The Comprehensive Evolution of American Comics

Silence descended after Malekith spoke, plunging them into an odd atmosphere.

This was inevitable; discussing a man's deceased child in front of him was already pushing his good graces.

Laufey was clearly not one known for his good graces, but the Frost Giant's way of thinking differed from other intelligent beings; their social system resembled Sparta, revering iron and blood.

Child mortality was common in such a society, and even with the Frost Giants' sparse population, this tradition remained; in that frigid land, only the strong deserved to live, even the king's children.

"She died a thousand years ago during the war between Jotunheim and Asgard," Laufey said, unsure of Malekith's intentions, but sensing he wasn't one to act without purpose, he answered honestly.

Of course, if Malekith dared to trifle with him, Laufey wouldn't hesitate to let him taste the Frost Giant's fury.

"I've discovered a fascinating record," Malekith said, opening a book on the table. "According to the Light Elves, Odin personally led a raid on a Frost Giant stronghold."

Laufey's expression turned grave; he knew of this event, as his wife and child were in that stronghold, and the Asgardian raid had cost him his loved ones.

"According to the Light Elves, a small contingent of them participated in the raid, and during that battle, Odin took a child."

"What?" Laufey's composure faltered momentarily, but Malekith continued, unfazed.

"Coincidentally, shortly after that victory, the great Allfather Odin announced the birth of another child, a girl."

Malekith looked at Laufey with a mocking expression, saying, "Do you think such coincidences exist?"

Malekith, like a venomous snake, spewed his poison, bombarding Laufey with explosive information, leaving him dazed and disoriented.

When Laufey regained his senses, the idyllic garden had vanished, replaced by the familiar confines of his Asgardian dungeon cell, and before him stood not the two-faced, scheming elf, but a figure with long, dark hair.

Loki watched the Frost Giant, who seemed lost in thought, wondering how this supposedly formidable king could be so dull-witted, and yet, her brother considered him a dangerous foe.

"You must be Loki?"

Before Loki could speak, Laufey, whom she considered a simpleton, spoke first.

"I am. What do you want?" Loki raised an eyebrow.

Laufey stated bluntly, "I am your father."

Silence filled the dungeon, broken only by their breathing, Loki's growing increasingly rapid, until a snap echoed.

"Snap!"

Two daggers appeared in Loki's hands, their blades wreathed in emerald light, full of eerie color, befitting her title as the God of Mischief.

"If all you offer is empty words, I doubt my father would fault me for killing you," Loki said coldly.

Through those green eyes, Laufey knew she wasn't lying; after his words, Loki genuinely wanted to kill him.

"It seems Odin has taught you well," Laufey said, his expression unchanged. "To draw your sword against a powerful enemy for your father's glory, a good child indeed; a pity I couldn't raise you myself."

Loki remained silent, but in the next moment, she was inside the cell, her daggers aimed at Laufey's eyes, determined to inflict the most agonizing death imaginable.

"You are a Frost Giant," Laufey blocked Loki's attack with his chains. "Not an Asgardian; Odin stole you from me a thousand years ago."

"Spare me your nonsense!" Loki had never been so enraged; she decided to cut out the giant's tongue herself to vent her anger.

"A thousand years ago, Jotunheim and Asgard fought a great war; my daughter disappeared during that battle, and then Odin announced his daughter's birth, doesn't that seem strange to you?"

"What do I care about the death of a bastard?"

Even with Laufey's missing hand, Loki was no match for his strength, so she abandoned the dagger trapped by the chains and resorted to magic.

Seeing this, Laufey was alarmed; minor physical altercations wouldn't attract Odin's attention, but the fluctuations of magic certainly would.

So, Laufey dragged his injured body towards Loki with incredible speed, simultaneously tearing off the ice covering his severed arm, splattering blue blood on Loki.

Loki's expression changed instantly; she knew the Frost Giants' unique physiology; their bodies were like mobile freezers, with body temperatures below zero, not to mention the blood within.

Ordinary creatures would suffer frostbite upon contact; if Frost Giants weren't so few in number, their suicide attacks alone could cause considerable trouble for the Asgardians.

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Just when Loki thought she would be frozen into an ice sculpture, the result was far beyond her expectations; the blue blood didn't crystallize, but instead slid off her.

A terrible thought appeared in her mind; Loki dispelled the magic she had yet to fully form and tremblingly touched the blood staining her clothes.

It felt cold and viscous to the touch, and to Loki's disbelief, her fair hand underwent a slight change.

The fingers that touched Laufey's blood were gradually turning blue, a glaring blue that was gradually spreading across her entire hand.

"How... is this possible?" Loki murmured, her body trembling uncontrollably.

"Nothing is impossible; your hand is the best proof," Laufey refroze his wound. "You are my daughter, the princess of the Frost Giants."

"A thousand years ago, Odin raided our camp, not only killing your mother but also abducting you; I only discovered this recently, and my capture was all for you, my daughter."

"You're lying," Loki said, raising her head tremulously, her tone resolute, but her eyes, gradually turning blue, were full of doubt.

"The Frost Giants' characteristics don't lie," Laufey shook his head. "I know it's hard to believe, especially after you've lived in Asgard for a thousand years, but the truth is the truth."

Loki's eyes flickered, as if trying to find a way to refute Laufey.