《Reincarnation in Norse Mythology》


 The Ancient Manuscript

    The sky crumbles, cries break through the night.


    Lightning splits like a merciless blade.


    Beneath the withered shadow of Yggdrasil,


    The world weeps, drowning in sorrow.


    Fire rages, the sea rises.


    Eternal winter bites deep.


    A giant wolf, Fenrir his name,


    Bringing ruin, the end of all hope.


    He charges, his jaws agape.


    The sun and moon swallowed by his offspring.


    Each step shakes the ground.


    The world staggers, trembling in despair.


    Odin stands, the Allfather steadfast.


    Grungnir gripped tightly in his hand.


    But fate is carved in stone.


    Within Fenrir¡¯s jaws, even a god withers.


    A wolf¡¯s howl echoes in the sky.


    A sound that extinguishes all feeling.


    He lunges, his claws strike.


    The earth cracks, the heavens darken.


    Fenrir opens his maw.


    And the Allfather has fallen.


    Grief spreads once more.


    As fire engulfs all.


    But Vidar, harboring vengeance.


    Emerges from the darkness unseen.


    A magical boot treads upon his jaws.


    Breaking them in silence.


    Fenrir falls, writhing in his end.


    His blood floods the land, the world turns grim.


    But this is no victory, no tale of glory.


    Only emptiness, a silence so real.


    The world lies in ashes and embers.


    Yggdrasil burns, its cracks glowing.


    Fenrir is dead, yet his mark remains.


    A shadow in history, a hatred reborn.


    At the end of all, the night closes in.


    And the world falls silent, forever dark.


    ******


    After reading the translated poem, I let out a long breath and leaned back against the cold metal chair. My eyes stared blankly at the white ceiling. A glow radiated from the fluorescent light fixed at the center of the room.


    The story kept replaying in my head. I knew all of this was just mythology, mere folklore born from the imagination of ancient humans. And yet, for some reason, these tales always left me obsessed.


    I glanced at the ancient manuscripts scattered across my desk. The yellowed sheets looked fragile, as if they would crumble at the slightest mishandling.


    Dragging my chair back toward the desk, I reached out and carefully touched the aged papers. Their surface was rough, like the bark of a decaying tree.


    These manuscripts were discovered a few weeks ago by my colleagues during an excavation in Norway. They had been found buried within the remains of an ancient temple.


    The manuscripts had been entrusted to me because I was more proficient in translating ancient languages than my fellow archaeologists.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    I had spent months deciphering the ancient symbols woven into these manuscripts. A wave of relief washed over me now that I had finally managed to transcribe them into poetry. At least, that was how it was supposed to be.


    "What a shame." I carefully gathered the scattered manuscripts, handling them with reverence. "This could have been a truly beautiful poem if not for the language barrier."


    I was an archaeologist capable of translating ancient texts, but I was no poet. I lacked the skill to elegantly reconstruct the verses embedded within these manuscripts. Even so, I could still appreciate their beauty.


    Each region and era had its own rules governing the structure of poetry. And on top of that, language differences were the primary cause of these once-beautiful verses losing their grace.


    My hands froze mid-motion, my gaze locking onto a single name written within the manuscript.


    "Fenrir," I murmured, voicing the name softly. "If you think about it, he was just a lonely wolf."


    Fenrir was the son of Loki and his mistress, Angrboda. He was born alongside J?rmungandr, the Midgard Serpent, and Hela, the future ruler of Helheim. The three of them played crucial roles in Ragnarok, the great war that could be described as the apocalypse of Norse mythology.


    Fenrir himself was a savage beast who slaughtered gods. He was the one who devoured Odin, though he too met his end at the hands of Vidar. He was depicted as cruel, ferocious, relentless, and immensely powerful. And yet, deep down, I could understand why the wolf had acted as he did during Ragnarok.


    "Ridiculous." I traced my fingers over Fenrir¡¯s name, a faint sympathy in my touch. "Chained by Gleipnir because of a prophecy the Allfather feared. That wolf must have suffered terribly."


    Silence settled over the room. A faint ringing buzzed in my ears, but I ignored it. My thoughts drifted back to the Norse myths I had just finished translating.


    Suddenly, my head felt heavy. Maybe I was too exhausted. The clock on the wall read one in the morning. My body was demanding rest after working nonstop since morning.


    But I couldn¡¯t stop now. There was still one more manuscript I needed to translate. At the very least, I wanted to take a look at it before turning in for the night.


    I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the drowsiness. Then, reluctantly, I stood and retrieved a manuscript from a glass case in the corner of the room. With the document in hand, I returned to my desk and opened it.


    Strange symbols lined the parchment, coiling like snakes entwined with one another. A common sight in ancient manuscripts, their scripts shaped by the era in which they were written. Yet, for some reason, I felt an inexplicable unease while gazing upon this particular one.


    "What is this feeling?" I muttered, my brow furrowing.


    Without realizing it, my hands moved on their own, flipping through the pages relentlessly. My eyes scanned each symbol at a feverish pace, as if compelled to memorize every detail.


    At last, I reached the final page of the manuscript. There, a symbol was etched. A raven perched upon a branch, its head turned backward as if watching something in the distance.


    I reached out and ran my fingers over the engraving, brushing it with great care. The moment my fingertips made contact, a chilling sensation spread from the tip of my fingers throughout my entire body.


    I bit my lower lip as a sudden, unbearable dizziness surged through my head.


    Then everything changed.


    A flash of blinding light burst from the manuscript, forcing my eyes shut on instinct. My heartbeat pounded wildly, and my body jolted, crashing to the floor. I tried to get up, but a searing pain invaded my skull, as if thousands of needles were stabbing into my brain.


    "Aaaargh!" I screamed, clutching my head with both hands.


    Inside my mind, visions surfaced. Scenes I had never seen before, things beyond explanation.


    A battlefield engulfed in flames, gods locked in combat, and a colossal wolf standing over a fallen deity. I knew it was Fenrir, even though I had never seen him before.


    These images flashed by like a film playing at an impossible speed. It was as if my brain was being force-fed every detail of the Norse myths I had just translated.


    And amidst it all, a deep voice echoed within my head.


    You must become a part of this.


    I struggled against it, trying to pull myself away from the growing pain. My body trembled violently, as if I was being torn apart from within. The manuscript¡¯s glow intensified, bathing the room in a brilliant white fire.


    With the last of my strength, I reached for the desk, gripping its edge desperately, trying to hold on. But my hands soon slipped.


    My body collapsed to the floor, unresponsive. My eyes closed. And then, there was only darkness.


    A darkness absolute.


    ******


    The winter coastline felt eerily silent. The sea breeze blew fiercely, carrying a sharp, salty scent. Waves rolled sluggishly, reluctant to crash against the rocks covered in a thin layer of ice.


    The cold wind ruffled my black feathers, making my small body shiver. I slowly flapped my wings, trying to chase away the relentless chill creeping through me. Sunlight bathed my obsidian-black feathers, standing in stark contrast to the white snow blanketing the landscape behind me.


    "Koak, koak. (It''s freezing today.)"


    Yeah, this is who I am now. Not a human but a black raven perched on a tree branch, basking in the sun while gazing at the vast horizon beyond the endless ocean.


    After touching that ancient manuscript, I lost consciousness. When I opened my eyes, I found myself here, reborn as a raven in the world of Norse mythology.


    Though my memories as a human were blurry, so much so that I couldn''t even recall my real name, fortunately, almost all of my modern knowledge remained vividly intact.


    Norse mythology was a world centered around the great tree Yggdrasil, forming its cosmic structure. The stories of gods, their battles, and even the legendary Ragnarok were all still clearly etched in my mind.


    This world consisted of nine realms, divided into three levels: branches, trunk, and roots. Each level contained three realms, all connected by a rainbow bridge known as Bifr?st.


    A glimmer of purple light flickered in the distance, once again catching my eye and reigniting my curiosity. That light again.


    Since the moment I hatched, there was one thing that had always captivated me. A tiny purple light shining in the northern sky. It appeared every morning and evening at specific times. Strangely, none of my fellow ravens could see it.


    It was as if that light was a special call meant only for me. A raven carrying human memories from a past life.


    I had always believed that it held the answer to why I was brought into this world. That was why, when I reached adolescence, I left my nest, allowing my wings to guide me toward it.


    And now, here I was, standing on the shore, driven by an insatiable curiosity. This feeling wouldn¡¯t fade until I reached that place and unraveled the meaning behind the mysterious light.


    Cautiously, I spread my wings, feeling the icy night air brush against my feathers. The sea breeze was strong, but I knew I had to try. My eyes swept across my surroundings, carefully scanning the area.


    If I couldn¡¯t find something to ride on, at the very least, I could rest on the ice-covered rocks jutting from the water¡¯s surface.


    Studies had shown that ravens were renowned for their intelligence. They could use tools, take advantage of other animals for transportation, and possessed remarkable problem-solving abilities.


    Well, I had experienced it firsthand after living as a raven for the past four years. My mind felt much sharper, my memory significantly stronger, and I had noticed countless other signs of heightened intelligence.


    "Koak. Koak." Once again, I cawed loudly, encouraging myself.


    Slowly, I took a few steps back, preparing to take flight toward the place that had haunted my thoughts for so long. Whatever awaited me there, I had to find out. That purple light, whatever it meant, might be tied to my fate in this world.


    I flapped my wings, leaped into the air, and let the wind carry my small body skyward. Beneath me, the waves roared endlessly, while above, clouds drifted across the vast blue expanse of the Norse sky.


    I soared through the heavens, flying toward the glimmering light that refused to leave my mind.

 The Lone Wolf and The Raven

    From the blue sky, I gazed into the distance at a vast island wrapped in a blanket of white snow. I descended, stretching my wings gracefully as I flew toward the mysterious island that had haunted my thoughts for so long.


    I glided between the bare trees covered in snow, their leaves long since fallen in preparation for the long winter. The cold air refreshed my lungs as my obsidian wings stretched against the wind.


    I kept flapping my wings, maneuvering through the barren branches. My dark feathers scattered chaotically onto the ground, a stark contrast against the endless white of the snow.


    "Caw... caw..."


    My sharp cry shattered the silence that enveloped the valley, disrupting the tranquil symphony of nature.


    This scene reminded me of when I first hatched into this unfamiliar world. I had been somewhat unlucky, as the winter that year lasted longer than usual. Back then, I was weak and helpless. Even so, I had no choice but to survive in the merciless cold.


    Damn, my wings...


    Lost in nostalgia, I suddenly felt a numbness creeping into my wings after flying nonstop for two hours. I realized I had been pushing myself too hard. Crossing a hundred kilometers of ocean, even with brief rests on floating ice, was still too much for a raven like me.


    My eyes darted around, searching for a suitable perch. Once I found one, I descended and planted my feet firmly on the chosen branch.


    Flying this far had left me feeling a little hungry. I quickly scanned the trees around me, searching for something edible. Before long, I spotted a small creature, no bigger than a human finger, wriggling lazily nearby.


    My eyes widened instantly. How lucky.


    It was a woolly bear caterpillar, a creature capable of surviving even in subzero temperatures. In this season of scarcity, these little things were lifesavers for omnivorous birds.


    Shifting my body, I snapped it up with my sharp, curved beak. Delicious...


    I closed my eyes and grinned. A mix of sweetness and spice filled my throat as the chewy flesh slid down, satisfying my rumbling stomach.


    I noticed more caterpillars clinging to the branches. Without hesitation, I hopped from bough to bough, hunting them down to fill my belly.


    With my energy replenished after devouring every woolly bear scattered on the tree, I tilted my head back, watching as the sun reached its peak in the sky.


    Enough rest.


    Once again, I spread my wings, preparing to delve deeper into the forest, hoping to satisfy my curiosity.


    "Caw. Caw." My cry echoed through the vast sky. My eyes keenly surveyed the dense woodland from above.


    A surge of curiosity welled up inside me as I spotted a flicker of violet light in the distance, right at the heart of the forest. I hastened my wingbeats, eager to reach it as quickly as possible.


    There.


    After a while, my vision finally captured a clear sight of the forest¡¯s center.


    In its heart lay a clearing, as if the trees deliberately kept their distance. In the middle of that clearing was a nearly frozen lake. The mysterious light originated from behind a massive boulder on the lakeshore, encircled by golden chains.


    The golden chains clinked softly, as if something on the other side was pulling at them. There had to be something behind that boulder.


    I circled above before descending gracefully, landing on the nearest tree branch. And that was when my eyes widened in disbelief at what lay beyond the massive rock.


    So Beautiful...


    I saw her, a stunning girl bound by those golden chains. Her jaw was clenched tight, anger flickering across her face as she struggled, desperately trying to break free.


    Even in her tattered, ragged clothing, she looked breathtaking. Her porcelain-white skin gleamed under the light, and atop her head rested a pair of wolf-like ears. Her piercing golden eyes burned with intensity, her long, deep-purple hair cascading down her back. A single sharp fang peeked from her lips, adding to her fierce expression.


    A silver pendant with a violet gemstone shimmered, its glow cutting through the clouds, as if warning that her resistance was utterly futile.


    "Damn it! This is useless!" she growled in frustration.


    I could feel the anger and resentment radiating from her. And yet, something about her felt strange. My curiosity compelled me to fly closer.


    Who was this girl? What had she done to end up bound here like this?


    I descended from the tree, soaring toward her without hesitation, landing right in front of her. Our eyes met in a silence that felt oddly suffocating.


    Through those sharp golden irises, I caught glimpses of sorrow and pain, emotions she tried so hard to conceal.


    "Tch," the girl finally broke the silence with a scoff. "Did you come here just to mock me too, you ugly bird?!" Her voice was loud, filled with burning fury.


    Despite her threatening tone, I could hear the bitterness and loneliness hiding beneath her hoarse voice. Boldly, I stepped closer.


    "Tch. This is the first time a bird has dared to come this close to me." A smirk played on her lips, laced with mockery. "Are you not afraid of me, you damned bird? I could eat you whenever I want."A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Her intimidation didn¡¯t faze me. If anything, I moved even closer, meeting her gaze with unwavering intensity.


    "How dare you..."


    Her face flushed red with frustration, fists clenched tight. She looked like a volcano on the verge of eruption.


    "What the hell do you want, you ugly bird?! If you came here just to ridicule me like the others, you¡¯d better leave before I make you my meal!"


    I remained still, refusing to budge. Instead, I deliberately provoked her by giving her a look of pity.


    "Get out of here, you damn bird! Leave! Leave!"


    Her fury exploded, and she lashed out at me with an aggressive shout. "Save your pity for yourself, you damn bird! I don¡¯t need it!" The golden chains clinked violently as she swung her clawed hands. "Get out of here, now!"


    "Caw. Caw."


    I tried dodging her swipes by hopping around, but she relentlessly attempted to chase me off. I took flight, perching on a tree to maintain a safe distance.


    She stomped toward me, still shouting in rage. "Leave, now! Don¡¯t you even know who I am?! I am Fenrir, the strongest wolf in Norse lands! I do not need pity from a lowly creature like you!"


    I froze the moment she uttered her name. Fenrir? That monstrous wolf? Could it really be her? But wasn¡¯t Fenrir supposed to be male? Was this really the Norse mythology I knew? Something didn¡¯t add up.


    My thoughts were abruptly shattered when Fenrir started shaking the tree I was perched on. Her strength was incredible, it felt like she was trying to uproot the entire thing.


    Snow and leaves rained down as the tremors shook the branches. She was serious about driving me away.


    "Caw. Caw. (Damn, she¡¯s really mad!)" I cried out in panic. "Caw. Caw. Caw. (Alright, alright! I¡¯ll leave!)"


