The tense atmosphere was shattered by a commanding voice.
"Stop this madness!"
Thor turned to see Frigga rushing toward them, her face a mix of concern and resolve.
"Mother…" Thor began, his divine power subsiding as he took a step back.
Frigga ignored him and walked straight to Hela. Her expression softened as she gazed at the estranged daughter she hadn't seen in centuries. "My child… You're finally back."
Hela's demeanor faltered for a moment. Her sharp eyes softened, and after a brief pause, she whispered, "Mother…"
Unlike Odin's rigid authority, Frigga had always embodied warmth and love. Whether it was Loki's mischief or Hela's thirst for power, her kindness remained constant. It was this maternal bond that had brought her to this critical moment. Frigga knew that if anyone could stop the brewing conflict, it was her.
Taking a deep breath, she spoke gently but firmly. "Come back to Asgard. All these years, your father regretted his actions, though his pride as King of the Gods kept him from admitting it. I've revealed your existence to the people of Asgard. Your history will no longer be hidden or ignored. Asgard must not be divided."
Hela closed her eyes, as if wrestling with her emotions. When she finally spoke, her voice was low but resolute. "No… I can't go back."
She turned to Thor, her expression hardening. "I know Odin named you as his heir, but he once told me the same thing. As the eldest princess, I have the right to challenge you for the throne."
Thor nodded, acknowledging the truth. "You're right. By tradition, you have the right to challenge me. And to be honest, I never wanted the throne. I would gladly hand it over to someone who could lead Asgard well… but that person is not you. Asgard cannot bear your rule."
Hela sneered, her sharp eyes narrowing. "Perhaps, but Mother is right. Asgard should not be divided, and that includes you and me."
Thor paused, taken aback by her words.
Hela's smile turned cold. "Since we cannot agree, we'll settle this the old-fashioned way—with a duel. The oldest tradition of Asgard."
Thor stiffened. He understood immediately. Asgard, a warrior culture at its core, valued combat above all else. A duel was a sacred and indisputable way to resolve conflicts, even for the throne. For millennia, this tradition had decided disputes ranging from personal grievances to royal succession.
Frigga looked at Thor, her eyes filled with concern. This was a decision only he could make.
Thor thought for a moment before responding. "I'll fight you. But not here, and not now. I'll wait until we're back in Asgard. Fight me at your full strength."
Hela smirked. "How noble. Fine, I'll grant your wish. But what's the catch, little brother? What's your condition?"
Thor met her gaze, his voice steady. "If I win, you will release the souls of the Valkyries who died fighting you. Asgard needs their strength."
Hela hesitated, her cold demeanor faltering briefly. "The Valkyries…?" She tilted her head thoughtfully, then nodded. "Fine. I have no use for them anyway. But you should know—they are not what they once were. Their souls are stripped of power, reduced to mere fragments."
Thor's expression didn't change. "That's enough. Return them to Asgard."
In his heart, he felt the weight of a promise he had made years ago—to free the souls of the Valkyries. Their liberation would allow him to fulfill a long-standing quest and bolster Asgard's strength.
Hela's smile returned. "Very well. I'll honor our deal. But don't think for a second that I'll go easy on you."
Thor turned to Frigga and motioned toward Bifrost. "Mother, go back first. Heimdall will take you to safety."
The rainbow light of Bifrost lit the sky as Thor and Frigga vanished. Hela hesitated briefly, her confidence unwavering, before stepping into the light herself.
Back in Asgard, Thor and Frigga arrived first. Moments later, Hela materialized in the Bifrost Control Room. Her arrival sent a ripple of tension through the air.
The Three Warriors of Asgard, who had just returned from a mission, instantly raised their weapons, their expressions wary. They had no knowledge of Hela's existence, let alone her claim to the throne.
"Who are you?" one of them demanded, his voice edged with suspicion.
Before Hela could answer, Heimdall stepped forward, his hand raised. "Stand down. She is who she claims to be."
Ignoring the warriors, Hela inhaled deeply, savoring the air of Asgard. Her eyes gleamed with satisfaction as she felt her power begin to surge. The longer she remained, the stronger she would grow.
After a moment, she turned to the room and announced, her voice loud and unwavering. "I am Hela, eldest daughter of Odin. And I have returned."
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