- CHAPTER FOURTEEN -
❝ ONE DANCE? ❞

"Oh, you came! How lovely," Mary exclaimed as soon as she caught sight of Wanda, giddy with excitement as she inclined her head in respect at Loki, with a shy greeting, before all but snatching Wanda away from him. She wasn't mad about it, though, she would spend as less time with Loki as possible.

Besides, the hall was undeniably stunning, and she decided she would take the time to admire it without a looming threat over her shoulder. She gazed longingly at the crystal chandeliers, the shining walls, the women twirling around in long, intricately designed gowns. She didn't belong here.

"Wanda, come along, I would like to introduce you to a good friend of mine, Sir Edwin Louis," she told her with a smile which lit up her entire face. Attempting not to stumble on her dress, or her feet, Wanda followed, ignoring the whispers that were not so sly around her. She supposed it was because she was new, but it didn't help to soothe the roaring red in her stomach, it was always so defensive.

Much to Wanda's relief, Mary slowed her pace in order to point out all the passer-by's to Wanda, reciting to her everything she knew about them from the top of her head. It was almost impressive. Wanda nodded absentmindedly, knowing she was never going to remember all these names. The day had been long, and this ball was no good end to it, despite how much her inner child may be longing for it, perhaps it was a testament to her own stubbornness that she refused to let herself enjoy this. The world was ending, why shouldn't she enjoy this? She was going to die, the team was going to die, Pietro was going to die-

No.

A flame ignited inside of her at the thoughts, waxing and waning in her stomach, bursting alight, almost similar to her red, not again. He was not going to die again. She couldn't fail again. She hadn't wanted her powers, for years they felt.. wrong, like they didn't belong to her, like her skin was not hers. But when it came down to it, the powers were bestowed upon her from the universe, whether she liked it or not, and didn't she owe it to protect that same universe? Maybe the responsibility was hers for a reason, despite all her internal thoughts roaring the opposite.

"Wanda? Are you quite alright?"

"Yes," she hastily responded, maybe slightly too hasty, and her face flushed at the outburst, "My apologies I was just.. thinking."

"Ooh, pray tell," Mary drawled out, and at Wanda's plain expression, she bristled, inclining her head, "I am sorry, that was rather upfront, we have just met."

"No, no, it's okay," the witch shook her head with a gentle smile, "I was thinking about home. I do so adore it here, but I just suppose-"

"Ones heart always lies at home," Mary concluded with a gentle smile, before the two continued walking, "My mother often said that, she told me and my sister we were always to come home to her.. how I wish I had appreciated that more."

Wanda's expression turned dark, her lips contorting into a frown, "Has she passed on?"

"Yes, unfortunately," Mary affirmed, before shaking her head and lightening up her face with a wide smile, running her gloves down the ruffles of her gown, "But we musn't mull on it, this is a ball, after all, we should enjoy ourselves!"

Ignoring how her heart twinged at the memory of her own mother, the only woman she had ever considered her home, Wanda hummed in agreement. With a newfound happiness, Mary threaded her arm through Wanda's guiding her to the man she had wanted to introduce her to previously.

"If I may, you seem rather trustworthy Lady Maximoff, would you allow me to confide in you?" Mary asked politely, and the redhead simply stared at her awaiting her to continue, before nodding as she realised she was waiting for a response. In a hushed tone, she continued, "I am searching for a husband, and I wish to be wedded with Sir Louis. He is in contact with my father, of course, but I'd like to capture his interest myself."

God, that sounded terrible.

"Oh, that sounds lovely!" Wanda exclaimed, scrounging up as much faux excitement that her inexperienced acting skills would allow.

After dwelling on it for a second, the blonde added, "You are married, how did you capture the interests of your husband?"

Wanda almost snorted at that, she had managed to do quite the opposite. The reminder of Loki, however, came unwanted, she was rather content with not thinking about him nor their weirdly civil interaction earlier that evening. It was all too confusing, and she had enough on her plate.

Sensing she was taking too long for her response, however, Wanda managed out something, which in hindsight, she should've realised was rather stupid, "I-I suppose you should be yourself."

Mary stared at her blankly.

"And smile a lot, laugh at his jokes, sound interested in what he says."

The blonde, though chuckling at her initial mistake, seemed more satisfied with this answer, "Thank you, Lady Maximoff, I will consider that. But perhaps it may not work considering your spouse was won by being yourself, maybe he is the exception."

Biting back a smile, Wanda added, slightly confused, "What's wrong with being yourself?"

Mary looked genuinely appalled as she scoffed out a laugh, "I need to capture his fancy, make him think I am charming, respectable, attractive, not tell him what my favourite colour gown is."