    Flapping my wings, I swiftly took off, putting distance between us.


    Just before I disappeared from sight, I caught a glimpse of her sinking to the ground, a sorrowful expression flickering behind her sharp golden eyes.


    Why did she look so sad? Was she lonely?


    I wasn¡¯t sure what was going on, but that expression of hers... I had a feeling it would linger in my mind.


    I would return soon.


    *****


    [PoV Fenrir]


    I took a deep breath, my body sinking to the ground, defeated by the sudden pain piercing my heart.


    "In the end, I drove him away, didn''t I..."


    Throughout my life, I had always been feared and hated by every creature in Norse lands because of my strength and the prophecy of destruction that followed me.


    The gods saw me as a threat, so they sealed me away in this remote valley, Lyngvi.


    The fire of hatred and anger constantly raged in my heart, burning away all the emotions I might have once felt. I had forgotten what it was like to be cared for, how to interact with others. Only loneliness and fury remained.


    Revenge? Hatred? Perhaps those were the right words to describe my feelings. I wanted nothing more than to take vengeance on the gods who had treated me this way.


    Without realizing it, tears streamed down the corners of my eyes.


    "Why... why am I always like this?"


    My heart had hardened, wrapped in darkness. Then that raven came to me. He had the audacity to meet my gaze. Even if only for a moment, his presence had eased my burden just a little.


    But my heart felt torn when I saw that bird pitying me. The only way I knew to rid myself of that pain was by chasing him away.


    Unfortunately, that only hurt me even more. I had knowingly driven away the only creature that might have cared about me.


    "I... I just wanted a friend."


    Lost in thought, I did not realize evening had fallen over the forest until the sun fully retreated beyond the horizon. The sound of night insects began to echo around me.


    Suddenly, my ears twitched. I caught the sound of rustling approaching from behind.


    "What a coincidence," I murmured, wiping away my tears. "Maybe eating something will ease this pain a little."


    I stood up, revealing my sharp claws, ready to attack and make whatever approached my dinner. But then my nose picked up a familiar scent. A distinctive smell, something that instantly reminded me of a certain creature.


    "Wait, this scent..." My nose flared as I tried to recall whose scent it was. My eyes widened in realization. "Is it that raven from earlier?"


    And just as I thought that, the raven emerged from the trees, flying toward me with a shiny red apple clutched in his beak. He dropped the apple into my outstretched hand.


    "What does this mean?" I stared at the raven, but he did not respond. He only flew away to perch on a nearby tree.


    Once more, I looked at the apple, then at the raven, who seemed to be watching me. A small smile curved on my lips as I realized what he meant.


    "So that is it. You want to be my friend, huh?" I asked, gazing at him gently.


    "Caw."


    The raven responded with a loud caw. Even though I could not understand bird language, I knew exactly what he meant.


    Without hesitation, I took a bite of the apple. It was just a winter apple, not as delicious as those from other seasons, but for some reason, I could not stop eating. Every bite filled my heart, nearly dead from loneliness, with a warmth I had not felt in so long.


    Before I knew it, tears spilled down my cheeks.


    "This is really good..." I mumbled, devouring the apple until nothing remained.


    Then I turned my gaze to the raven, who was now drowsing on the tree branch. I spread my arms, calling out to him.


    "Hey, bird, come here!" My voice was softer and friendlier. I did not want to scare him. "I will not eat you. I promise!"


    For a moment, the raven hesitated. But in the end, my coaxing worked. The little bird flew into my embrace.


    I walked toward the massive rock that anchored my seal, settling down as I always did. Placing the raven on my lap, I gently stroked his black feathers.


    He seemed comfortable, curling up even deeper into my lap. His eyes drooped heavily, closing shut several times.


    "Are you sleepy?" I asked, caressing his head softly. "Go ahead and sleep. I promise to protect you. No one will harm you."


    The raven no longer hesitated, shutting his eyes completely, allowing himself to nestle into my lap.


    Silence returned to the valley once more, but this time, it felt different. No longer did I feel that crushing emptiness. Instead, warmth filled my heart. After so long, I finally felt the joy of having a new friend, bringing an uncontrollable smile to my lips.


    "You are really careless, you ugly raven..." I murmured, brushing my slender fingers against his sleeping face. "I could eat you if I wanted to."


    A soft smile lingered on my face as I watched the little bird sleeping peacefully in my lap, making me feel sleepy as well.


    "Yawn," I stretched my arms upward. "Now I feel like sleeping too."


    I curled up, carefully cradling the raven in my arms like a sleeping doll. Slowly, my eyes drifted shut, and I fell into a deep slumber, holding the little bird close.


    Unbeknownst to me, far in the future, this encounter would change the fate that Yggdrasil had set for us, the lonely wolf girl and the raven in my embrace.

 Lokis Hidden Plan

    [PoV ???]


    The grand hall always made me feel small, no matter how many times I had crossed it. Towering marble pillars lined the space, while walls adorned with gold-threaded tapestries bore symbols of majesty, magnificent and elegant.


    Yet, no amount of beauty could ease the worry tightening in my chest as I gazed at the man I loved. He sat on his grand throne, his expression dark with a deep frown. His usual presence, filled with wisdom and authority, now seemed dimmed, replaced by a posture heavy with unease.


    I could feel his anxiety. The aura of wisdom that always radiated from him was now subdued, replaced by a bowed head full of turmoil.


    I couldn''t bear to see him like this. With light steps, I approached him and wrapped my arms around his shoulders, hoping that my embrace could offer him some comfort. As our skin touched, I felt the tension in his strong, rigid muscles.


    Leaning in, I whispered playfully into his ear, "What troubles you, my husband?"


    He turned his gaze toward me. The stiffness in his expression softened slightly, sending a gentle warmth through my heart. But beneath that tenderness, I could still see the storm raging in his mind.


    "My wife," he called me, his voice low as if it pained him to say what came next. "It seems¡­ someone has altered the course of fate."


    I tilted my head, not understanding his words.


    "Someone has interfered with Fenrir''s fate, the wolf girl we sealed away," he continued, his tone filled with a seriousness that made my heart clench.


    My face paled at the name he had just spoken.


    Fenrir, the one we had sealed long ago due to her destined path of destruction. She was meant to remain bound by Gleipnir until Ragnarok arrived. What could have happened? And who was foolish enough to meddle with Fenrir''s fate?


    "But how is that possible?" I asked, my voice trembling. "Who would dare to do something so reckless? Do they intend to throw the entire Yggdrasil into chaos?"


    "Shhh¡­ lower your voice. Someone might hear us." My husband placed a finger before his lips, warning me to be cautious.


    I fell silent immediately, realizing just how grave the situation was. The cosmos had long known the fate of Loki and Angrboda¡¯s children, a destiny of ruin and destruction. That was why everyone feared and despised them.


    Perhaps my husband intended to keep this news hidden, at least for now, to prevent unrest among us gods.


    "I don¡¯t know the full details yet," he sighed. "But one thing is certain, we must act before it''s too late."


    I nodded in agreement, though my mind remained filled with questions. "So¡­ what do you plan to do, my husband?"


    He took a deep breath before answering, as if trying to ease the burden weighing on his mind. "I will send a few gods to check on Fenrir," he said in a deep voice. "If anything seems amiss with her, I won¡¯t hesitate to take further action."


    "And who will you send for this task?" I asked, keeping my tone steady, though deep down, I was eager to hear his answer.


    "I haven''t decided yet. But for now, I will send a few young gods to assess the situation."


    "Would you consider sending our child? It could serve as good experience for them," I suggested.


    As a mother, I naturally wanted my child to gain experience. And yet, I couldn''t shake the worry gnawing at my heart.


    "No. They are still too young. I won¡¯t take the risk if anything happens to them."


    I nodded, acknowledging the truth in his words. "Perhaps you¡¯re right," I murmured.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    For a moment, we sat in silence, sharing our unspoken concerns. Slowly, I wrapped my arms around his shoulders once more, holding him tightly, hoping to bring him even a sliver of peace amidst our growing fears.


    "I love you, my husband," I whispered, soft and sincere.


    "And I love you, my wife," he replied, his voice warm yet still tinged with unease.


    In the vast, silent majesty of Asgard¡¯s great hall, we remained together, just the two of us. And for that brief moment, the world beyond felt like nothing more than a distant shadow.


    <hr>


    [PoV Loki]


    The cave was silent, except for the faint dripping of water from the stalactites above. The dim glow of torches mounted on the stone walls barely illuminated the space. The scent of damp earth mixed with the faint aroma of incense wafting from a silver bowl beside me, creating a strangely calming atmosphere.


    I lay on my side atop a flat stone, one hand propping up my head while the other rested lazily on my waist.


    Before me, a crystal orb the size of a human head floated, its surface radiating a soft blue glow that rippled like water. My fingers moved idly over it, swirling the images displayed within.


    Scenes from the Nine Realms flashed by in rapid succession. I watched the humans of Midgard wage their meaningless wars. The dwarves of Svartalfheim, busy forging weapons. The elves of Alfheim, indulging in their tedious dances.


    Nothing piqued my interest. I sighed, nearly yawning. "Damn it, there''s nothing entertaining at all."


    Few things ever caught my attention. Everything had become far too predictable. Truthfully, I had once held some hope for my children, those who had been prophesied to bring destruction.


    Unfortunately, Old Man Odin had taken precautions long before that could happen. He cast Jormungandr into the Midgard Sea, banished Hela to Helheim, and bound Fenrir in unbreakable chains.


    From time to time, I checked on them through the pendants I had given them, but the result was always the same. None of them had done anything to shake Yggdrasil as Odin''s prophecy had foretold.


    Jormungandr simply lived peacefully in the ocean. Hela dutifully carried out her role as ruler of Helheim. And Fenrir, that fool, still struggled against her bonds, despite knowing full well it was futile.


    I was about to end my observations when suddenly, the crystal orb shone brighter. The fleeting images now sharpened, revealing a grand hall I knew all too well, Asgard''s palace.


    Through the orb¡¯s glow, I saw Odin seated on his throne, his expression one I rarely witnessed. Normally, he carried himself with unwavering confidence, his sharp gaze seeing through everything. But this time, something was different.


    Doubt. Worry.


    I chuckled. "When was the last time the All-Father showed an expression like that? Now this is interesting. Very interesting."


    Beside him, his wife stood with her hand resting gently on his shoulder. I couldn''t hear their conversation clearly, but I could read their lips.


    Fenrir. Someone had interfered with the wolf girl''s fate. And lastly, had tampered with Yggdrasil itself.


    ¡°Wait, did I read that correctly?¡± My eyes widened, and soon, so did the grin spreading across my face. "Tampering with Yggdrasil. Now this is going to be fun."


    My mind wandered, envisioning the great events that lay ahead, with myself watching from behind the scenes, enjoying the spectacle while feasting on a roasted chicken leg.


    I pushed myself up, stretching my arms above my head, then twisting my back left and right until a series of loud cracks echoed through the cave.


    Clasping my hands together, my grin widened once more. "Fenrir, my foolish daughter," I whispered, stifling a laugh. "I never expected some lunatic to try meddling with my little girl."


    My thoughts drifted toward whoever this madman might be. Honestly, only two kinds of people would dare approach Fenrir. Someone as foolish as she was, or someone like me.


    "Someone like me," I murmured, my voice low and thoughtful. "Now I¡¯m a little curious about this person."


    I ran my fingers over the crystal orb, and its images swirled like a whirlpool before revealing a new scene. From the grandeur of Asgard''s palace, I was now shown a dense forest, shrouded in a thin mist.


    My foolish daughter.


    A vision of a long-haired girl with deep violet locks emerged through the haze. Her ears twitched, and her tail swayed slightly. A wide smile adorned her beautiful face, something I hadn¡¯t seen since she had been bound.


    I clicked my tongue. "I¡¯ve never seen her smile like that before. Who¡¯s responsible for this?"


    I studied her carefully. Her hands moved repeatedly in a steady rhythm, as if she were holding something.


    "What is she holding?" I brushed my fingers against the orb again, zooming in for a clearer view.


    My attention shifted to the dark figure curled up in her lap. "A raven? Why would a creature like that dare to approach my foolish daughter?"


    Ravens were creatures with keen instincts. It should have sensed Fenrir¡¯s aura of destruction and stayed far away from her. Unless...


    I narrowed my eyes. "There''s something about him."


    Then, Odin¡¯s words echoed in my mind. Someone had tried to alter the course of fate.


    "Is this the one Old Man was talking about?" I muttered, eyes locked onto the raven.


    Too coincidental. Too strange to ignore.


    An idea began to take shape in my mind, slithering like a serpent rousing from its slumber. A rush of excitement spread through my chest. Slowly, the grin on my face stretched wider.


    This was going to be interesting. I had to act before Odin ruined my fun again.


    I rose to my feet and strode out of the cave, my thoughts already spinning with the possibilities ahead.


    A faint smile crossed my lips. "Be patient, my little girl. Your father will be visiting you very soon."

 Under Lyngvi Skys

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    The sunlight filtered through the gaps in the forest canopy, striking my closed eyelids. Its dazzling glow greeted my eyes, forcing me out of my dreams.


    "Hmm... mhnmm..."


    I groaned, my hand reaching for something that should have been beside me. Unfortunately, I found nothing, causing me to jolt awake in a surge of panic.


    "That raven!" Sleepiness and laziness instantly vanished, replaced by anxiety over my feathered companion''s whereabouts. "Where is he?!"


    I immediately got up, scanning my surroundings with my sharp vision, trying to locate the raven that had slept in my embrace last night. But no matter how hard I looked, I couldn''t find him.


    "Raven, where are you?!" I called out loudly.


    I placed my hand near my ear, sharpening my hearing. Yet, I heard nothing. Not the flap of his wings, nor any sound that could hint at his presence.


    Sniff, sniff.


    Unwilling to give up, I tried using my keen nose to track him down. But again, there was nothing. The wind must have carried his scent away.


    "Damn it, when did he leave? Why can''t I pick up his scent?" I grumbled in frustration.


    Restlessly, I stood up and started walking, determined to find where my little bird had gone. However, I barely made it nine meters before the clinking of chains stopped me in my tracks.


    "Curse you, Gleipnir! You won''t even let me search for my friend!"


    I struggled, fighting with all my strength until my muscles tensed, desperately trying to break free from Gleipnir. The pendant given to me by that bastard glowed brightly, as if mocking my futile efforts.


    "Ugh... heavy... damn it!"


    As expected, my struggle was in vain. The harder I tried, the tighter the chain bound me, reminding me that I would never escape its grip. The me of today was still far too weak to break Gleipnir.


    "Tch, it''s useless."


    With heavy steps, I trudged back to my stone bed and sat cross-legged on top of it. Tilting my head back, I gazed at the delicate clouds dancing gracefully in the sky.


    "So... all I can do now is wait," I muttered in annoyance. "How boring!"


    I lay back on the stone, my face turned up toward the vast blue sky.


    As I waited, an unsettling feeling crept into my chest. A strange emotion I couldn''t quite put into words.


    "Strange... what is this feeling? I want to see him again..."


    The image of my beloved raven suddenly flashed in the sky, making me even more impatient.


    "Hurry up and come back, you stupid bird!" My shout echoed in the air, carried away by the gentle wind, hoping it would reach that damn raven''s ears.


    After venting all my frustrations, I let myself collapse into the thick snow covering the ground. My eyes stared blankly at the floating clouds, my mind wandering as I waited for my black-feathered friend to return.


