Zion. The king who wielded supreme authority over the Dark Elves after Malekith's fall.
Externally, he forged a peace treaty with Asgard under Bor's reign, granting Svartalfheim a much-needed reprieve. Internally, he instituted a set of harmonious policies that allowed the near-extinct Dark Elf race to triple its population within just a few millennia. Under his guidance, twelve warriors rose to prominence across the Nine Realms—each a name to be reckoned with.
It could be said that Zion was the architect of Svartalfheim's modern prosperity. Without him, the Dark Elves would never have reclaimed their place in the realm, let alone returned to royal status.
Even the military foundation that Malekith now commands in the war engulfing the Nine Realms was forged entirely by Zion's hand.
Tragically, when Malekith was resurrected, his thirst for vengeance against Asgard remained undiminished.
The rift between the two kings only deepened. One moonless, storm-laden night, Malekith lured Zion to the Sealed Grounds under the guise of a candid conversation. There, tapping into the Aether particles leaking from the fractures in the seal, Malekith struck a decisive blow. Using the Dreamblossom, he drained Zion of his life force entirely—instantly unraveling more than half the Aether's bindings.
"And that... is my story."
"Let me be clear, young one. You and your woman stand no chance against Malekith."
"We Dark Elves are like Asgardians—our strength grows with age. And Malekith has walked this realm for nearly ten thousand years. Now, fused with the Aether—"
"Who are you calling his woman?"
The old man was abruptly cut off by Hela, her voice icy. She would've stormed out long ago if not for the bruised pride of returning empty-handed. Being forced to rely on others, especially under his scrutiny, stung more than she'd admit.
The scrutiny of The Other.
"Watch your words."
Lothar's dismissive sneer, the sarcasm curling at Hela's lips—the elder saw it all and simply shook his head with a cough.
"Asgardians... and you. I'm not jesting. Whatever your relationship is, leave Svartalfheim. Now."
Ten millennia of accumulated strength, fused with the power of the Aether... Malekith, the Lord of Darkness, would be unstoppable.
That was the elder's grim conclusion.
"Is he telling the truth?"
Lothar raised an eyebrow, turning to Hela before finishing the third volume of his combat manual.
"I've never heard of any of this," Hela replied, shaking her head.
Everything the old man had just revealed turned her understanding of the Dark Elves upside down.
According to Asgardian records, Malekith had always been the sole leader of the Dark Elves. That fact was never disputed.
"Sounds more like he's spinning a tale."
"A rather juicy one, at that."
Before their words could settle, the scene around them shifted violently. Eight black chains burst forth from all directions!
CLANG!
A longsword flashed through the air!
But the chains didn't break. Instead, they wrapped around the blade in Hela's hand like living serpents.
"What?!"
BOOM!
A violent energy surge erupted before Hela's eyes. Power surged from Lothar's hands, blasting the chains to dust.
"Malekith."
Lothar's gaze turned sharp as a figure materialized before him—identical to the one he had seen earlier at the Asgardian outpost.
"Son of Thanos," Malekith greeted, his voice laced with dark amusement. "As you can see, I'm right here."
He spread his arms, thick tendrils of dark energy swirling between his palms.
"So, after hearing that story, do you still intend to oppose me?"
Expressionless, Ora swung her chains again, launching another assault toward Lothar and Hela.
"Was that story supposed to impress me?"
"Or are you trying to tell me there really was another king among the Dark Elves?"
"No. There has only ever been one king of the Dark Elves—me. But everything Zion did in that tale... I've done too."
"I made peace with Asgard. I gave Svartalfheim time to breathe. I implemented reforms. Our numbers flourished."
"I'm the one who gave the Dark Elves a foothold in the Nine Realms."
"I forged a standing army—our very own shield."
"And I... I am the one who nearly led us into ruin."
"Just because the Aether is powerful, Asgard deemed it their right to seal away our most sacred treasure!"
"I led my people in rebellion—only to be mercilessly crushed."
"Tell me, if you were in my place, would you not choose to fight Asgard?"
Lothar didn't answer. He simply shattered the chains in his hand—and drove his heel straight through Ora's chest.
The crack of breaking bones rang crystal-clear through the mist.
Deceit always demands a price.
"You come from beyond the Nine Realms. Your father, Thanos, has no ties here."
"So why help Asgard?"
In a blink, Malekith appeared behind Lothar. Lowering himself, he whispered near the warrior's ear:
"Whatever Odin can offer... I can too."
"Including the Aether?" Lothar arched an eyebrow and lashed out with a whip-kick—but his leg passed clean through Malekith's form.
"Of course not."
"But I can offer you something of equal worth. Another Infinity Stone."
Hands clasped behind his back, Malekith smiled. The dark mist before Lothar coalesced into the shape of a shimmering blue cube.
"I told you—I formed the United Front of the Nine Realms to resist Asgard's tyranny over my people. Unlike Odin, I have no desire for conquest."
"Help me, and not only will your cause be just—you and your father will gain galactic renown."
"And you'll receive the Space Stone—equal in value to the Aether."
"Surely that's a better deal than aiding a tyrant, no?"
"Should I take this as... begging?" Lothar tilted his head, studying Malekith with interest.
"I prefer to call it an equivalent exchange."
"Odin's cruelty is well known. Why else do you think the other Realms—save the Dwarves—have all turned against Asgard?"
"Even his wife's homeland isn't exempt."
"Let me guess: Odin never told you where the Aether actually is, did he?"
Lounging on a jet-black throne, Malekith crossed his right leg over the other, his certainty making Lothar frown instinctively.
Glancing around, Lothar suddenly realized the thick mist had cleared. Hela was gone.
He now stood alone in a vast, darkened throne room.
"This... is my sincerity. You're standing before my true form."
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