Wanda quickly realised she was far too strong-willed and stubborn for this age, the moment a man disregarded her being authentic, she would leave him. If they couldn't stand the worst, screaming and raging in a burst of utter red, aspects of her, then they simply wouldn't get to see her best qualities. Best qualities which were.. she came up short.

Bristling, she shook away her thoughts, she was getting distracted way too easily lately.

Mary halted in her steps, and slightly stunned, Wanda turned to her questioningly, before following her gaze across the room to find a fairly young man with sharp features and dark hair.

Oh, right.

"Is that him?" Wanda asked bluntly, before cringing as she remembered herself, maybe a bit too straight forward.

Composing herself swiftly, Mary brushed her hands down the folds in her skirt, a smile gracing her face, but it still failed to cover the obvious drain of colour from her usually rose face. Wanda took another glance at him, he was younger than she had expected, handsome nonetheless, and he looked nice enough. He would be good for Mary. But again, it was a rather fast judgement to make from a glance.

"So?" Wanda said, after looking at Mary blankly for another few seconds. The girl just looked confused.

"What do you mean?"

"Aren't you going to go dance with him?" The witch questioned as if it had been obvious, and as Mary went to protest, she immediately interrupted putting a finger up haltingly, "Ah. How do you suppose you will capture his interests if you refuse to speak to him?"

In all honestly, she hadn't known when she had started to care, but she probably just wanted a minute alone. Not that it was possible to be alone in this vast hall flowing to the brim with people. It was exhausting.

"I-I suppose.." she surrendered, blushing, and Wanda simply smiled at her, ushering the younger girl in his direction. "Oh, please say you'll come with me!"

Wanda raised a brow, it was a bit forward. Mary quickly caught on to that as she shook her head, flushing, "I apologise, that was terribly impolite, we have only just met and I-"

"I will be glad to," Wanda interrupted, her features softening.

Brightening instantly, Mary smiled radiantly, leading the two directly to the man in question.

It was difficult weaving through the sea of people flooding the room, their dresses blinding and suits expensive. Women batted fans of different bright colours, while young men left polite kisses to their knuckles and whisked them away. Wanda couldn't imagine how it was living in this world, truly living there. It was a struggle, no doubt, having your worth be nothing but your ability to marry well. But she couldn't help but admire it all.

"Oh! See, Wanda, you will not have to deal with my courting afterall," Mary declared with a soft chuckle, drawing Wanda's attention and she looked up.

"Why ever not?"

She followed her gaze, Edwin, as she had learnt, was now distracted in a conversation with a few other men and-

Shit.

"Your husband is there, see?"

"Oh, how lovely," Wanda truly did attempt to scrounge as much cheeriness in her voice as possible, but it seemed it all soured in her chest at the sight of him. She couldn't wrap her head around even pretending to be happy to see Loki, so she wouldn't bother.

Soon enough, Wanda was smothered into a rather awkward conversation where she had managed to muster up a forced smile and polite courtesy. The man, as her judgement had told, seemed nice enough, he was smiley, confident, he placed a kiss to her knuckles, and then Mary's. Wanda silently wondered if that was etiquette, because wasn't her 'husband' stood right beside him?

Ah, she had forgotten about him.

Clearly, that was made evident by the way Wanda's gaze flitted to Loki and lingered there. When he noticed, he gave her a mocking wink, before greeting her.

"Ah, hello, darling. I had almost lost you in that crowd," he laughed, and the nickname made her want to peel her skin off.

"Yes, indeed," she muttered, already mad at him for ruining her mood, even if he hadn't really done anything yet. She watched with a strange proudness as Mary and Edwin spoke, the girl was her usual bubbly self, and Edwin seemed utterly mesmerised by her. Wanda wasn't sure how the girl really thought she had to 'capture his fancy,' he already looked utterly whipped.

When she turned away, not wanting anyone to capture her staring, she realised Loki had already been distracted into another conversation, laughing heartily.

It was almost angering how well he fit in here. How he could laugh, and joke, and prance around here as if he belonged whilst she was just a stray cat he had picked up off the streets. She supposed it was easy for him, snakes shed their skin after all.

"Hello, m'lady," a deep voice greeted, and Wanda sighed as she turned to find the source. Immediately, his hand found hers and lifted it to his lips. This was seriously getting old, Wanda thought offhandedly.

"Its nice to meet you," the witch muttered, drawing her hand away after realising he had kept his grip on it. Despite letting go, he moved closer to her, but she brushed it off.

"If I may, you are rather beautiful, would you care for a dance?"