    Time passed unnoticed, the sun nearly reaching its peak, yet there was still no sign of the raven''s arrival.


    "He''s taking so long..."


    Time felt unbearably slow. I could only laze around, rolling in the snow and growling softly in frustration.


    "Curse you, Gleipnir!" I shot a resentful glare at the powerful chain that had bound me for the past few years. "You''ve already sealed away part of my power, restricted my movements, and now you won''t even let me go find my new friend!"


    Gleipnir, a magical chain forged by the dwarves from various unknown materials. A chain said to remain unbroken until the day I die.


    I took a deep breath, recalling the feelings I had when that raven first appeared. It was the first time an animal had dared to approach me, bringing an unfamiliar emotion I struggled to describe.


    "That raven..." I murmured, my tail and ears flicking unconsciously at the thought of him. "If he comes back, I''ll make him my precious pet."


    Before he arrived, I had always been alone. The aura of destruction surrounding me scared other animals away. I was used to solitude, but his brief presence had somehow eased the loneliness I never realized I had.


    "Why do I feel like this?"


    The clouds above danced cheerfully in the sky. They looked so peaceful, so carefree. So different from the turmoil churning inside me.


    Sret. Sret.


    The faint rustling of leaves behind me caught my attention. My nose flared, picking up a distinct scent I knew all too well.


    "He''s here!"


    I sat up eagerly as I spotted a raven flying toward me, two mice dangling from his claws.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    "Finally! You''re back!" I cheered, stretching out my arms in an attempt to reach him.


    "Koak... koak," the raven cawed above me before dropping the mice right at my feet.


    I tilted my head, inspecting his latest offering. "You... you hunted? For me?"


    The raven gave a small nod.


    Although I didn''t necessarily need to eat, I never turned down food. Especially if it was brought to me by my beloved pet. Without hesitation, I grabbed the mice and gratefully accepted his gift.


    "Thank you!"


    My tail swayed with delight as I eagerly bit into the fresh meat, savoring its taste. Every so often, I wiped away the thick blood trickling from the corners of my mouth.


    As I enjoyed my meal, I felt the raven''s gaze fixed on me, watching intently. I furrowed my brows, wondering what was on his mind.


    "Why are you staring at me like that?" I asked between bites. "Never seen a beautiful girl eat before?"


    His expression suddenly soured.


    "Why are you looking at me like that?" I narrowed my eyes suspiciously. "What are you thinking, huh?"


    He didn''t answer. Instead, he perched on a nearby branch, observing me from above.


    I could only pout at his behavior. For some reason, it felt insulting.


    "You''re so annoying."


    I let out a bitter smile. Deep down, I wished we could truly understand each other. I wanted us to talk and share laughter.


    But I knew it wouldn''t be easy. He was just an ordinary raven, while I was a feared jotun. How could we possibly chat like friends?


    Yeah, somehow, he seemed to understand what I was saying. But in the end, he was still just a bird. How could we ever have a conversation? Unless...


    "Koak... koak."


    His loud caw snapped me out of my thoughts, making me turn toward him.


    "Hey, what''s with you? What do you want?"


    Without a clear answer, he suddenly flapped his wings and took off, leaving me behind.


    "Hey, where are you going?! Don''t leave! Stay here, you ugly bird!"


    "Tch, where is he flying off to now? What the hell is going through his head? Why does he leave me so easily?!"


    I puffed out my cheeks, pouting at my companion who seemed oblivious to the loneliness I felt. But there was nothing I could do. I could only watch as he flew away, unable to stop him.


    "I''m definitely going to put a collar around your neck, you ugly bird."


    *****


    [Raven¡¯s PoV]


    I spread my wings, flying low over the vast expanse of snow. Occasionally, I maneuvered in the air, avoiding obstacles in my path. I kept flapping my wings, trying to explore this forest more deeply.


    This unrelenting curiosity compelled me to further investigate the state of the forest in this mysterious valley. If I remember correctly, this place is called Lyngvi, the valley where Fenrir is supposed to be sealed. Though there are actually several versions of that story.


    There was nothing particularly interesting here.


    Even though I had explored a quarter of the forest, I hadn''t found anything remarkable. This valley was just like any other forest enduring a long winter.


    I slowed my pace and perched gracefully on the branch of an apple tree that was still bearing fruit.


    Due to the long winters that always plagued the Norse lands, many plants had evolved to adapt to the extreme environment. One such plant was the apple tree, which could bear fruit in winter. Something like this shouldn''t exist in the world I came from.


    Once again, my wings felt slightly numb from flying too long. I tilted my head upward, staring at the sun as it began its descent toward the west.


    I would rest for a moment before returning to Fenrir''s side.


    Glancing left and right, I spotted winter berries growing in abundance. Their glossy color awakened my hunger. Without hesitation, I swooped down and eagerly devoured the small fruits, soothing my throat with their sweet and sour taste.


    "Koak. Koak. (It seems like this is the only interesting thing about this valley,)" I cawed loudly, dancing with joy as I realized the berries here were far more delicious than those elsewhere.


    I continued my berry feast, losing track of time. My instincts only stirred when I saw the sun nearing the horizon, as if waving at me to return home.


    Without thinking twice, I followed my instincts, preparing to head back to Fenrir''s side. Though I had yet to see a single alpha predator around, the night was still a dangerous time for a beta predator like me. That was reason enough to return before the sun disappeared completely.


    Before taking flight, I plucked a small branch of berries to bring as a snack for Fenrir. Though I wasn¡¯t sure about her dietary preferences. Was she a strict carnivore because she was a wolf, or an omnivore because of her humanoid form?


    Along the way, I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something was strange. There were very few animals in this lush valley. I only saw a few insects and the occasional small creature scurrying about. Even in winter, this level of emptiness felt unnatural.


    Was this because of Fenrir¡¯s presence?


    Yes, as an animal, I could also sense the aura of destruction surrounding her. But perhaps the remnants of human conscience within me made me less affected by the overwhelming energy that clung to her.


    After flying for a while, I was almost back when the sky was painted in breathtaking shades of crimson.


    There she was.


    I spotted her leaning against a large rock, her lips pursed. Arms crossed over her chest. Tail swishing harshly. Her expression was one of pure irritation. Her sharp eyes locked onto me as I approached.


    I had no idea what had happened. I swooped down toward her, the branch of berries still in my beak. But before I could land in front of her, the girl suddenly lunged forward and grabbed me roughly, causing the berries I had brought for her to fall.


    "Koak! Koak!" I screeched in pain, writhing in her grip.


    "You damn bird!" she shouted, her voice loud and accusing. "Why did you leave me without saying anything, huh?"


    So that was it. She was mad because she thought I had abandoned her. It seemed she truly couldn''t understand my language at all, even though I had cawed loudly to let her know I was leaving.


    "Koak. Koak. (Let me go for a moment so I can explain first,)" I pleaded, trying to break free. But her grip was too strong. Or maybe... I was just too weak.


    "You want me to let you go? Then give me a satisfying explanation, or I¡¯ll make you my dinner tonight, Ugly Bird!" Her sharp eyes bore into me, making my feathers bristle slightly.


    I fell silent for a moment, taking a deep breath.


    She also grew quiet, becoming calmer than before. Tilting her head, she looked at me with curiosity. "Why are you just staring? Do you want to become roasted bird?"


    I swallowed hard, slightly intimidated by her threat. My mind spun quickly, searching for a way to escape this dangerous situation.


    I glanced to the right, then to the left. That was when my gaze landed on the fallen berry branch. Shifting my eyes back to Fenrir, I gestured for her to follow my gaze.


    The girl followed my line of sight, staring straight at the berries on the ground. "Berries?" she murmured, tilting her head.


    Her grip loosened, and I immediately took the chance to slip from her grasp. Walking over to the branch, I picked it up and placed it in front of Fenrir.


    "Koak. Koak." I cawed, my gesture sincere.


    She picked up the berries I had set before her, staring at them with wide, glistening eyes. "You¡­ you brought these for me?"


    I nodded slowly.


    "Thank you. You''re so kind, little bird. I like you even more now." A small, thin smile formed on her beautifully carved lips.


    I couldn''t help but smile as well when I saw her eagerly devouring the berries. Yeah, I think I preferred watching her eat fruit rather than raw mice. Honestly, it was unsettling to see such a gorgeous girl happily munching on a raw rodent.


    Suddenly, Fenrir lifted me high into the air. A spark of happiness flashed in her eyes as she looked at me as if I were her dearest friend.


    "You''ve been so good to me. Do you want to be my pet?"

 The Name

    "Would you be my pet?"


    I glared.


    What did she just say? A pet? This girl must have misunderstood. I was sincere toward her, but that didn¡¯t mean I was willing to become her pet. I still had my pride as a bird soaring free in the sky, I wouldn¡¯t let anyone take that freedom away from me.


    I shut my eyes and, without a second thought, shook my head firmly.


    "I see..." Fenrir¡¯s voice suddenly dropped, turning cold.


    Without warning, her fingers clenched tightly around me.


    "Caw. Caw. Caw!" I screeched in pain, writhing to break free, but her grip was too strong, just like a wolf sinking its fangs into its prey.


    "Perhaps I should rephrase my question." She glared at me with sharp eyes. "Will you be my pet, or my dinner, Ugly Bird?"


    I swallowed hard. Clearly, this wasn¡¯t an offer, this was a threat driven by her selfishness.


    Without warning, she opened her mouth as if she were about to eat me. I thrashed and squawked uncontrollably. "Caw! Caw! Caw!"


    "I don¡¯t understand what you¡¯re saying. Now, be quiet for a moment."


    I obeyed, my body trembling in fear.


    "Good." A satisfied smile spread across her face. "Now, nod your head for yes and shake it for no. Understand?"


    I nodded.


    "I¡¯ll ask you one more time, will you be my pet or not, Sweet Raven?" Her voice was gentle, her smile sweet, but it was obviously fake. This wasn¡¯t a choice, it was a clear-cut threat.


    Cold sweat trickled through my feathers.


    Meanwhile, Fenrir continued to pressure me with her fake smile and menacing words. "Come on, hurry up before I change my mind."


    Reluctantly, I gave a small nod.


    Fenrir¡¯s lips curled into a pleased smile. She then pulled me into a tight embrace, pressing me against her chest. "Yay! I knew you actually wanted this. You were just too shy, little raven."


    Who¡¯s shy? You threatened me.


    Now, I could only resign myself to fate, sacrificing my freedom for her selfish whims. But perhaps¡­ that was still better than becoming her meal.


    I let out a deep sigh. How did I end up in such miserable luck?


    Fenrir then looked at me, still trapped in her arms. "As proof that you¡¯re my pet, I¡¯ll give you a little gift."


    I tilted my head curiously. A gift? What kind of gift?


    "First, I¡¯ll give you a name!"


    I tilted my head again. A name, huh...


    It was something I hadn¡¯t thought about in a long time, not since I was reborn as a raven. To animals, names were meaningless. None of us had names, yet we could still recognize each other through instinct.


    But having a name it brought back nostalgia of my past life. Yes, as a human, I must have had a name, even if I couldn¡¯t remember it.


    I supposed, there was nothing wrong with having a name in this second life. A small smile tugged at my beak.


    Fenrir loosened her hold, allowing me to perch on her slender hand. She gave me a bright smile. "Listen carefully, Sweet Raven. I will now give you your name. From this moment on, your name shall be..."


    My heart pounded with anticipation, eager to hear the name she had chosen. I secretly hoped for something cool, like Siegfried, or Sigmund, or maybe some other Norse hero.


    "Den Stygge! (The Ugly One!)"


    I froze. It felt as if the sky had just collapsed on top of me. My hopes were shattered beyond repair.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    Den Stygge? The Ugly One? That was the best she could come up with? I had never met a girl as foolish as her. She actually gave me a name that literally meant "ugly".


    "Caw! Caw! (I refuse that name, you foolish girl!)" I screeched, thrashing wildly in protest. "Caw! Caw! (Take it back, you stupid wolf!)"


    "You¡¯re so energetic! You must really like the name!" Fenrir beamed, completely unaware of my outrage.


    Like it? I¡¯d have to be insane to accept a name like that. I launched myself onto her head and started pecking her furiously. Take this, you foolish girl. Feel my wrath. Take it.


    "Ow! Ow! That hurts!" Fenrir yelped, trying to shield her head. "What are you doing, Stygge? You¡¯ve never been this noisy before!"


    "Caw! Caw! (How dare you call me by that awful name! Take this!)"


    I doubled down on my assault. Not only did I peck at her, but I also ruffled her hair with my claws and beak. At this point, I didn¡¯t care what she would do to me.


    "Stop it! Why are you so mad?"


    I halted my attack and hopped onto the ground, flapping my wings furiously while screeching at her, hoping she would understand my anger. "Caw! Caw! Caw!"


    Fenrir furrowed her brows. "Wait¡­ don¡¯t tell me¡­ you don¡¯t like that name?"


    Finally. She was getting it.


    I nodded.


    Her wolf ears drooped, her tail sagging in disappointment. "Alright, I¡¯ll come up with another name."


    She scratched her chin, deep in thought. After a brief moment, her ears perked up, she had an idea. "Ah! How about¡­ Svart! (The Black One!) That suits you, right?"


    Once again, my hopes were mercilessly crushed.


    To be fair, it wasn¡¯t a bad name, but¡­ ugh. Was there really nothing better?


    "What do you think? Isn¡¯t it good?"


    I shook my head.


    Fenrir¡¯s ears drooped again. She stared at me with pleading eyes, as if begging me to accept it. But I turned my head away, refusing to acknowledge her until she found a proper name.


    "So you don¡¯t like it¡­" Her ears flattened again. "Then¡­ how about Poppet! (Little One!)"


    I didn¡¯t even react. I simply spread my wings, preparing to fly away, but she grabbed me again.


    "Wait! Don¡¯t go! I have another name for you!"


    Fenrir started throwing out more ridiculous names, and I rejected each one with increasing frustration, occasionally screeching in protest.


    Slowly but surely, her patience wore thin. Her jaw clenched tightly. "Why won''t you accept the name I gave you? Don¡¯t they all sound beautiful?!"


    Not backing down, I cawed even louder, flapping my wings to express my disapproval. "Caw! Caw! (Are you stupid? How does any of those names sound beautiful?!)"


    Fenrir ruffled her own hair in frustration. "Then what kind of name do you want?!"


    I stared at her in disbelief. Was it really that hard to come up with a name? Was her sense of naming really that bad?


    "Don''t look at me like that!" Fenrir raised her voice. She then turned her head away and crossed her arms. "I don¡¯t care anymore! Just pick your own name!"


    I sighed. In the end, she left the decision to me. Well, this was probably better than accepting one of her ridiculous names.


    I thought for a moment, recalling all the names I had ever heard in my past life. After some consideration, a name finally came to mind. But the problem, how was I supposed to tell her? She wouldn¡¯t understand my words.


    My eyes scanned the area, searching for a solution. Spotting several fallen branches, an idea popped into my head.


    I quickly gathered some dry twigs and began arranging them.


    Fenrir tilted her head. "What are you doing?" She stepped closer, squinting as if trying to understand my actions. "Wait¡­ are you writing?"


    I gave her a brief nod before continuing.


    "That¡¯s amazing! I¡¯ve never seen an animal that could write before!"


    I puffed out my chest proudly at her praise, though in truth, my ability to write came from my past life as an archaeologist.


    After a while, I was satisfied with my work. The twigs now spelled out the name I wanted.


    Yatagarasu.


    That was the name I chose. The name of the divine crow from Japanese mythology, known as a wise and clever god of guidance.


