Loki's chains clinked softly with every step as he was escorted out of the Avenger's Tower. His posture was upright, his expression cool and detached, hiding his injuries behind the mask of indifference, but Sky could feel the tension radiating from him. Stark walked ahead, making a show of keeping his distance from the prisoner. Behind Loki, Thor maintained a tight grip on his brother's arm, his face a mixture of irritation and determination. Steve and Natasha flanked them, keeping watchful eyes on the disgraced god.

Sky followed silently, her gaze fixed on Loki. The temporary mark she'd placed on him hummed faintly with her power, a reminder of the bond she had claimed. Loki's head tilted slightly as if he could sense her presence, but he did not look back.

"You don't have to look so smug, Point Break," Stark quipped over his shoulder at Thor. "We're not exactly rolling out the red carpet here."

Thor scowled but said nothing, his focus firmly on the task of delivering Loki to Asgardian justice. It wasn't a duty he was looking forward to, but it was his duty to bring his brother home all the same.

As they reached the open air where the Bifrost would collect them, Sky stepped forward, her wings shifting slightly, drawing attention to them yet again. "Thor," Sky called sharply, striding after the group as the portal began to materialize in the sky. Her voice, carrying an Alpha's authority, made the prince halt and glance back. "I'm going with you."

Thor's brow furrowed in confusion, his blue eyes narrowing in scrutiny. "This is not your concern, Lady Valkyrie," he said, his tone curt but not unkind. He knew to be polite to the valkyrie. "Loki's crimes are a matter for Asgard."

Sky stepped closer, standing her ground despite the intimidating figure of the god of thunder. Her wings, black as a starless night, flared slightly behind her. She had chosen to remain in her female form after the battle, the presence of her wings lending her an air of undeniable authority, especially to the Asgardians who mistook her for a valkyrie. She had yet to correct them.

"Loki is under my protection," she reminde him, her voice low but firm. "The mark I placed on him isn't just for show. You know what it means."

Thor's eyes flicked to the faint sigil still visible on Loki's neck. His jaw tightened, and he let out a frustrated sigh. "You claim him as though you have the right," he said, his voice tinged with irritation. How could this stranger be just as irritating as his brother? His brother at least had the excuse of being the god of mischief. She had no excuse. "Yet you know not the depths of his treachery."

Sky stepped even closer, her eyes locking with Thor's. "I know enough. He's been used as a pawn, controlled by forces beyond even Asgard's understanding. I will not stand by and let him face this alone."

Loki's head turned slightly at her words, his green eyes flickering with a mix of disbelief and something she couldn't quite place. Hope? Gratitude? It vanished as quickly as it appeared, replaced by his usual mask of indifference.

Thor's gaze softened slightly as he studied Sky. "You speak as though you're bound to him, as though you understand his nature."

"I do." Sky's voice was unwavering. She understood Loki's nature far better than Thor could ever hope to guess. "And if you think I'm going to let you take him back to Asgard without me, you're mistaken."

Thor's hesitation was palpable. He looked at Loki, then back at Sky, weighing his options. She could see the calculation in his eyes. He was a prince, a warrior, and a strategist. Her wings, her strength, and her presence marked her as something more than just a meddling stranger.

"Very well," Thor said at last, though his tone carried a hint of reluctance. "If you insist on accompanying us, you will abide by Asgard's laws and customs. Do not interfere with our justice." It wasn't his place to order a valkyrie, of course a valkyrie would follow Asgard's laws. She wouldn't be able to interfere with Odin's judgement. That was the true warning he gave.

Sky inclined her head. "Agreed. But I will ensure that Loki is treated fairly."

Thor let out a heavy sigh and turned back toward the Bifrost. Without another word, he resumed his grip on Loki and began leading him forward. Sky fell into step beside them, her presence a silent declaration that she would not be left behind.

The journey through the portal was as disorienting as ever. The shimmering rainbow light of the Bifrost engulfed them, pulling them through the fabric of space and depositing them in the golden halls of Asgard. The majesty of the realm never failed to strike awe into those who saw it, and even Sky, who had seen countless wonders in her long life, felt a moment of reverence.

As they stepped into the throne room, the atmosphere grew heavy with tension. Odin sat upon his golden throne, Frigga standing beside him with a look of sorrow etched across her face. The Allfather's single eye burned with judgment as it fell upon Loki.

"Loki Odinson," Odin's voice boomed, filling the vast chamber. "You have brought shame upon this realm and upon yourself. Do you have anything to say in your defense?"

Loki's lips curved into a faint, bitter smile. "Nothing you would believe, Father."

Sky took a step forward, drawing all eyes to her. Her wings folded neatly behind her, but her presence was no less commanding. She had no idea if Odin would assume her a valkyrie as the others had. She would use that plow to her advantage as long as it lasted. "Allfather, if I may?"

Odin's gaze shifted to her, his expression unreadable. "You presume much, Lady." His voice was polite to her, but gave nothing away and he didn't include the customary title as his sons had when addressing her. She couldn't tell if he believed her ruse.

"It is my right to speak on the Prince's behalf as he is under my protection," she recited, keeping her tone polite, but meeting Odin's gaze without flinching. She knew her rights under the laws. Her parents had taught her well, just in case. "And I claim knowledge that Prince Loki's actions were not entirely his own," she added. "The mind stone twisted his will and forced his hand. I offer myself as witness to his suffering and as his protector."

The room fell silent. Thor's eyes widened slightly, and Frigga's expression softened with a glimmer of hope. Loki's mask cracked for just a moment, his eyes darting to Sky with an unspoken question.

Odin's gaze lingered on Sky, as if searching for the truth in her words. Finally, he leaned back on his throne. "Very well," he said, his voice heavy with resignation. "We shall see if your claims hold merit. But know this: if Loki is to remain in Asgard, he will answer for his actions."

Sky inclined her head. "As will I, should I fail in my duty."

Odin nodded, and with that, the proceedings began. Sky stayed close to Loki's side, her presence a silent promise that she would not abandon him—no matter what the future held.