"I apologise, I don't consider myself to be much of a dancer." He looked dissatisfied with the answer, but still didn't seem to take it as a hint.

"Oh, shame. Well perhaps you would like to leave here, it is awfully loud and has quite a bit of dancing, and I have learnt you aren't too fond of that."

Was he seriously trying to-

"I'm sorry, but I am married," she said firmly, not caring if it was rude, he was obviously propositioning her, and she wanted it to be more than obvious that she was not interested.

"Oh come on, sweetheart, he doesn't need to know," he drawled out in a sultry tone, and when Wanda moved to step back, his gaze darkened as his hand wrapped around her waist and he tugged her forwards.

Stumbling, Wanda felt her red alight in immediate defence, before she forced it away. Shit. She couldn't defend herself, they would brand her as a witch and kill her, surely. Her skin burnt where he made contact with it, and she attempted to wriggle away but his grasp was unbelievably tight.

His voice deepened, anything mildly flirty or polite drained out of it as he whispered in her ear, "If you scream, I'll tell everyone your a cheater and a whore coming on to me."

Wanda didn't care. She fought his grasp, but it was almost like he was superhuman, how was he so strong?

"You need to stop meddling with what you can't control."

All she could process was she needed him away from her.

Get off me, get off me, please get off me-

"What are you doing?" A deathly sharp voice demanded, rendering the section of the room into silence as all attention was drawn to Wanda. Fuck, they were all going to think she was a cheater and kick them out and then they were scre-

"Get your hands off of my wife," with that, the hand snaked around her waist fell away, and the man stepped back as if threatened. Wanda stumbled, taking in a ragged breath as she shoved away every unsavoury memory that had just risen to the surface. Memories of harsh HYDRA scientists pinching and prodding at her, memories of being a teenager and punching guys square in the jaw after being catcalled. Despite all of that, Wanda struggled to fathom how out of control she felt, she hadn't felt so helpless since before her powers. Trapped.

She barely registered as Mary's hand engulfed both of her own, ushering her to a chair somewhere in the corner of the room as flocks of other women followed, asking persistently if she was okay, what had happened, who the man was. She wanted to drown at her voices, but she was too focused on supressing the now concentrated scarlet energy clawing at her wrists, roaring at her insides to be let free, to treat the world how it had treated her. It was insatiable, chaotic, angry and so utterly hers.

"Wanda?" Mary asked gently, kneeling down to meet her eyes as Wanda blinked herself back to reality, "Are you alright?"

Somewhere to her left, an older woman pried a glass of red liquid into her hand, whilst water may have been better for the situation, Wanda very much appreciated the alcohol. Before answering the question, Wanda took a sip, physically stopping herself from downing the entire glass, supposing it wouldn't be ladylike.

"I am okay-" she attempted, urging her voice not to sound as croaky as it came out, but as soon as she went to defend herself, quashing down her own personal feelings bubbling at the surface, a sharp voice interrupted.

"Get away, all of you. Where's Wanda?"

And then, Mary moved over to stand at Wanda's right as a gloved hand slipped into hers, gently yet firmly tugging the witch to her feet, before tucking an arm firmly around her waist. He pulled her along most of the way, waving away the people insisting on coming with them, but then slowed down to let her collect herself.

People continued to follow them through the halls, and Wanda couldn't help but cringe as she heard a few voices whisper to each other, "Did he not see his wife being held by another man?" A part of Wanda felt sympathy for the real women here who had to deal with these situations, she surely didn't have the strength for it. Soon enough, they walked up the stairs to their designated room, and Loki shut the door on a few concerned and expectant faces.

"What did he do to you?"

"I- what? Nothing," she stammered out, admittedly more off guard than she would've liked to be in front of him, but she couldn't bring herself to think about it. Her mind was still swirling with the unwanted feeling of the man's arm twisted around her waist and the cruel whisper he left her with.

"Wanda."

Maybe if she was less out of it she would realise the out of place concern seeping into Loki's tone. The harsh anger masking it didn't serve to be a firm enough shield, but she was lost in her haze, and whatever he was saying and how he was saying it was lost on her.  Apparently, she wasn't being as discreet in her panic as she had intended, because immediately as she shook her head, a hand lifted to her cheek.

He looked straight into her eyes, but it felt like he was looking through her, and her skin burnt where his hand came to cradle it. His gaze flicked between her irises, inspecting them critically. At first, she wanted to protest, shove him away, but she quickly caught on that he was checking if she was concussed. Despite wanting to roll her eyes and argue that she wasn't that out of it, she suddenly felt dazed, almost like she was going to pass out.