    Maybe it sounded strange in the Norse lands, but to me, it was the most fitting name.


    "Caw!" I called out to Fenrir, proudly showing her my twig arrangement. Now, I could finally hear my name spoken properly.


    "What a beautiful name," Fenrir¡¯s voice was sincere, her eyes glistening as her fingers gently traced the twigs.


    I was glad she liked the name I had chosen for myself.


    Then, she raised an eyebrow. "Well¡­ how do read this?"


    I froze, staring at her in disbelief. Seriously? Could she not read, or had I written it wrong?


    "What¡¯s with that look?" Fenrir asked, looking puzzled. "Isn¡¯t it normal for someone to be illiterate? It¡¯s way stranger that you, a raven, understand our language and can write so well."


    Ah¡­ I understood now.


    Reading and writing were fundamental skills for modern people. But in ancient times, literacy wasn¡¯t as widespread. Only a few learned it, while most focused on survival with hunting, farming, and warfare.


    Fenrir had just reminded me of that reality.


    I felt like banging my head against something. I had completely forgotten the cultural differences between modern and ancient people. And now, I realized just how pointless my effort had been in arranging the twigs.


    "Caw¡­ (Damn it!)" I cried out, ruffling my feathers in frustration.


    "You¡¯re so adorable, my little raven." Fenrir chuckled, finding my struggle amusing.


    I glared at her. Was this what artificial intelligence felt like when dealing with human stupidity?


    Suddenly, Fenrir pulled me into a tight embrace. I remained silent, still sulking over my wasted effort as she held me close.


    "Don¡¯t worry, for now, I¡¯ll just call you whatever I like until I figure out what you wrote."


    Then what¡¯s the point of having a name if you¡¯re just going to call me whatever you want, you foolish master?


    "Yep, no problem. At least I have a reference to write your name properly for the next ritual."


    Ritual? I tilted my head, looking at her curiously.


    Fenrir caught my expression. "Yeah, a ritual to make you fully mine as my pet." She ran her fingers through my feathers with a sweet smile. "I can¡¯t wait to do it."


    On the other hand, I could only remain silent at her seriousness. Refusing was no longer an option. Now, I could only resign myself to my fate. At the very least, my life wouldn¡¯t be in danger from her selfishness.

 Pet Contract

    Pet Contract is a ritual that binds a master and an animal, making the latter a familiar. This contract can only be formed if both parties share a certain bond.


    The benefits of this contract are mostly felt by the familiar, as they receive a portion of their master''s power. However, in return, they must pledge absolute loyalty. If they betray their master, they will die. Moreover, a familiar will perish shortly after their master¡¯s death.


    Conversely, this contract is highly risky for the master. While they gain an unwaveringly loyal familiar, they must sacrifice ten to a hundred years of their lifespan, depending on the familiar¡¯s strength. Additionally, they may lose a portion of their power, as some of it will be absorbed by the familiar.


    At least, that was what I understood when the ancient manuscript forcibly imprinted all this knowledge into my mind.


    But that meant Fenrir would have to sacrifice at least ten years of her life if she wanted to contract me as her familiar. What would she gain from binding someone like me, who was neither particularly strong nor special? Why would she go through the trouble of losing her life force and power for a creature like me?


    Fenrir suddenly narrowed her eyes. "For some reason, I feel like you understand this contract, my pet. Am I right?"


    I turned my head away, not wanting to be interrogated further. Sweat dampened the feathers beneath my black plumage.


    "Hm, you really are strange," Fenrir remarked. "But whatever. This beautiful and mighty girl will still form a contract with you."


    I let out a faint, wry smile at her self-praise. I mean, seriously, look at how full of herself this girl is.


    Fenrir lifted me and placed me on the mound of stone that served as her resting spot. "Stay still for a moment. I''m going to perform the ritual."


    I obeyed her command, remaining motionless, sitting like a bird settling into its nest.


    Fenrir bit her thumb until blood seeped out, using it to draw a circle around me. Once she finished, she glanced at the twigs I had arranged as a guide and carefully wrote my name.


    Then, she crossed her arms, her lips pursed. "Hmm, what should I bestow upon you?" After a brief pause, her ears perked up. "Ah, right. I''ll give you that. I can''t use it anyway."


    I tilted my head in confusion.


    After making her decision, Fenrir touched the circle¡¯s outline and closed her eyes, focusing intently.


    Was she channeling magic into it?


    Soon, the blood-drawn circle began to glow with ancient runes, rising around me like a cobra lifting its hood. The luminous script suddenly coiled tightly around my entire body.


    ¡°Caw¡­ caw¡­¡±


    "There¡¯s no need to be afraid. It won¡¯t hurt, little bird. It''s alright."Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    True to her words, although I initially flinched and cried out in shock, I soon realized that the glowing runes neither hurt nor constricted me. On the contrary, they felt warm and comforting.


    It was like being incubated by my mother when I was just a fragile egg, weak and helpless. The runes slowly seeped into my body, making me unbearably drowsy.


    This is too comfortable. I can''t resist. I just need to sleep for a bit.


    Slowly, my eyelids drooped. The world around me blurred. Darkness crept into the edges of my vision, swallowing everything until only the void remained.


    [Fenrir¡¯s POV]


    I gazed at the small figure, my familiar, lying limp in the midst of the ongoing ritual. My heart pounded rapidly. His breathing was heavy, the glowing runes gradually sinking into his obsidian feathers.


    I bit my lower lip, the faint taste of iron spreading across my tongue. Anxieties I couldn''t suppress swelled within me. But I couldn¡¯t stop the ritual now. If I tried to force it, he might not survive.


    "Grr. Damn it. How could I forget?"


    I gnawed at my fingers, frustration burning inside me with nowhere to escape. I could do nothing but wait in silence, as though dangling by a thin thread.


    "Hold on, my pet. Please..." My voice was weak, nearly swallowed by the winter wind sweeping across the valley.


    Even though I had assured Yata that everything would be fine, something I had added as a small extra had turned this ordinary ritual into something dangerous for a mere animal like him.


    That small extra was a rune, an endowment or perhaps a curse, bestowed by Yggdrasil upon chosen individuals. A power as inexplicable as magic yet on an entirely different level, stronger, more absurd, and far more effective.


    Despite its immense strength, runes sometimes failed to resonate with their wielder, rendering them useless. That was the case with my rune, which was why I had given it to my familiar without hesitation.


    And that was also why I had overlooked the risks of receiving a rune. If his body was too weak, he could die.


    Runes weren¡¯t something one could simply hand over. They were meant to be obtained through a perilous ritual or granted at birth to those chosen by Yggdrasil.


    "He is worthy. I am certain. My instincts have never been wrong."


    Minutes passed, and the luminous runes around him began to fade. The ritual was nearly complete. My breath caught in my throat as I waited for the outcome.


    "Come on, you can do this. I believe in you."


    Cold sweat trickled down my temple despite the frigid air around me. When the last traces of light vanished, I immediately rushed forward, reaching for his motionless body.


    "He''s... he''s still breathing." My whisper almost sounded like a prayer. A broad smile spread across my lips, an overwhelming wave of relief washing over me. "Thank you."


    I sat beside him. My hands instinctively stroked his soft feathers, unable to resist the urge when he was so close.


    His pulse was weak, but he was alive. That was enough. In a few days, he would surely recover completely. Or if he was strong enough, perhaps in mere hours.


    "You really are strong. You made it through," I murmured softly, my smile lingering despite the exhaustion seeping into my body.


    Above us, gray clouds slowly rolled in, veiling the once bright sun. The wind carried a soothing coolness, as if nature itself rejoiced in his survival.


    I yawned, unable to fight off the creeping drowsiness. "Hooaahm... I''m sleepy..."


    Without a second thought, I lay down beside my familiar, pulling his small body into my embrace like a plush toy. The warmth of his delicate feathers filled me with a rare sense of tranquility.


    "I care about you..." I whispered softly, words that only surfaced when we lay together beneath the golden hues of the evening sky.


    The life I had now was lonely, isolated, sealed away in a place where no one could reach me.


    If not for him, this solitude would have killed me faster than fate itself. Sleep, for a being like me, could last for weeks or months, undisturbed.


    But the silence of slumber was often worse. There were no sweet dreams to accompany me, only emptiness, darkness, and an endless void.


    Yet tonight was different. I felt as though my smile could last a little longer. Warmth seeped into my frozen heart.


    Perhaps, just this once, I would dream of something beautiful.

 The New Form

    The scorching sunlight pierced through my still-closed eyes, forcing me to wake up. I stirred from my long slumber, my head still throbbing. Perhaps this was the aftereffect of the pet contract ritual I had performed with Fenrir.


    ¡°Damn it, my head feels like it¡¯s going to split.¡± I massaged my temples, trying to ease the dizziness.


    Suddenly, I sensed something was wrong. I glanced down at something hanging from my right shoulder. A right hand.


    My heart skipped a beat. A hand? Since when did I have a hand?


    Sleepiness and dizziness vanished instantly, replaced by an immeasurable sense of curiosity and confusion. Slowly, I lowered my gaze, staring at the unfamiliar body before me.


    I blinked several times, unable to believe what I was seeing. ¡°What¡­ what is this? What happened to me?¡±


    Overnight, my body had completely transformed. My beautiful black feathers had been replaced by smooth white skin with only a slight layer of fine hair. My wings had turned into hands, complete with fingers. My thin legs were now human legs, thicker and more muscular.


    And somehow, my body was now clad in a black cloak adorned with bird feathers, resembling the ones I had when I was still a raven.


    I turned toward Fenrir, who was still fast asleep despite the sun being nearly overhead. ¡°This girl¡­ what did she do to me?¡±


    A pet contract ritual couldn¡¯t possibly change a pet¡¯s body into that of a human or anything remotely similar. So why had I turned into one? The answer had to lie with Fenrir. She must have done something without my knowledge.


    ¡°Hey, wake up.¡± I shook her gently, eager for an explanation. ¡°What did you do to me?¡±


    ¡°Mmm¡­ yahmm.¡± The girl groaned lazily. ¡°It¡¯s still morning. Stop disturbing my sleep.¡±


    Losing patience with her attitude, I shook her harder. ¡°I said wake up!¡±


    She finally sat up, rubbing her eyes groggily before stretching both arms above her head. ¡°What is it? What¡¯s with you? Why are you bothering me at this ungodly hour?¡±


    ¡°Explain to me right now what happened to me!¡±


    Fenrir¡¯s eyes scanned me from head to toe before a small smile curled on her lips. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to master it in just one night.¡±


    I tilted my head. ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°I understand why you¡¯re confused,¡± she said, her tail swaying elegantly. ¡°I accidentally included a Shapeshifter Rune in our contract ritual. That Rune grants the ability to change forms into anything you desire, just like my father¡¯s.¡±


    My eyes widened. ¡°You gave me a Rune?! Do you have any idea how valuable that is?¡±


    I knew exactly what a Rune was and the risks of accepting one. But the real issue here was, did this girl truly not grasp the worth of what she had given me? Was she out of her mind?


    Fenrir let out a deep sigh. ¡°What¡¯s the use of having it if you can¡¯t even use it? It¡¯s like giving the strongest weapon in Yggdrasil to a shepherd. It¡¯d be useless to him except maybe to sell for some gold koins.¡±


    I furrowed my brows. What she said wasn¡¯t wrong. But still, giving away something like this wasn¡¯t normal.


    ¡°But this¡­¡± I started to protest, but Fenrir quickly silenced me by pressing her slender index finger against my lips.


    ¡°I know what you¡¯re thinking. Remember, I am your Master, and you are not allowed to question my decisions.¡± She smiled, revealing the tips of her fangs.


    I fell silent, unable to argue. Instead, I found myself feeling deeply indebted to her. I had never intended to take anything from her. After all, I had only given her a little food. That was nothing compared to the Rune she had bestowed upon me.


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    Ravens are known as vengeful birds, but there is something few people realize. In truth, we are also birds that never forget a favor. When we are saved, we do not hesitate to repay the kindness with gifts of shiny trinkets we find.


    ¡°Hey, Little Raven.¡±


    I turned toward Fenrir at the sound of her call.


    She hesitated for a moment. Her golden eyes, usually sharp, now gazed at me with an unusual softness. The gentle breeze tousled her hair, while the sunlight bathed her face, making her fair skin and golden eyes glow in its radiance.


    My breath caught, swept away by the sudden silence between us.


    ¡°Now, tell me your name.¡±


    A faint smile tugged at my lips. I hadn¡¯t expected her to ask for my name so earnestly.


    ¡°Yatagarasu.¡±


    ¡°Yata¡­garasu?¡± Fenrir frowned. ¡°Your name is too long. Can I just call you... Yata?¡±


    I nodded slightly. ¡°Of course, you may, Master.¡±


    Fenrir chuckled softly, covering her mouth. ¡°You can just call me Fenrir or Fen if you¡¯d like.¡± She then placed her hands on her hips in front of me. ¡°Now, try saying my name.¡±


    I smiled sincerely before bowing deeply, mimicking the manner of a butler addressing a princess. ¡°Understood, Fen.¡±


    When I straightened up again, I noticed a faint blush dusting her cheeks. She quickly turned her back to me, as if trying to hide her expression. ¡°I¡­ I guess that¡¯s enough. Now, go and fetch me some food.¡±


    ¡°As you wish, My Princess.¡±


    ¡°D-don¡¯t call me that! Do you want me to punch you, huh?¡± Fenrir spun around, protesting my teasing remark, her face bright red.


    I chuckled in satisfaction as she began scolding me endlessly with her sharp, playful voice, her words laced with forced irritation. At that moment, time seemed to pause. We shared laughter, something we had never been able to do before.


    ****


    [PoV Odin]


    The clash of metal rang through Tyr¡¯s courtyard, a testament to the young gods'' unwavering dedication to their training. Asgard¡¯s golden sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow upon the ground and making the surface of their weapons gleam.


    Four figures were training with determination. One of them was still very young, yet the resolve in his eyes was no less intense than the others''. He kept up well with his seniors, matching their swordsmanship with remarkable skill.


    I stood at the edge of the courtyard, watching these talented young warriors with pride. The future of Asgard lay in their hands, and seeing their relentless training ignited a newfound hope within me.


    Suddenly, the youngest among them noticed my presence. His blue eyes widened before he called out, "Father?"


    His voice instantly drew all attention toward me. Even Tyr, who had been quietly observing from the sidelines, looked up, his gaze filled with curiosity.


    Upon realizing my arrival, he rose to his feet and approached me. A faint smile graced his lips, cheerful expression that had always been his signature since long ago.


    We clasped each other¡¯s forearms in greeting, a sign of mutual respect. "What brings you here, Allfather?"


    I pulled him closer for a brief embrace before whispering something in his ear.


    My words were brief, yet they were enough to make Tyr¡¯s eyes widen slightly before he nodded in understanding. "I see."


    Turning my attention back to the young gods still standing in formation, I met their gazes¡ªfilled with both reverence and curiosity. A slight smile crossed my lips as I addressed them, "How have you been? Has Tyr been treating you well?"


    "Yes, Lord Odin. We have learned a great deal from him, though he is extremely strict in his teachings."


    A hearty laugh escaped me at the bold statement from the burly, thick-bearded one among them. If I recalled correctly, his name was Hord.


    "This man has always been strict. Even when I first taught him how to wield a sword." I patted Tyr¡¯s shoulder, who stood beside me.


    "Teacher, you flatter me."


    A simple exchange, yet I could see from their expressions that they appreciated the attention. After a few lighthearted questions about their training, I finally revealed the reason for my visit.


