“Of course I would die.” Loki put one hand against the wal and leaned on it. “I’m not a bloody cockroach. What’s al this about?

What are you trying to find out?”

“If I cut off Oren’s head, would that kil him?” I asked.

“Probably, but you’l never get close enough to him to do that.” He put his other hand on his hip and stared down at me. “Is that your plan? To decapitate the King?”

“Do you have a better plan?” I countered.

“No, but…” he sighed. “I’ve tried that before, and it didn’t work. You can’t get close enough to him. He’s strong and smart.”

“No, you can’t get close enough to him,” I clarified. “You don’t have the same abilities as I do.”

“I know that, but I can’t knock him out,” Loki said. “His mind is impenetrable. Even your mother couldn’t use her powers on him.” His eyes softened when he mentioned my mother. “I’m sorry about that by the way.”

“No, don’t be.” I shook my head and lowered my eyes. “That’s not your fault.”

“I wanted to see you, but I knew you’d have your hands ful,” Loki said, his voice quiet. “I thought you’d rather I be here, helping the Tryle.”

“You’re right,” I nodded.

“But I stil feel like a dick,” he said. I could feel him studying me, his eyes al over me, but I didn’t lift my head. “How are you doing with al this?”

“I don’t have time to think about it.” I shook my head again, clearing it of any thoughts of Elora, and looked up at him. “I need to find out how to stop Oren.”

“That’s a noble goal,” Loki said. “Cutting of his head would probably do it, or running him through with a sword. It’s never been a matter of kiling him. It’s getting close enough to do it.”

“Wel, I can do it,” I insisted. “I can find a way. I have tiger blood, so I’m strong.”

“Tiger blood?” Loki arched an eyebrow. “What are you going on about, Wendy?”

“Nothing. Never mind.” I smiled thinly at him. “I can stop Oren.

And that’s what matters, right?”

“How?” he asked.

“Don’t worry about it.” I took a step back, walking away from him. “You concentrate on getting them ready. I’l deal with Oren.”

“Wendy,” Loki sighed.

I hurried back to the library where Duncan and Matt were stil waiting. I didn’t let Matt know of my idea, because he would only disapprove. The last few days felt epic and long, and I told Matt to get some rest. We could pick things up in the morning.