"Wanda," he repeated, but the words came out slurred. She looked up at him finally and blinked furiously, but it didn't help to clear her now blurred vision. It was like there was five of him. In a hazed panic, her hands pushed back against the door she was leaned against to try stabilise herself, but her knees felt weak and she needed to hold onto something.

A pair of strong arms engulfed her as her knees gave in, one wrapping around her waist to halt her from collapsing and the other grabbing onto her arm in a panic. As she drifted between consciousness and knocking out cold, she could barely make out the sight of his mouth moving with muffled noise and the crease in his brow.

She managed one last coherent thought before knocking out cold.

Who the hell was that?

The entire ball had been nothing short of boring. Loki was already not too fond of entertaining conversations with people beneath him, so just about everyone, let alone the tedious and proper people here. They spoke of mansions, old tales, business and wives.

His charismatic nature carried the night pretty smoothly, it was enough to smother the boredom beneath layers and layers of false niceties and made up stories inspired by thousands of years living. It was admittedly enjoyable having people wonder and gasp at the cleverly crafted fake stories he had weaved for their gullible minds.

He had also managed to successfully banish Wanda Maximoff from his thoughts for a while, which he considered a short victory. The witch was a lot of things; she was irritating, stubborn, irritable, but above all, she was confusing. Her mood could switch from an almost understanding to burning hot rage in an instant, and it was to its core, a weakness. One day, her inability to control her emotions would lead to her demise, and he'd oath to be their to witness it. She thought too quickly and reacted too intensely, a flaw that years of careful training and battles had taught him out of at a young age. Instead, he enshrouded himself in mystery, not letting a single emotion out to the surface. She wore her heart on her sleeve.

Ultimately, he didn't care. He had spent at least twenty minutes without her until the new little friend she had made had pranced over, firmly intertwined with the witch he had been ignoring. Oh well, he considered a small greeting for show purposes and a rather forced smile enough to convince everyone of his devotion, before continuing to ignore her.

The change was fast. One moment, he had managed to convince some simple minded trader that he was immersed in his tedious story about a recent travel of his, and the next, his vision was clouded with searing white rage. In barely a second, he found himself marching over to Maximoff, and the man firmly pulling her against him. He wasn't one to give a shit what she did with her love life, but the grip he had on her seemed less than friendly, and the way her knuckles had whitened from their grip on the table besides her was a clear indicator that this man's attention was very unwelcome.

Perhaps what was a more pressing matter was the low, dull thrumming of energy he had felt radiating off the man. At first, he had assumed it was Wanda. The aura her magic gave off was strange, it was chaotic yet contained, it had undertones of anger and rage but it ultimately gave off, in all its sincerity, the aura of destruction. It radiated the same energy she carried herself with, basking in fake control and clawing at the surface was the chaos threatening to unleash.

The energy he felt coming off the man was nothing like this. He had assumed that perhaps it was her panic that had changed the aura, and it was still her. But even when the young lady she had befriended pulled her away, the thrumming energy did not falter. It was definitely the man.

He hadn't heard what he had said to Wanda, but it had shaken her, enough to coat him with suspicion. The energy he had was unnatural, the same, strong presence that radiated off Wanda, and Stephen Strange. The energy he presumed was similar to his own. It was unreadable, but it had clear menacing and mischievous tones drowning it.

Whatever it was radiating off this strange man, it wasn't normal. It wasn't mortal.

He had attempted to coerce out information from Maximoff when he dragged them up to their room. Her dazed and unfocused eyes barely met her own. It was infuriating, frustrating and stupidly concerning.

He didn't care about her, not in the slightest, but he struggled to mask the worry in his voice as he watched her legs give out beneath her, as she fell limp into his grasp. At first, he had searched for any telltale reasons for her obvious dizziness and sudden sickness. He checked for a concussion, and he had swiftly searched her for any major injury that could cause such a quick shut down from her body, but ultimately came up with nothing. By the time she was unconscious in his arms, he had finally come to a conclusion.

It seemed his words didn't even register to her as she finally met his gaze before her eyes fluttered shut.

"Did someone drug your drink?"

A/N:

i have a lot to say i dont even know where to start heh. well, im back, with a shorter post than i had intended which im sorry about but i just wanted to get something out since it has been literally two months and you deserved something. im so sorry for that, i just lost motivation for a while and i got super distracted. im getting more ideas now so ill try to be more active i promise 💪

oh also i havent proof read this bc if i started to proof read, i wouldve put off finishing it and then this upload wouldnt get out for even longer. i started writing this in like may and just finished it tonight, so if it doesn't make sense bc i didnt remember something i had written at the start of the chapter then pls forgive me 😭

anyway, i love you all, thanks for ur patience 🫶