    "I need the three of you to accompany me to the Palace of Asgard. There is something important we must discuss there."


    The three young gods exchanged glances, sensing the seriousness in my tone. However, before any of them could respond, the smallest among them, who had been the first to greet me, immediately protested.


    "Father, what about me?" His voice carried unwavering determination, as if he refused to be left behind.


    I let out a deep sigh. I knew his heart longed to prove himself, but this was not the time. Just as I was about to give him a wise yet firm response, a tall god with long blond hair reacted first.


    Hojlund, the eldest among them, ruffled the boy¡¯s hair gently, chuckling. "You''re clearly too young for this, Vidar. Your father must still be worried about you."


    Vidar pouted, clenching his fists, but he did not argue. "Please, don¡¯t treat me like a child, Brother Hojlund."


    The three of them laughed at his protest.


    Seeing their camaraderie filled me with a quiet sense of joy. Their bond reminded me of my own comrades in my younger days. We had been like brothers-in-arms, much like they were now.


    I placed a hand on Vidar¡¯s shoulder, giving him a reassuring pat. "When the time comes, you will have your turn, my son."


    I could see him pouting again, but I chose to ignore it. My gaze now settled on the three gods I had summoned. "Prepare yourselves. We depart immediately. I will explain everything at the Palace of Asgard."


    Without hesitation, the three of them nodded and swiftly made their preparations to leave the training grounds.


    I turned once more to Tyr, who remained by my side. He did not ask further questions, yet I could sense a flicker of concern in his eyes.


    With steady steps, I began walking, the three young gods following closely behind me. Above us, the vast sky of Asgard stretched endlessly, bearing silent witness to the great events that were about to unfold.

 Shapeshifter

    I gazed at my reflection in the frozen lake. A handsome face with fair skin. My hair and eyes were obsidian in color, just like my raven form. A sturdy and imposing body, standing at a height of one hundred and eighty centimeters.


    As far as I knew, the average height of male Jotun I often encountered in the forest was around 180 cm. As for the females, their average height was about 165 cm. Fenrir herself seemed to be around 170 cm, slightly taller than other Jotun women.


    Compared to a human body, my raven form was considered large, but now I could no longer take pride in it, as my size was merely average among the Jotun.


    "Yata."


    A voice snapped me out of my thoughts.


    "Are you really not going hunting? I''m hungry."


    That whining voice came from Fenrir, who was lazily rolling around in the snow. She didn¡¯t seem bothered by the Gleipnir binding her, perhaps she had already grown accustomed to it.


    "I actually want to, but I''m not used to this body yet."


    Although I was once human, suddenly returning to a human form after so long as a raven felt strange. I needed time to get used to it. I had even lost my balance when I first tried walking on my own two feet.


    "Then what now? I''m already hungry." Fenrir whined again, begging for food.


    I furrowed my brows. This was the first time I had ever seen Fenrir complaining about hunger. Perhaps forming a contract yesterday had drained a lot of her energy.


    "If only I could return to my raven form, maybe I could hunt something for us."


    "But isn''t that something you can do? You were able to turn into a human, so why can''t you do the opposite?"


    I narrowed my eyes. "That''s true, but how?"


    Fenrir closed her eyes, trying to recall. "Let me think about what that bastard does when he wants to change forms."


    Fenrir¡¯s way of referring to "that bastard" was undoubtedly about her father, Loki. Thinking back, Fenrir had indirectly mentioned that the Rune she gave me was an inheritance from her father. Runes could indeed be passed down through blood, but that didn¡¯t mean the descendant would necessarily be compatible with them.


    Loki was Fenrir¡¯s biological father, as well as the god who represented trickery, chaos, and transformation. His reckless antics often caused problems, chaos, and change in Norse myths, though he was also the one who frequently solved them.


    If this Rune was a blood inheritance from him, it made sense that it had shape-shifting abilities, just as Fenrir said.


    "Ah, I remember now. That bastard once said that we just need to try imagining the inside and outside of the form we want to copy. But still, none of the three of us ever managed to change forms. As far as I recall, that¡¯s all there is to it."


    "Just imagining it, huh?" I paused, trying to process her words. "That¡¯s all?" I asked for confirmation.


    Fenrir nodded confidently.


    "Alright, let me try."


    I closed my eyes, trying to picture my raven form in full detail, both inside and out, including my internal organs.


    Minutes passed, but I still felt no change in myself. Something was missing from Fenrir¡¯s explanation.


    I opened my eyes and glanced at her inquiringly. "Are you sure that¡¯s the only way your father activated his Rune?"


    "Let me think again." Fenrir shut her eyes tightly, as if digging through memories buried deep beneath the ground. "If I remember correctly, that bastard would sometimes mutter things like ¡®transform¡¯ or something similar."


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    "Ah, I think I get it now. Let me try again."


    I refocused and closed my eyes, imagining every detail of myself. Once I was sure, I tried uttering a word to trigger my own suggestion.


    "Henshin."


    The next moment, I felt a slight jolt of pain, as if electricity had surged through my body. It seemed the transformation process had worked.


    Perhaps suggestion was the key to activating the Rune.


    It was like how protagonists still had to call out the name of their technique, even though they were perfectly capable of activating it silently. Sometimes, it wasn¡¯t about necessity, it was just to trigger their own belief.


    After a while, I gathered my courage and opened my eyes.


    That was when I realized I had returned to my raven form.


    There was a slight ache and fatigue that came with the transformation, likely a consequence of using my Rune. But that didn¡¯t matter. I was sure I would get used to it soon.


    This was better.


    I felt incredibly relieved to be a raven again. Perhaps because I had no memories of my human life, I found myself far more comfortable in this form.


    "It seems like you¡¯re getting the hang of that Rune. You''re amazing, Yata."


    Fenrir crouched beside me, smiling proudly.


    I tilted my head, unsure how to react.


    "By the way, can you try transforming into something bigger so you can catch larger prey?"


    I nodded, agreeing to her request. Besides, I was still curious about my Rune.


    "Caw. (Henshin)."


    I began changing into a much larger bird, one of the sky¡¯s apex predators, a hawk.


    "Wow, you did it!" Fenrir cheered, clapping her hands excitedly.


    Even though I was still a bird, I could immediately feel a stark difference in my body. I was slightly heavier, my vision blurred momentarily as I struggled to adjust to the hawk''s sharp eyesight, and my lungs felt larger, allowing me to take in more oxygen.


    "Can you fly, Yata?" Fenrir asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.


    I shrugged, uncertain. But I was willing to try.


    At first, stretching my wings felt awkward. The difference in body proportions made it difficult to balance. However, after a while, I started to adapt.


    A rush of adrenaline surged through me as I flapped my wings. At first, it was clumsy, and I even stumbled a few times like a fledgling learning to fly. But gradually, I got the hang of it.


    I dared to soar higher into the sky, reaching an altitude far beyond what my raven form could manage.


    "Woaaah... You''re flying so high, Yata!" Fenrir exclaimed, delighted.


    For me, this was also my first time flying this high. Unlike ordinary birds, hawks had a specialized respiratory system that allowed them to fly much higher than other species.


    "Khiiiik¡­ (This is incredible!)"


    I couldn''t hold back my urge to screech as loudly as possible. Even though I knew it might scare off potential prey below.


    As I circled in the air, I could see the vast, snow-covered forest beneath me. The world seemed so much bigger from up here, and for a moment, I felt like I was at the top of the world, dominating the skies like a true king.


    So, this is what it feels like to be the ruler of the skies.


    Then, something caught my attention. My sharp vision instinctively zoomed in on a small deer nibbling on some shrubs.


    Without a second thought, my instincts kicked in, and I dove straight toward it. The deer, completely unaware of the danger above, continued eating without a care.


    Thud.


    In mere seconds, I struck, grasping it tightly with my talons and sharp beak. The kill was swift and merciless. Without any trouble, I lifted it into the sky and carried it back to Fenrir.


    A joyful cheer from the wolf girl echoed below as she saw me returning with my catch.


    "You''re amazing, Yata!" she praised proudly. "You''re the best pet I¡¯ve ever had!"


    I immediately dropped the deer in front of her before shifting back into my true form, a raven.


    Fenrir¡¯s face lit up as she stared at the fresh deer meat before her. Wasting no time, she eagerly dug in. A wide smile stretched across her soft, pale pink lips.


    I watched as her smile framed her face. A beautiful, mesmerizing expression, just like that of a normal girl.


    It made me wonder.


    Is she really the wolf of destruction? Is that prophecy truly inevitable?


    Doubt crept into my heart about the fate she had been given. Maybe Odin¡¯s prophecy about her was nothing but nonsense. I couldn¡¯t see anything evil about her at all.


    On the contrary, all I saw was a lonely girl, unfairly treated and burdened with an unjust destiny. Even as a child, she had already faced so much pain and hardship.


    For a moment, I fell deep into thought, questioning what was right and what was wrong.


    My thoughts were suddenly interrupted by Fenrir¡¯s casual voice.


    "Yata, aren¡¯t you going to eat?"


    I was about to refuse, but my stomach had other plans. It growled loudly without my permission, forcing me to join in on the meal.


    The instincts of a beast were strong. It was as if I wasn¡¯t even allowed to suppress my hunger over something like this.


    I had to eat quickly before she finished it all. Her eating speed was as fast as light.


    "Caw." I cawed, signaling to Fenrir that I wanted some meat.


    She seemed to understand. Without hesitation, she tore off the deer¡¯s right hind leg and handed it to me.


    I took it without hesitation, tearing into the meat with my sharp beak before devouring it to fill my stomach.


    "This is good, isn¡¯t it?" Fenrir asked, stuffing her mouth so full of meat that her cheeks puffed out like a squirrel¡¯s.


    I simply nodded. That alone was enough to make her flash another bright smile, the same smile that pulled me back into my previous thoughts.


    Fate would keep turning, and that included Fenrir¡¯s.


    No matter what, my heart ached knowing what would eventually happen to her in the distant future.

 Shapeshifter part 2

    Night had fallen. Fenrir sat comfortably on a rock while I perched on her right shoulder. We tilted our heads back, gazing at the full moon shining brightly behind the dark veil of the sky. Its dim light stretched across the frozen lake, creating a breathtaking view.


    "Hey... Yata." Fenrir glanced at me with a faint smile. "Don''t you want to take your human form and chat with me?"


    I tilted my head, hesitant to fulfill her request. But she pleaded again, this time with a hint of desperation. "Come on, please?"


    I relented, hopping down from her shoulder. Then, I transformed into my human form and sat beside her.


    At first, silence enveloped us before Fenrir finally broke it.


    "Can you tell me a little about yourself, Yata?"


    I hesitated. I didn''t want to reveal that I was someone who had reincarnated. I was afraid... it would bring too many changes to this world''s original fate.


    "It''s not a very interesting story," I replied with a wry smile. "I''m just an ordinary raven who hatched in Jotunheim."


    "That¡¯s fine. I''ll listen." Fenrir gave me a thumbs-up and grinned.


    "I have three younger sisters and a mother. A year ago, when I was four, I decided to leave my flock and explore Jotunheim on my own. Then, by chance, I saw the light coming from your necklace, which led me here."


    "I see." Fenrir nodded, her tail flicking roughly. "That sounds like such a normal life. By the way, where''s your father?"


    "He was eaten by a bear while I was still in my egg."


    "Sorry," Fenrir quickly apologized, covering her mouth. Her excited expression turned to one of guilt. "I didn¡¯t mean to¡ª"


    "It¡¯s fine. That¡¯s just our fate as beta predators. At any moment, we have to be ready to die or lose someone. That¡¯s what my mother taught me since birth."


    "Your mother must be an incredible woman."


    "Yeah. I''m grateful to have her."


    In the end, I chose not to tell her my true identity. But at the very least, I could share my life as it was now.


    Silence returned, stretching between us. No words were exchanged, only the quiet presence of two souls watching the sea of stars above.


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    "Do you have any friends?" Fenrir¡¯s question broke the awkward stillness.


    I turned to her and answered enthusiastically, "Of course, I have lots of friends. Why do you ask?"


    "Lucky you... I''m jealous."


    Fenrir let out a sigh and lay down, her golden eyes staring blankly at the twinkling stars. For a moment, I caught a glimpse of both envy and loneliness in her gaze.


    I already had a feeling about where this conversation was headed. So, I stayed silent and waited for her to speak.


    "When I was little, I was taken to Asgard and forcibly separated from my family by that old, dusty fossil. I was ignored and treated like a monster for years. Even my own father never came to visit me."


    Fenrir paused, sadness and anger flickering in her eyes. "After enduring it for so long, they shamelessly bound me with these annoying chains. And all because of Odin¡¯s stupid prophecy."


    To be honest, I had already suspected the root of her resentment. She wasn¡¯t at fault¡ªshe was just a victim of the gods¡¯ paranoia, especially Odin¡¯s, over a prophecy they had received.


    "Damn it! I really want to kill them!" Fenrir screamed at the top of her lungs, venting all her pent-up rage toward the silent full moon above.


    I gave a bitter smile, understanding her pain.


    "Why are you making that face?"


    Fenrir¡¯s question snapped me out of my thoughts. I hadn¡¯t realized she had been watching me all this time.


    I sighed and shook my head. "It''s nothing... I just feel a little sorry for you."


    "Huh." Fenrir scoffed, a faint smirk playing on her lips. "Why pity me? I''m still the strongest wolf in Norse. There''s no need for pity. I swear, once I''m free, I''ll get revenge on those who wronged me."


    Seeing her confidence made me smile just a little. I knew this was probably just her way of masking her true feelings.


    "Hey, Yata. I..."


    Seconds passed. I waited for Fenrir to finish her sentence. But instead, she suddenly turned her head away when I looked at her intently.


    "Never mind. I¡¯m going to sleep. We¡¯ll talk later."


    Fenrir rolled over, ready to sleep. Though curious about what she wanted to say, I chose not to press her. It was better to let her face her own turmoil for now.


    I shifted back into my raven form and prepared to sleep in a nearby tree. But before I could fly away, Fenrir grabbed my leg.


    "Where are you going? Stay with me tonight."


    Before I could react, she had already pulled me into her embrace. I tried to struggle, but Fenrir easily overpowered me.


    "Don¡¯t even think about escaping. You¡¯re my bedtime plushie now."


    I sighed. I knew she just wanted me to be her living stuffed animal. Honestly, I wanted to sleep on a branch like a normal bird sometimes. But now that I was with Fenrir, that would be difficult. She would definitely drag me into her arms every night.


    Yeah... at least she wouldn¡¯t start sleep-eating and accidentally bite my head off, right? Or... at least, I hoped so.


    In the end, I gave up and surrendered. Being her plushie wasn¡¯t the worst thing. Besides, her body was warm. I wouldn¡¯t freeze at night, especially in winter.


    "Yep, I like this," Fenrir murmured as I stopped resisting. Without hesitation, she hugged me tightly, holding me against her like a cherished stuffed toy.


    Honestly, her body carried a faint natural fragrance, even though I had never seen her bathe or even clean herself. It was like some kind of naturally produced pheromone.


    The gentle strokes of her hand made me drowsy. Slowly but surely, my eyes grew heavy. A second later, everything went dark as I drifted into sleep.

 Loki in Lynvi Valley

    A week had passed since that moment.


    I had been diligently training with this rune until I reached the point where I could perform several animal transformations with equal proficiency. So far, I had successfully taken the forms of a raven, human, snake, eagle, fish, lizard, spider, and a few other creatures.


    Beyond that, I continued to explore the rune further, testing the extent of its potential and discovering ways to utilize it through various methods.


