Determined , Y/N stepped into the hallway, her pulse syncing with the energy coursing through her. Symbols etched into the walls seemed to glow faintly, their meaning just out of reach, yet oddly familiar. Everything felt heightened—the air thicker, her senses sharper.

Her movements were quicker, more fluid than before. It was like the power she'd only glimpsed was now fully awake, guiding her steps. The ground seemed to pull her forward, as though she belonged here, in this strange new reality.

What surprised her most wasn't the strength she felt—it was the clarity. The idea of fighting, of protecting something bigger than herself, no longer scared her. It felt right.

She wasn't just surviving anymore. She was becoming something more. And for the first time, she didn't fear what lay ahead.

*

A distant echo of clashing steel caught her attention, drawing her forward. She followed the sound through Asgard's winding paths, the morning light casting a golden glow over the landscape.

Her guide, an Asgardian warrior, led her to an expansive clearing where soldiers and Valkyries trained with fierce intensity. The air was thick with the smell of sweat and determination, the clang of weapons echoing around her. This was a place where strength was honed and battles were fought long before they reached the front lines.

Y/N wandered through the training grounds, her steps unsteady but determined. The clang of weapons, the shouts of soldiers, and the swift movements of the Valkyries drew her in like a magnet.

There was something deeply familiar and strangely comforting about the chaos of the battlefield, even though she had never been in one herself—at least, not until recently.

Her eyes scanned the grounds, taking in the sight of warriors honing their skills. She felt a strange pull toward them, as if she belonged there, as if this place held answers to the questions swirling in her mind.

She was so lost in the sights and sounds that she didn't notice Thor approaching until he was almost beside her.

"Y/N," his voice was soft, laced with concern.

She turned, her eyes meeting his, and for a moment, the noise of the training grounds faded away. There was something in his gaze—an unspoken understanding, a connection she couldn't quite place. It made her feel both comforted and uneasy.

"Thor," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

He looked her over, his blue eyes reflecting his concern. As he observed her in the Asgardian attire, Thor couldn't help but notice a certain resemblance in her features that he hadn't fully recognized before. It was a fleeting thought, but it struck him nonetheless.

"I scarcely recognized you," he said, his voice carrying a hint of surprise. "How are you faring?"

Y/N hesitated, unsure how to articulate the whirlwind of emotions and physical changes she was experiencing. "I... I'm not sure," she admitted. "Everything feels different. Stronger, somehow. And I can't shake this feeling that I need to be here, that this is where I belong."

Thor's expression softened, though his concern deepened. "You've been through a great deal in a short time. It's only natural to feel out of place. But you're not alone, Y/N. Whatever this is, we'll face it together and find the answers."

His words offered some comfort, but Y/N couldn't ignore the growing restlessness within her. She looked past him, watching the soldiers sparring, the Valkyries moving with grace and precision. "I want to learn," she said suddenly, the words surprising even herself.

Thor raised an eyebrow. "Learn what?"

"To fight," she said, her voice firm. "I need to understand what's happening to me, and I feel like this is part of it. I don't just want to sit around waiting for answers—I want to be able to protect myself, to protect others."

Thor regarded her for a long moment, as if weighing her words. There was something almost familiar in the fire he saw in her eyes, something that resonated with him in a way he couldn't explain.

"You have the heart of a warrior," he said finally, a small, proud smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "If you wish to learn, I can help. But know that it will be challenging."

Y/N nodded, determination hardening her features. "I'm not afraid of a challenge."

Thor's smile faded slightly, replaced by a more serious expression. "Y/N, your strength is undeniable, but you must be cautious. Your powers are unique and could draw unwanted attention. For now, concentrate on honing your abilities, but keep them concealed. It's for your own safety."

Y/N considered his words, understanding the gravity of what he was saying. She nodded, accepting the advice, though the fire of her determination still burned bright within her.

Thor's smile widened again, the unspoken connection between them growing stronger with each passing second. "Very well, Y/N. We will begin your training today."

