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. 

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 Jörmungandr, 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 Bifröst.

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.

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."

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.

[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.

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.

*****

[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."