    "Yata¡­"


    A soft voice called from behind me. I turned around and saw my master, Fenrir, lazily lounging about.


    "I want rabbit meat¡­" she pleaded, her expression pitiful, like a child begging for sweets.


    I immediately shifted into my human form so I could communicate with her properly. "Didn¡¯t you just eat that yesterday? It would be better if you had some fruit today. You need a balanced diet."


    Truthfully, I wasn¡¯t entirely sure whether humanoid beings like Fenrir had the same nutritional needs as humans. Or perhaps she required more meat, just like an actual wolf.


    "But in winter, meat tastes better than fruit," Fenrir tried to negotiate. "Besides, what is nutrition anyway?"


    "Nutrition is what your body needs to grow properly. Without a balanced diet, you could get sick. Some people even become weak if they don¡¯t eat enough fruits or vegetables."


    Fenrir straightened up, looking at me with deep interest as she listened to my explanation. "Does that also affect body size?"


    I nodded. "Of course. Without enough nutrition, your body won¡¯t develop properly, you know?"


    "I see¡­" she murmured, nodding slightly.


    A faint smile crossed my lips. I had a small hope that I could convince her to eat more fruits and vegetables. Right now, she looked more like an innocent girl on the verge of maturity. Perhaps eating more nutritious food would help her growth a little.


    "So that means my chest is small because I¡¯m malnourished?" She stared at her chest with a serious expression, as if she had just unraveled the great mystery of her life.


    I choked and quickly turned my flushed face away. "A-anyway. I¡¯ll go get some fruit now!" I hurriedly declared, desperate to escape the conversation.


    "Bring a lot, Yata. So my chest can¡ª"


    "Henshin!" I immediately transformed into an eagle and flapped my wings, soaring away as if I hadn¡¯t heard the rest of her sentence.


    Rising high into the sky, I scanned the quiet yet fertile Lyngvi valley in search of fruit. After some time, I spotted a cluster of trees bearing an abundance of fruit. Without hesitation, I descended to gather them.


    The moment my small talons touched the ground, I shifted back into my human form. But then...


    "Hahahaha¡­"


    A chilling cackle echoed through the air.


    I spun around, my body tensing up.


    A man sat on a tree branch, biting into an apple. Shoulder-length black hair, piercing green eyes, and a sly smirk stretched across his face.


    "Loki¡­" I breathed, his name slipping from my lips before I realized it.


    "Oh? Looks like you recognize me," he said, his mysterious smile widening.


    A powerful aura radiated from his gaze. This trickster god, with all his mastery of deception, sent a shiver down my spine. My legs trembled as his smirk deepened.


    "W-what is a god like you doing in such a remote place?" My voice shook, unable to mask my fear.


    Loki let out a small chuckle. "What¡¯s wrong with a father coming to see his daughter?"


    I froze. His daughter?... Fenrir!


    Before I could react, Loki vanished from the tree. I glanced around, but he was nowhere to be seen. As I stood there in confusion, his voice suddenly echoed through the forest.


    How strange. Why does my daughter¡¯s scent cling to you so strongly? And it seems she¡¯s even given you my inherited rune. What¡¯s so interesting about you? What have you done to her?


    Caught in a whirlwind of confusion, I was bombarded with questions, unable to answer any of them.


    "Did you deceive her?"


    The voice came from right beside my ear. When I turned, Loki was already there, staring at me blankly, our faces so close they were nearly touching.


    Startled, I stumbled backward and fell to the ground.


    "Heh, you¡¯re sweating. Are you feeling hot in the middle of winter?" He chuckled, his enigmatic smirk never leaving his lips.


    I was frozen in place, unable to react.


    "Hmm, that¡¯s a pretty pathetic reaction," he commented. "Well, whatever. It doesn¡¯t really matter." He took a few steps away, his tone light, as if nothing truly concerned him.


    I could only stare blankly at his broad back.


    "Just so you know, little creature, I¡¯m not here to hurt anyone." His voice was gentle, but I knew better than to trust a single word from the Trickster God.


    "Then why are you here, Lord Loki?" I finally managed to find my voice.


    "How should I put it?" He sighed, scratching the back of his head. "A father naturally misses his little girl after not seeing her for so long. Especially when her birthday is coming up."


    Her birthday? Was he talking about Fenrir?


    Loki¡¯s words echoed in my mind, reminding me that I actually knew very little about Fenrir.


    "You see, every good father in this world wants to visit their daughter and give them a present on their birthday. Unfortunately, I know my daughter hates me. If I showed up now, she¡¯d probably snarl at me, or worse, she¡¯d rip my face apart."


    His expression shifted dramatically as he spoke, making me feel exhausted just from listening to him.


    "I just don¡¯t understand why she despises me so much. Her dear father loves her very much. Or maybe she¡¯s just shy. Just like when she was little. Ah, yes, she¡¯s definitely just embarrassed."


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    I was growing tired of his nonsense, but this was exactly how he was described in mythology. A deceitful, noisy, unpredictable, and cunning god. The last two traits were by far the worst.


    "So, since I can¡¯t give her this gift directly, khu, khu, khu." A sharp grin stretched across his face. "Little raven, you¡¯ll have to deliver my present to my daughter."


    I swallowed hard, a bad feeling creeping over me. Especially when Loki shot me a piercing look, making my feathers, no, my skin, prickle uncomfortably.


    Unconsciously, I shook my head.


    "You refuse?" Loki raised an eyebrow. "Fine, then I suppose you¡¯d rather be roasted and served as grilled bird instead of being a messenger."


    "W-wait. F-fine. I¡¯ll do it."


    "Good. Smart bird."


    I should¡¯ve known refusing him wasn¡¯t an option. Now I understood where Fenrir got her selfishness and threatening nature from.


    Before I could even blink, I found myself standing up without realizing it. My mouth was slightly open, unable to comprehend what had just happened.


    Loki then grabbed my right hand and placed a small dagger in my palm. "Take it," he said, still wearing that ever-present smirk. "This is my gift for my foolish daughter."


    I stared at the dagger with hesitation. But the moment my fingers wrapped around its cold metal, a searing pain shot through my head. Images flooded my mind as if something was being forced into it.


    A vision of Gleipnir shattering flashed before me, piecing itself together like a puzzle wrapped in mystery.


    My grip on the dagger tightened as dread settled in my chest, now fully aware of its power.


    "This dagger¡­"


    Loki¡¯s smirk deepened with satisfaction. "Ah, looks like it already told you what it can do. That means it has acknowledged you as its master. Well, I suppose I can¡¯t exactly give it to my daughter as a gift anymore."


    I looked up at him in confusion. "What is it that you truly want?"


    Loki shrugged. "I already told you, didn¡¯t I? I just wanted to give my daughter a present. But since you ended up taking it instead, you¡¯ll have to take responsibility, right?"


    I swallowed hard, staring at him in distress. "What exactly do you want me to do?"


    Once again, Loki shrugged. "How should I know? Just figure it out yourself with that tiny brain of yours, Ya-ta-ga-ra-su."


    I clenched my jaw. He knew everything about us. He had been watching us from somewhere.


    That sharp grin returned to his lips. "One week from now, I¡¯ll be expecting your answer. Let¡¯s see if my gamble was worth it."


    With a pat on my shoulder, he turned away and strolled off lightly, as if everything had been just another joke to him.


    "See you around, Yata~"


    I could only stare blankly at Loki¡¯s back as he slowly vanished into the shadows of the forest.


    ******


    The sun hung in the sky, radiating warmth that was barely felt in the biting cold of winter. The chill that once made my body shiver no longer affected me as it used to. I knew it was because of the contract I had made with Fenrir. Even though I had only received a fraction of her power, for some reason, I felt incredibly strong now.


    "Phew... maybe it''s time to head back." I wiped the sweat from my forehead.


    The bundle of fruits I had gathered was wrapped in a piece of cloth, formerly my own feathers, which I had transformed using runes.


    A small smile tugged at my lips as I marveled at these seemingly simple yet endlessly versatile symbols. Who would have thought that my odd idea would actually work? I felt a sense of pride in myself.


    "Sometimes, it''s true. After hardship comes ease. We just haven¡¯t found it yet," I murmured, trying to soothe the restlessness in my heart.


    Ever since he left, I had been trying to push thoughts of him aside. I even attempted to throw away the dagger he had given me, but I knew that wasn''t a wise solution. In the end, it remained tucked in my pocket.


    I walked slowly, following the forest path while carrying the bundle of fruits in my hands. Though I appeared calm on the outside, my mind was a mess. Even the sweet chirping of the birds around me couldn¡¯t ease my unease.


    "What should I do?" I whispered into the silence.


    Even so, my feet did not stop moving. I kept walking until I finally reached the depths of the forest, the place where Fenrir was waiting.


    "Yataaa~ Hurry up! Did you get the fruits? I¡¯ve been waiting so long!"


    I smiled, raising a hand in greeting, trying to act as usual.


    "Yata, why did you take so long?" she asked cheerfully, at least at first. until her expression changed. The joy in her eyes disappeared, replaced by a sharp, suspicious gaze.


    Damn... she noticed.


    "So... you met Loki, didn¡¯t you?" Her voice turned cold, her gaze clouded.


    She didn¡¯t bother with pleasantries, just accused me outright.


    I remained silent, not answering. The lingering scent on me was already enough of a confession. Her keen sense of smell wouldn¡¯t be fooled.


    "You¡¯re not going to talk?" Fenrir pressed further. She didn¡¯t even glance at the fruits I had brought, as if they meant nothing. It seemed she truly loathed her father.


    I took a deep breath, trying to keep my composure. "How did you know?"


    "The stench of that bastard is all over you."


    I might not be able to deceive her, but at the very least, I could try to ease the tension. Maybe, if we ate together, the mood would lighten. Without hesitation, I sat beside her and placed the fruits between us.


    "Do you really hate your father that much?" I asked, even though I already knew the answer.


    "He only cares about himself. He always abandoned us. Even when Odin punished us, he did nothing. He never came to see me, not even once." Her voice carried bitterness, but her eyes remained firm and unwavering.


    I had no words.


    Who didn¡¯t know about Loki¡¯s treachery? But hearing it directly from his daughter made it feel far more real. Truly, what a cruel irony.


    "By the way, did he give you something? Or scare you?"


    Fenrir abruptly changed the subject. Whether it was because she didn¡¯t want to dwell on the past or because she was trying to appear strong, I wasn¡¯t sure.


    I smiled, deciding to follow her lead. "He did scare me a little, but he didn¡¯t do anything. Maybe he was just passing through?"


    Fenrir let out a low growl. "Don¡¯t be stupid. He¡¯s definitely planning something. That bastard never acts without a reason. I wonder what kind of mess he¡¯s going to create this time, but if he dares to mess with you, I¡¯ll tear his face apart!"


    Her confidence always made me chuckle.


    "Why are you laughing? Are you underestimating my muscles?" She proudly patted her small arm, full of self-assurance.


    I shook my head. "No, no. That¡¯s not it, Fen."


    "Is it not enough? Don¡¯t worry, I still have my fangs and claws to deal with him. And even though it''s a bit rough, I also have strong magic, you know."


    I could only shake my head, trying to suppress my laughter at her boastfulness. It was honestly adorable.


    Fenrir was indeed strong, but she had yet to reach her full potential. Not yet. Her true power would only awaken when Ragnarok arrived.


    "Rather than worrying about that, let¡¯s just eat these fruits first." I picked up a ripe red apple. "This one¡¯s really good," I said before taking a big bite, hoping to tempt her.


    "Watching you eat it is making me hungry," she muttered before grabbing an apple from the pile. Without hesitation, she started devouring it greedily, stuffing her mouth full.


    "You were right... thish ish deelicioush!" she mumbled with her mouth full. "I could finish all of these by myself if I wanted to."


    I let out a small chuckle at her childish gluttony.


    "Don¡¯t talk while eating. You¡¯ll choke," I scolded her.


    For a moment, my worries faded. Maybe I could forget about Loki¡¯s so-called gift, at least for now.


    But soon enough, the thought crept back into my mind.


    "One more week, huh..." I murmured, staring blankly at the sky.


    "Yata, aren¡¯t you eating? I¡¯m going to finish everything!" Fenrir called out.


    I snapped back to reality, only to find that most of the apples were already gone, even though I had only looked away for a second.


    "Hey, leave some for me!"


    *****


    The lively chatter of the afternoon had faded, replaced by the tranquil silence of the night. The full moon stood at its peak, signaling the arrival of midnight.


    Yet, I still couldn¡¯t sleep. Luckily, Fenrir wasn¡¯t clinging to me too tightly tonight, so I managed to slip out of her embrace.


    Now, I perched on a tree branch, watching over her as she slept below in a completely disheveled position.


    "Rabbit meat... yum, yum..." Fenrir mumbled in her sleep. The faint jingling of the chains binding her didn¡¯t disturb her at all.


    Gleipnir, a chain that initially appeared as silk, only to transform into golden shackles upon binding Fenrir to seal her. It was crafted by the dwarves of Svartalfheim using six impossible materials.


    Those six were the sound of a cat¡¯s footsteps, the breath of a fish, the roots of a mountain, a woman¡¯s beard, a bear¡¯s sinew, and a bird¡¯s saliva.


    Whether these materials truly existed or were merely poetic metaphors was unclear. But one thing was certain. This chain was what restrained Fenrir, preventing her from growing stronger until Ragnarok arrived.


    Perhaps this chain was the key to keeping her in check. Yet, I also believed it was the source of her deep hatred toward the gods. She must have fallen into despair when the only thing she had left, her freedom, was taken from her.


    What would happen if that chain broke before its destined time?


    I let out a weary sigh. All of this was exhausting. Maybe the night air would help ease my thoughts.


    Spreading my wings, I prepared to take flight into the vast, starlit sky. The night wind brushed against my face. The full moon shone brightly above, far higher than where I was now.


    The dagger Loki had given me was now hidden among my feathers, thanks to my shapeshifting ability. That dagger was the key to freeing Fenrir before her time. With it, I had the choice to break Gleipnir and release her.


    But that choice was exactly what unsettled me.


    On one hand, I wanted to free her from her chains and let her live as a normal girl her age. But on the other, I feared that my decision might bring Ragnarok sooner than it should.


    What should I do?

 In Six Days

    Under the scorching sunlight that pierced to the bone, cold sweat drenched my body, trickling through every open pore. My breath came in ragged gasps after swinging my wooden staff hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of times.


    ¡°Huff, huff¡­¡± My voice was hoarse, each inhale feeling heavier than the last.


    Behind me, Fenrir sat leisurely, savoring the fresh bird girl, none other than the prey I had hunted today. Though she seemed relaxed and idle, her sharp eyes and ears never failed to keep track of my training.


    Every time I slowed down or slacked off, she would immediately shout at me to refocus on the rigorous training she had imposed.


    Training? Yes, this was her order to train myself because she had a bad feeling about the future. And according to her, her instincts were never wrong.


    ¡°I know I¡¯m dumb, but my instincts never fail me.¡± That was what she had said just yesterday evening after we finished eating fruit.


    I hadn¡¯t rejected her idea. I didn¡¯t think it was a bad suggestion. Besides, I still needed to train certain aspects of my human body.


    To be honest, I believed the human form was nature¡¯s masterpiece, a pinnacle of evolution. A highly flexible frame, an intelligent brain, remarkable adaptability, and a well-balanced posture. The combination of these factors made it a body that could truly be considered perfection.


    Moreover, this form was naturally the most ideal for hunting or combat due to its flexibility. That was also why martial arts had developed into so many variations across the world. Humans instinctively created terrifying fighting techniques.