*

As Y/N and Thor approached the heart of the training grounds, the atmosphere around them shifted. The warriors' movements became more purposeful, their eyes flicking toward Y/N with curiosity.

The Valkyries, with their commanding presence, trained with a precision that made it clear they were far more than mere soldiers—they were legends in the making.

Thor led Y/N to a quieter corner of the field, where a few Valkyries were sparring under the watchful eye of a tall, armored figure. The woman's long, dark hair was pulled back, revealing a sharp, focused expression. She moved with an effortless grace, her every motion a testament to her skill and experience. It was Sif, one of Asgard's finest warriors and Thor's close ally.

Sif glanced over as they approached, her gaze lingering on Y/N for a moment before she nodded at Thor. "You've brought an interesting guest," she remarked, her voice calm but laced with interest.

Thor returned the nod, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Sif, this is Y/N. She's uncovering some abilities that could benefit from guidance. I thought you might be able to assist."

Sif's eyes sharpened as she studied Y/N more closely. There was no mistaking the scrutiny in her gaze—the way she assessed Y/N's stance, the determination in her eyes, and the subtle energy that seemed to radiate from her. "Abilities, you say?" Sif's voice carried a hint of curiosity, mixed with a warrior's instinct for recognizing potential.

Y/N swallowed, feeling the weight of Sif's attention. But rather than shrink back, she squared her shoulders, meeting Sif's gaze head-on. "Yes," she said, her voice steady. "I want to learn how to control them. How to fight."

Sif arched an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "You've chosen a difficult path. But I can see the fire in you, Y/N. If you're serious about this, then we'll start with the basics."

Thor stepped back, allowing Sif to take the lead. There was a mutual respect between them, a silent understanding that this was Sif's realm, her expertise.

As she began to explain the fundamentals of combat—footwork, balance, awareness—Y/N listened intently, absorbing every word.

"Your strength is one thing," Sif said, demonstrating a defensive stance. "But control, precision—these are what will make you truly formidable. You'll need to master the movements before you can truly understand your power."

Y/N mimicked Sif's stance, feeling the tension in her muscles as she tried to hold the position. It wasn't easy—her body was still adjusting to the changes she felt coursing through her. But there was a determination in her, a drive to prove herself, not just to Thor and Sif, but to herself.

As the training session continued, Sif pushed Y/N to her limits. They worked on basic drills, focusing on balance and coordination. The other Valkyries watched with a mixture of interest and skepticism, though none doubted Sif's judgment in taking Y/N under her wing.

After a particularly grueling set of drills, Sif called for a break. Y/N, breathing heavily, wiped the sweat from her brow, feeling both exhausted and exhilarated. She had a long way to go, but for the first time since arriving in Asgard, she felt a sense of purpose.

Thor rejoined them, offering Y/N a nod of approval. "You're doing well, Y/N. It's not easy, but you're holding your own."

Sif crossed her arms, a hint of a smile on her lips. "There's potential here, Thor. She's strong, and she learns quickly. But there's something more... something that I can't quite place."

Y/N looked between them, sensing the unspoken concern in their words. "What do you mean?"

Sif exchanged a glance with Thor before answering. "Your abilities—they're not just about strength or skill. There's something deeper, something tied to your very essence."

Y/N nodded, her resolve strengthening. "I'm ready. Whatever it takes, I want to learn."

Sif's smile widened, this time with genuine approval. "Then let's continue. There's much to do, and time waits for no one—especially not in Asgard."

*

But as Y/N prepared to resume her training, she caught a glimpse of something out of the corner of her eye. Perched on a low branch of a nearby tree was a raven, its black feathers shimmering faintly in the Asgardian light. The bird's gaze was intense, almost unnervingly so, as it watched the scene unfold below.

Y/N's breath hitched slightly as she stared back at the raven, a sense of familiarity washing over her.

The raven cocked its head, as if acknowledging her recognition, its eyes gleaming with an unsettling intelligence that made her uneasy.It was the same piercing, pale silver gaze that had unsettled her back on Midgard.

The realization hit her like a cold gust of wind. This wasn't just any raven. It was...

Huginn.