injury. He found nothing amiss. "She's… She's asleep."

"Are you sure?" Hermione questioned, tears filling her eyes finally. "Please, are you sure?"

Loki closed his eyes and placed his hand gently on the baby's forehead. He read her thoughts and smiled. Opening his eyes, he then wrapped an arm around Hermione and kissed the top of her head. "She dreams of you," he told her softly. "She loves you too, but is tired from using up most of her magic. She rests for a while."

"Gwyniera saved me," Hermione muttered in astonishment as she stared at her sleeping daughter. She was amazed that such a little being could wield such magic. Glancing up at Loki, she said, "She saved us all."

With his arm still securely around Hermione, Loki took in the destruction their daughter had wrought with her intense magical spell. A surge of relief, happiness, and pride erupted in his chest as he brushed the dark curls from Gwyneira's forehead. "No" Loki whispered, "she protected her Empire."

End Notes:

If you've stuck with me these past few years, you deserve all the love. I wish I could give YOU kudos for holding onto hope that I would update some day. The outpouring of lovely comments has kept me yearning to finish this. I want you to know that I have a few larger projects to get done in the next few weeks, but the final chapter of this story is right up there on my priorities list. You will not have to wait as long as you previously did. I promise. xx

If you are just joining, welcome to my insanity. Thank you so much for being here and reading. I hope you're enjoying this and come back for the ending! xx