    If only they had higher biological specifications, like the regenerative abilities of an axolotl or something similar, it would be unimaginable how powerful they could become.


    Swoosh.


    First swing, I brought my nearly two-meter-long wooden staff down from above.


    Second swing, a horizontal slash.


    Third, thrusting forward as if piercing an invisible enemy.


    ¡°Good, keep going,¡± Fenrir commented in a calm tone, her hands busy biting into a raw chunk of meat that still dripped with blood. Though her mouth never stopped chewing, her keen gaze never left me, observing my every movement.


    But something gnawed at my thoughts. These movements felt familiar. As if, in a past life, my body had performed them before.


    Vague memories of a previous existence resurfaced, fragments of an incomplete dream.


    I closed my eyes, allowing myself to be guided by instinct.


    My body moved without conscious direction. My steps grew more fluid, no longer confined by the simple training patterns. My legs and arms swung, spun, slashed, turning the space around me into an imaginary battlefield teeming with enemies.


    I let my body sway and stumble. My footwork seemed unsteady, like a drunken man¡¯s, yet each swing of my staff felt deadly, more natural.


    My movements grew wilder. I leaped, spun, and slammed my staff into the ground, sending snowflakes scattering into the air. Something within me stirred, a primal force, an instinct that guided every motion I made.


    ¡°Stop, Yata!¡±


    Fenrir¡¯s sharp voice tried to snap me back, but my body was already lost in the rhythm, refusing to halt its flow.


    I continued moving, swinging my staff like a mad warrior in the heat of battle, until suddenly, the wooden staff was stopped, caught in a powerful grip from behind.


    I opened my eyes.


    Fenrir¡¯s golden eyes locked onto mine, narrowed with suspicion.


    ¡°Those movements just now¡­ Where did you learn it?¡± Her voice was deep, her expression serious.


    She tightened her grip on my wooden staff. Her gaze was piercing, as if she was trying to read my thoughts.


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    Cold sweat trickled down my temple. I needed a believable answer, but how could I explain this to her? Telling her about my past life was out of the question.


    ¡°I¡­ I once saw an old man training with a spear in the mountains. His movements fascinated me,¡± I answered, half-hoping she would believe this small lie.


    Fenrir was silent for a moment, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Hm¡­ really?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m not lying. Ravens like me can recall every little detail of our memories, even years later. The only condition is that we have to be truly interested in what we see.¡±


    ¡°Whoa, I didn¡¯t know that. I guess your kind has a pretty strong memory, huh?¡±


    Miraculously, Fenrir loosened her grip, seemingly satisfied with my explanation. She raised an eyebrow, curiosity replacing the suspicion on her face.


    ¡°By the way, this old man, where did you meet him?¡± Her golden eyes now sparkled with interest, as if my made-up story had ignited her curiosity.


    ¡°In the mountains, when I was out hunting for food as a child,¡± I replied quickly and confidently, hoping to solidify my lie.


    ¡°And... then?¡±


    ¡°He was incredibly skilled with his spear. I was fascinated by his technique, so I watched him from afar for several days. Even now, I still remember every detail of his movements. And without realizing it, I was able to replicate them, just like what you saw earlier.¡±


    I put on an expression of admiration, trying to make my lie even more convincing.


    Fenrir touched her chin, deep in thought. ¡°Interesting. Your movements did look unique. But this old man, where is he now? I really want to meet him and challenge him to a duel.¡±


    I took a deep breath before finally answering in a flat tone, ¡°He¡¯s dead.¡±


    Fenrir¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°What?!¡±


    I knew my answer would shock her, but it was easier than explaining the truth. In my eyes, this world had its own fate and threads of destiny. I didn¡¯t want to disturb them.


    ¡°You¡¯re serious?¡± Fenrir asked, her tone slightly softer, but a flicker of disappointment was visible in her eyes. ¡°How did he die?¡±


    ¡°He passed away while training. He suddenly stopped in the middle of his practice. I kept watching him, from noon until evening, but he never moved. When I flew closer, I realized he had died of old age.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Fenrir let out a deep sigh, full of regret. ¡°What a shame. I really wanted to see his techniques up close. But there¡¯s nothing we can do when death calls, right?¡±


    I nodded slowly. ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re right.¡±


    A slight pang of guilt gnawed at me for lying to Fenrir and keeping my true identity a secret.


    Perhaps, one day, when everything became clearer and her trust in me grew stronger, I would reveal the truth to her.


    But for now, I could only hope that this lie was enough to protect the secrets I wasn¡¯t yet ready to share.


    The day passed quickly, and before I knew it, the sun was preparing to retreat beneath its blanket. Birds flew overhead, returning to their nests after a long day of searching for sustenance.


    Fenrir looked up, gazing at the twilight sky. ¡°That¡¯s enough for today. We¡¯ll continue tomorrow.¡±


    I nodded and tossed my wooden staff aside carelessly. My body slumped into the snow, exhaustion weighing down every muscle.


    Fenrir smirked mischievously at me. ¡°How does it feel? Tired?¡±


    I gave a weak nod, unable to deny my fatigue.


    ¡°But it was fun, wasn¡¯t it? As my pet, you need to be a strong enough bird to protect yourself,¡± she declared, clenching a fist. Then she turned around, folding her arms. ¡°Well, not that it matters. I¡¯ll always protect you anyway. You¡¯re mine, and I won¡¯t let anyone else lay a hand on you so easily.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, yeah, I get it.¡± I answered flatly, still trying to steady my breath.


    ¡°Well then, it¡¯s time to rest and feast. Yeah!¡±


    I shifted into my raven form to reduce my share of the meal. Then, I followed behind Fenrir, ready to fill my empty stomach after training so hard all day.


    ******


    The silent night greeted me once again, carrying with it the gentle glow of a moon that had lost its perfection. Its light cascaded softly, wrapping the world in silence before delicately tracing the sleeping face of Fenrir.


    Her expression was peaceful, as if the cruel world had never touched her. Seeing her like this made my chest tighten, a storm of emotions churning between confusion, fear, and something dangerously close to care.


    Loki¡¯s request continued to haunt my thoughts.


    Though he hadn¡¯t said it outright, I knew the choice he wanted me to make: either to set Fenrir free or prolong her suffering. A decision that was anything but simple, and one I wasn¡¯t sure I could carry out.


    I pulled out the dagger Loki had given me and held it up to the moonlight. The blade gleamed brightly, as if it was absorbing the moon¡¯s radiance into itself.


    My eyes drifted to Gleipnir, the chain that bound Fenrir so tightly. I brought the dagger closer to it, but my heart¡­ my heart couldn¡¯t follow through. Slowly, I pulled the dagger back, my hands trembling.


    ¡°I can¡¯t do it,¡± I muttered under my breath, staring at the weapon in my grasp.


    My gaze returned to Fenrir¡¯s face, the girl who had endured loneliness and suffering for so long. A being shackled by nothing but a prophecy of destruction.


    But the shadow of a world that could change if I freed her continued to torment my mind. How would fate shift if this chain was broken? What would happen to her? What would happen to this world? What about Ragnarok?


    ¡°Damn it, this is frustrating,¡± I muttered, clicking my tongue in frustration.


    I shifted into my true form, spreading my wings beneath the night sky. Without hesitation, I flapped them forcefully, leaving Fenrir¡¯s side as she remained fast asleep.


    The cold wind bit at my feathers, but my wings continued to dance, soaring freely among the distant, twinkling stars. As if they were watching my inner turmoil from afar.


    ¡°Caw. Caw. Caw!¡±


    I poured every emotion raging within me into a series of sharp cries that echoed across the sky, shattering the night¡¯s tranquility with my unrest.


    Meanwhile, time continued its relentless march forward, indifferent to the turmoil in my heart.


    In six days, I had to make my choice.


    Which path should I take?

 Time Is Running Out

    When I opened my eyes, I suddenly found myself standing in the middle of a battlefield, surrounded by raging flames.


    The place was like a terrifying hell. The clash of metal and agonized screams echoed in my ears. A thick black mist choked my breath.


    "Where am I? What is this place?"


    Someone suddenly emerged from the fog and thrust a sword at me. Confused, I instinctively raised my hand. Without realizing it, I was already gripping a spear, which lifted on its own and pierced straight through the man''s heart, snuffing out his life in an instant.


    Blood splattered onto my face. Still unable to grasp the situation, I pulled my spear from his body.


    "What¡­ what just happened?"


    The dense fog gradually cleared.


    Before me stood a towering mountain of corpses. Their bodies were torn apart, some beyond recognition.


    Atop the pile loomed a massive wolf, nearly the size of a mountain. Its fur was pitch black, and its sharp golden eyes bore into me with seething rage.


    Even though it was my first time seeing it, somehow, I recognized exactly who this wolf was.


    "Fenrir¡­" I unconsciously murmured its name.


    Our eyes met, but unlike before, an unbearable guilt twisted inside me. Meanwhile, Fenrir growled furiously at me.


    "You¡­ you¡­ why didn¡¯t you free me back then? You had a choice. So why¡­ why didn¡¯t you choose me?"


    I lowered my head, gripping my spear tightly. "I¡¯m sorry, Fen. I¡ª"


    "I knew it!" Fenrir cut me off harshly before I could finish. "You never trusted me, did you?!"


    I was silent, unable to say anything.


    "I should have known. You¡¯re just like Odin and his followers, you cursed Raven." Fenrir''s voice was filled with fury, but then, her eyes suddenly glistened with something else. "Even though¡­ even though I trusted you. I believed every word you said. I never once questioned where you came from. But why¡­ why couldn''t you trust me at all?"


    I bit my lip until I tasted a faint metallic tang on my tongue.


    "You¡¯re not answering? I don¡¯t remember you being mute! Speak up, you Liar."


    Pain. Every word Fenrir spoke was like a blade stabbing into my soul.


    When I finally looked up, I saw something I never expected, tears welled up in her golden eyes. My chest tightened even more.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Fenrir,¡± I murmured, bowing my head, unable to meet her gaze.


    ¡°Sorry?! You¡¯re saying that now?! Do you think that solves anything?!¡±


    I knew. No. matter how sincere I was, my words would never reach her through the hatred and resentment clouding her heart.


    ¡°You still won¡¯t answer? Damn it! You¡¯re infuriating! Liar!¡±


    Fenrir lunged at me. Her jaws opened wide, as if to devour me whole.


    ¡°I¡­ I will never forgive you!¡±


    I didn¡¯t move. I didn¡¯t resist. Instead, I accepted my punishment. Closing my eyes, I let her swallow me, hoping it would ease her rage.


    Darkness.


    (...)


    I jolted awake, gasping for breath. My body was drenched in cold sweat despite the frigid air. My vision was blurry, but I could faintly see the dying embers of a campfire.


    It was just a dream¡­ right?


    "Did you have a nightmare?"


    I turned toward the voice, finding Fenrir sitting not far from me.


    "You¡¯re still awake, Fen?"


    Fenrir shook her head slightly. "I woke up because you suddenly shifted into your human form and gripped my hand really tightly." She held up her wrist, which was reddened.


    I stared at her blankly. "Sorry." That was all I could say.


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    Fenrir scooted closer, gazing at me intently. "What¡¯s on your mind, Yata?" Her ears twitched slightly, and her tail swayed gently, as if patiently waiting for me to speak.


    I shook my head, choosing not to tell her about my dream.


    Leaning against a large rock, I looked up at the night sky filled with stars. Fenrir did the same, tilting her head back to gaze at the constellations.


    The campfire flickered faintly, its embers glowing softly as the wood turned to charcoal. Now, only the dim moonlight accompanied us.


    Silence fell between us. Normally, it was something I found comforting, but tonight, it only pressed heavier on my mind.


    "Fen, what if you were freed from your shackles?"


    Fenrir turned to me. At first, she looked surprised, but then her lips curled into a confident grin. She clenched her fist and raised it toward the sky.


    "I¡¯d destroy the gods who sealed me here. Especially that old bastard, Odin."


    Her voice was sharp as a blade. No hesitation. No doubt.


    I studied her expression, searching for something beyond that conviction. Then, I let out a faint smile. "Is that what you truly want?"


    Fenrir¡¯s smirk slowly faded. The tension in her face eased, and her ears drooped slightly.


    "I don¡¯t know," she muttered, almost whispering. "Maybe¡­ all I really want is freedom. No more."


    I rested my arms on my knees, lowering my gaze slightly.


    "Freedom, huh¡­"


    If I chose not to free her, I knew exactly what would happen. The dream I had felt like an undeniable warning. But whether it was just my fear manifesting or a prophecy, I couldn¡¯t tell.


    On the other hand, if I did set her free¡­


    I shook my head slightly. I couldn''t let myself be consumed by fear. I had to be certain of something first.


    "If someone close to you had the power to free you," I spoke slowly, almost afraid to hear the answer, "but they chose not to¡­ what would you think of them?"


    Fenrir didn¡¯t answer right away. She stared into the distance, her golden eyes empty, as if trying to understand her own feelings.


    "I don¡¯t know. I¡¯m not sure. Because right now, apart form you, I don¡¯t have anyone else who really close to me." This time, her voice was heavier, as if it took effort to say.


    She was uncertain. Even she didn¡¯t know the answer to my question.


    I wanted to believe there was another way. But Ragnarok, that fate had already been written in the gods'' tales. If I freed her, would I be the one to ignite the catastrophe?


    Should I choose Fenrir¡¯s freedom and trust, or the gods?


    Suddenly, I felt something warm ruffle my hair.


    I flinched slightly, looking up.


    Fenrir stood before me, gently patting my head.


    I frowned. "What are you doing, Fen?"


    Fenrir gazed down at me, her golden eyes glowing softly in the darkness. "My mother used to say," she spoke with an uncharacteristically gentle voice, "that patting the head of someone close to you can ease their sadness."


    I froze.


    Her words were simple, yet they warmed me. The unease in my heart slowly faded.


    Fenrir continued, her voice still soft, but steady. "I don¡¯t know what¡¯s troubling you, Yata. But I trust you. Teheee~"


    I looked up at her.


    She smiled. Not her usual confident smirk, nor the sharp grin she wore when speaking of vengeance. It was a sincere smile, one that came from the heart of a girl who was, at her core, simply pure.


    The tightness in my chest loosened slightly.


    I smiled faintly, seeing a different side of Fenrir. "Thank you, Fen."


    Fenrir said nothing, simply returning to her seat.


    For a while, we sat in silence. But this time, it wasn¡¯t suffocating.


    And somehow, we began sharing stories, about insignificant things, about the past, about old habits we once had.


    Fenrir spoke of how she used to play with her siblings before everything changed. I spoke of my life as a raven. Laughter and nostalgia colored our conversation.


    The night passed slowly.


    As the sky began to shift, with a faint red hue creeping over the horizon, I realized something.


    I still had doubts, fears, and worries. And I only had two days left, no more than that.


    But at least for tonight, that burden felt a little lighter.


    *****


    [PoV Hojlund]


    The salty wind lashed against my face as we arrived at the northern coast of Jotunheim. Waves roared in the distance, crashing against the black rocks scattered along the shoreline. The eastern sky had begun to change color, faint streaks of red replacing the darkness of the night.


    The Bifr?st Bridge had vanished beyond the horizon. Now, before us, stretched the vast sea that separated us from our final destination, Lyngvi Island.


    From where we stood, I could already see its silhouette in the distance. A forested island wrapped in pristine white snow.


    A faint smile crossed my lips. Even from this far away, I could feel the ominous aura shrouding that place. No wonder no one dared to set foot there, not even animals. Just how powerful had that girl become?


    Beside me, H?rd dropped the weight from his shoulders. With a heavy thud, a monstrous bull the size of a house collapsed onto the ground, sending tremors through the sand beneath our feet. Fresh blood still dripped from the gaping wound in its throat.


    H?rd let out a breath before looking at us with a blank expression. "Even this beast wasn¡¯t enough for a warm-up."


    I chuckled. "You never change, Brother."


    Svart stood a little farther away, sipping something from a leather pouch. My plump junior only glanced at us without much expression.


    "The valley is in sight," he said, his voice hoarse and cold. "Just one journey across that sea, and we''ll arrive."


    I nodded, sweeping my gaze across the shore. The waters separating us from Lyngvi were calm, with a few chunks of ice floating on the surface.


    "We rest for now." I patted H?rd on the shoulder before walking toward a mound of snow nearby. "Crossing while exhausted will only slow us down. Tomorrow morning, we¡¯ll finish this."


    "You''re right, Hojlund," Svart replied. "Besides, I still want to try this bull I hunted first."


    "I agree as well, Brother."


    I smiled again. No objections. They knew I was right.


    Turning to my two companions, I raised the sword at my waist high into the air.


    They followed suit, lifting their own swords and pressing the tips together with mine.


    "For the glory of Asgard, we must carry out the Allfather¡¯s command to the fullest. We swear never to fail this mission." I paused, glancing at my comrades, who stood solemnly before igniting our spirits with a battle cry.


    "For Asgard!"


    H?rd and Svart followed the oath I uttered simultaneously with great enthusiasm.


    "For Asgard!"


    "For Asgard!"


    After swearing our oath, I glanced once more at the island. While this mission shouldn''t be too difficult, since most of Fenrir''s power was still bound, it was still a dangerous task.


    I looked back at H?rd and Svart, who were now skinning the massive bull we had hunted for our meal.


    A confident smile spread across my face. With the strength we had now, this should be enough.


    "Prepare yourself, Fenrir."

 The Beginning of Decision part 1

    A week had passed since my encounter with Loki.


    Now, this was my final day to make a choice, otherwise, I would never be able to free Fenrir.


    The dagger Loki had given me was neatly tucked beneath my feathers. The power to cut through Gleipnir within this blade would only last for one week. That was why I had only seven days to decide, without any chance to extend it.


    All of this had left me restless for the past week. I still wasn¡¯t sure which choice to make. Should I set Fenrir free or let her remain bound?


    While I was lost in thought, a shrill, cheerful voice called out to me.


    ¡°Yataaa!¡±


    A girl with purple hair waved at me innocently, her tone brimming with excitement. ¡°What are you doing up there? Get down here already!¡±


    Did this girl not understand people¡¯s moods? Did she not realize I was deliberately avoiding her? Damn, this was annoying!


    I turned my back on her, choosing not to respond.


    ¡°Tch, damn bird! How dare you ignore me?¡±


    I could hear her irritation, but I was certain she wouldn¡¯t be able to reach me from where I was perched. After all, I knew her movement range was limited to just nine meters.


    Thud.


    A sudden pain struck the back of my head. A rock had hit me, knocking me off balance and sending me plummeting from the tree.


    What the hell? Who did that?


    I turned around and realized that foolish girl was the culprit. She was clutching a handful of pebbles, her eyes blazing with anger.


    I quickly got back on my feet, shaking my head to clear the dizziness. Then, she issued a threat.


    ¡°I¡¯ll count to three. If you don¡¯t come here right now, I¡¯ll pelt you with these pebbles, you dumb pet.¡±


    This was bad! She was really angry! She could probably kill me with just those tiny stones in her hands.


    ¡°Caw.¡±


    Without hesitation, I shot toward her like an arrow, unwilling to die a pointless death at the hands of her reckless stubbornness.


    ¡°There you go.¡±


    Fenrir caught me in her arms. She then placed me on her lap, treating me like a pet. A satisfied smile spread across her face as she stroked my feathers.


    ¡°Yata, why have you been avoiding me lately? What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± She puffed her cheeks in a pout. ¡°I¡¯ve been so lonely, you know.¡±


    There was no way I could answer her. How was I supposed to tell her the truth about everything that was happening?


    ¡°You¡¯re not going to say anything?¡± she asked, tilting her head. ¡°Oh well.¡±


    Just as she was enjoying pampering me, her grip suddenly tightened, making me flinch.


    When I looked up at her, her expression had stiffened, her face tense with unease. Her nose twitched. She had caught a scent, something that clearly upset her.


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    What¡¯s wrong with her?


    ¡°What the hell are those bastards doing here?¡± Fenrir growled fiercely.


    At first, I didn¡¯t realize what was happening. But moments later, I could faintly sense a strong presence approaching.


    The gods?


    Fenrir stood up, her expression serious. Her ears perked, her fists clenched, and her tail lashed behind her. ¡°Stay back, Yata. I¡¯ll handle this.¡±


    Seeing the look in her eyes, my suspicions were confirmed. The gods were coming, but why? Could this have something to do with Loki last week?


    Fenrir must have sensed my concern. She stroked my back, flashing a confident smile. ¡°Relax! I may look like this, but I¡¯m still the strongest wolf in Norse.¡±


    I let out a small sigh of relief. It seemed like she could handle things on her own.


    Besides, what could a small, weak raven like me possibly do against the gods? Facing Loki alone had already frozen me in place.


    In the end, I followed her command and perched in a tree, watching from a distance.


    It wasn¡¯t long before three towering figures emerged from the shadows of the forest, their strides brimming with arrogance.


    I could tell at a glance they weren¡¯t human. Their aura was different. They were gods.


    Fenrir stood firm, baring her fangs at them with a low growl. ¡°Grrr... What do you bastards want here?¡±


    One of the gods stepped forward, a smug smile on his lips. ¡°After all these years, who would¡¯ve thought you¡¯d grow into such a beautiful young woman, Fenrir?¡±


    The other gods chuckled at his words, but Fenrir didn¡¯t. She glared at them, her growls only deepening.


    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± another god chimed in. ¡°You¡¯ve grown into quite the beauty over the years. Too bad you¡¯ll never get to show it off to the world.¡±


    They laughed, taunting her with their cruel words, mocking the chains that bound her.


    Fenrir¡¯s sharp gaze remained locked onto them. She looked ready to tear them apart.


    ¡°Leave, or I¡¯ll tear you to shreds!¡±


    ¡°Whoa, whoa, relax. We just came to check on you.¡±


    From afar, I clicked my tongue in irritation. Was this the true nature of the Norse gods? Selfish, lazy, racist, and cowardly.


    The atmosphere around Fenrir suddenly shifted.


    My instincts screamed of an impending storm, one so lethal that a chill ran through my feathers. I had never sensed her aura this intensely before, even though it was already frightening enough.


    This girl... she was furious.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± Fenrir asked, her eyes narrowing.


    ¡°We¡¯re here under Odin¡¯s orders to monitor your condition.¡±


    Fenrir¡¯s ears twitched in suspicion. ¡°That old geezer has never sent anyone to check on me before,¡± she sneered. ¡°You¡¯re definitely hiding something, bastards!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re just following orders.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mess with me! What are you hiding?!¡±


    The gods¡¯ expressions turned serious.


    ¡°What do you even know, you damn brat? You¡¯re not the fearsome wolf we once feared. You¡¯re nothing more than a stray dog who can¡¯t even break free from her chains!¡±


    ¡°What did you just say?!¡±


    Fenrir¡¯s rage erupted. She lunged at them with blinding speed, so fast that my eyes couldn¡¯t keep up. Her razor-sharp claws aimed straight for one of them, but...


    Clang.


    ¡°Ugh... damn it!¡±


    She was stopped by Gleipnir.


    Fenrir struggled desperately, her claws just inches away from tearing into them.


    One of the gods staggered back, nearly losing his balance. The others barely reacted in time.


    ¡°Ugh... that was close,¡± muttered the bulky god who had almost been slashed.


    Another let out a deep sigh. ¡°Lucky for us, Gleipnir still holds her.¡±


    Their gazes shifted back to Fenrir, who continued straining against her chains.


    ¡°I... I¡¯ll rip you all apart! I¡¯ll make you my dinner! I¡¯ll chew your flesh until nothing¡¯s left but bones!¡±


    A sickening smirk curled on their lips.


    ¡°You¡¯ll never break free from those bindings, sweet little dog.¡±


    They taunted her again, laughing at her helplessness.


    ¡°Who the hell are you calling a dog, bastards?!¡± Fenrir spat, her jaw clenched tight. ¡°I swear I¡¯ll rip, devour, and skin you all alive!¡±


    ¡°Try it, if you can.¡±


    ¡°Looks like this mutt needs some discipline,¡± sneered the one who seemed to be their leader.


    He glanced at his comrades for confirmation.


    ¡°What do you think, Hord, Svart?¡±


    The two of them nodded in unison.


    ¡°We agree with you, Brother Hojlund.¡±


    One of them stretched out his hand.


    I wasn¡¯t sure what he was trying to do, but my instincts screamed that it wasn¡¯t good.


    ¡°O Gleipnir,¡± Hojlund¡¯s voice rang out across the air, ¡°awaken and bind this stray dog. Restrain her so she can¡¯t move an inch!¡±


    Gleipnir stirred as if awakening from slumber.


    The chain came alive, tightening around Fenrir, pulling her back until she was completely immobilized.


    I flinched at the bizarre sight unfolding before me. What the hell? So Gleipnir was alive all along?


    The three gods strode toward Fenrir with piercing gazes. Anyone could tell what they intended to do.


    This is bad. What should I do? What can I do.

 The Beginning of Decision part 2

    In the depths of the usually silent and tranquil Lyngvi Valley, an unusual symphony echoed through the air. It was not the melodious song of birds, the rustling of tree branches, or the soothing hum of nature.


    No, this time, the only sound was the rhythmic blows landing on a beautiful girl, her body bound by golden chains.


    The noise reverberated among the snow-covered trees, the clinking of chains adding to the eerie atmosphere. It was a brutal symphony, accompanied by muffled cries of pain carried away by the winter wind. No one bore witness to this cruel spectacle, no one but me and the desolate, snow-laden landscape of Lyngvi Valley.


    "Aaargh!"


    "Take this, you damn girl! You need to be taught a lesson!"


    The gods continued mercilessly beating Fenrir, relishing her pained cries and powerless resistance.


    And yet, despite the relentless blows, Fenrir did not show a single trace of defeat. Instead, her eyes gleamed with defiance, utterly unafraid of death. A deep, seething rage burned in her gaze.


    "You dare look at us with those disgusting eyes again?!"


    "You should know your place, you damn stray mutt!"


    They shamelessly ganged up on Fenrir, trampling her as if she were nothing more than a bothersome insect.


    I racked my brain, searching for a way to help her, but as a raven, there was no way I could fight those gods head-on with nothing but reckless courage.


    Fenrir¡¯s whimpers grew louder, piercing my ears, fueling my frustration.


    I couldn''t take it anymore.


    I spread my wings and launched myself at the gods, knowing full well how foolish and dangerous my actions were. But I could not just sit idly by and watch Fenrir suffer.


    "Caw! Caw!"


    I let out a loud cry, pecking at their heads, scratching their skin, even blocking their vision.


    But they did not even acknowledge me. They were too fixated on torturing Fenrir to care.


    "Caw! Caw!"


    Only after a while did they finally growl in annoyance, turning their irritated gazes toward me and shooing me away.


    "What¡¯s with this damn bird? It¡¯s been pestering us this whole time," sneered a burly god named Svart.


    "Caw! Caw! Caw! (Pestering you? Ha! This is more like dealing with thugs than carrying out some ¡®noble duty,¡¯ you bunch of idiotic gods!)"


    "You¡¯re right, brother," the lanky one, Hord, responded. "That raven seems to be getting in our way."


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    It seemed my attempt to distract them had worked, but at a steep price.


    The gods had now shifted their attention to me, their eyes gleaming with wicked grins.


    Hojlund glanced back at Fenrir. "Do you know anything about this raven, stray mutt?"


    Fenrir did not answer. She merely let out a low, meaningless growl.


    Hojlund shrugged. "I see."


    He turned his sharp gaze back to me, stroking his pointed chin. "Something¡¯s strange. Ravens are creatures with sharp instincts for disaster. A bird like that shouldn¡¯t be anywhere near here. Has its instinct dulled or something?"


    "That raven... it must be something special."


    "Is that what you think, Hord?" Hojlund smirked. "Then perhaps it would be better if we took care of it first before dealing with the mutt."


    To be honest, I had no idea who they were. Their names weren¡¯t mentioned in Norse mythology.


    Were they just insignificant minor gods, or had the records of them simply not been discovered yet?


    I glanced at Fenrir, who was taking advantage of their momentary distraction. With sharp determination, she sank her fangs into Hojlund¡¯s leg, tearing through flesh and muscle.


    "AAARGH! Damn you! Let go, you crazy mutt!"


    "Let go of our brother, you crazy mutt!"


    Hord ruthlessly kicked Fenrir in the head, trying to force her to release her bite. It took several blows before Fenrir finally let go.


    But it came at a painful cost. Hojlund¡¯s flesh was ripped away by Fenrir¡¯s fangs.


    "AAAAARGH!"


    Hojlund screamed in agony, clutching his bleeding leg in an attempt to stop the blood flow.


    Meanwhile, Fenrir swallowed the torn flesh in her mouth without hesitation. She grinned wickedly at them, her sharp teeth bared in a silent display of dominance, even while shackled.


    "That raven is my pet. Don¡¯t you dare lay a finger on him," Fenrir threatened, licking the remaining blood from the corner of her lips.


    The gods were stunned.


    A mix of shock and fear flickered in their expressions.


    Even bound, they knew Fenrir was still the monster prophesied to bring doom upon the gods, a monster of unparalleled danger.


    Underestimating her was a mistake.


    Thinking she was incapable of fighting back was foolish.


    "A-Are you insane?!" Hojlund cursed, still pressing on his wound.


    Fenrir growled softly, her eyes blazing.


    "I¡¯d rather face your wrath than watch you lay a hand on my pet."


    Her firm words echoed through the air, making my feathers bristle.


    "Brothers, I think it¡¯s time we teach this mutt a real lesson."


    Once again, they completely ignored me, turning their sharpened gazes toward Fenrir. Their weapons gleamed as they drew them, ready to strike at any moment.


    "Caw! Caw! Caw!" I cried out again, desperately trying to divert their attention.


    But this time, they did not even flinch. Their focus was solely locked onto Fenrir.


    I dared not get any closer. Their weapons were drawn. It was too risky. If I approached recklessly, they would cut me down in an instant.


    They were beyond distraction now, but something was off. Their expressions wavered ever so slightly, as if they were hesitating. As if they feared something would happen if they actually dared to strike Fenrir down.


    "Go on, if you dare, you cowards!" Fenrir taunted, her eyes burning with determination. "Kill me if you have the guts!"


    I smirked, pleased by the doubt I saw in their eyes.


    I knew full well they would never kill Fenrir.


    If they intended to, they would have done so from the very beginning instead of chaining her up until Ragnarok.


    I never understood why Odin chose to bind Fenrir instead of killing her. Perhaps he was merely following the fate dictated by Yggdrasil. But personally, I thought it was a foolish decision. The gods took a deep breath, trying to calm themselves. It seemed they had given up.


    I bet they would leave soon.


    "As per Odin¡¯s orders..."


    My heart pounded as I listened to Hojlund¡¯s words, eager to hear what he would say next. I Hope they would leave empty-handed.


    "We must kill you, Fenrir!"


    What?!