Lorelei's proposal hung in the air like a tempting fragrance, both alluring and dangerous. She stood before Su Zhan, her beauty almost otherworldly, her confidence radiating as she outlined her vision. "With my help, your War League will become the strongest force on the planet. I can make you president, king—whatever you desire. All I ask is that you let me join you. With my voice, I can build you an army, gather intelligence, and sweep aside your enemies. Together, we could rule the world."
May's heart pounded with anxiety as she watched the exchange. She could see the appeal in Lorelei's words, and she feared Su Zhan might actually accept. She opened her mouth to protest, but before she could speak, Su Zhan shook his head and addressed Lorelei directly.
"It all sounds very attractive," Su Zhan said, his tone measured and thoughtful. "With you, I could shake off S.H.I.E.L.D., avoid the hunt from Asgard, and gain a powerful ally. Your power could help me form an army, gather secrets, and tip the balance of the world. By all accounts, I should agree to your proposal."
Lorelei's eyes sparkled with triumph. She stepped closer, her smile widening as she sensed victory within her grasp. "Of course. I can do all of this and more," she replied, her voice silky and persuasive. "Imagine it, Su Zhan—your War League, unrivaled, unstoppable. I can make it happen. All I need is for you to surrender… to me."
Without warning, Lorelei's hand slid onto Su Zhan's shoulder, her touch light but electric. She leaned in, her lips brushing his ear as she whispered, "Surrender to me."
May's blood ran cold. She realized, too late, that Lorelei's words were more than just a suggestion—they were a command, backed by the full force of her Asgardian magic. May lunged forward, desperate to intervene, but Lorelei slipped away with feline grace, her hands now wrapped around Su Zhan's shoulders, her lips close to his ear.
"Kill her," Lorelei whispered, her voice a velvet blade.
May froze, her heart hammering in her chest. "No! Su Zhan, wake up! She's controlling you!" She shouted, her voice trembling with fear. She circled back, keeping her distance, hoping to snap him out of the trance.
Lorelei turned to May, her expression smug and victorious. "Don't waste your breath. He's mine now. I thought he might be the king I've been searching for, but in the end, he's just another pawn—my puppet."
May's fists clenched. She could not believe it. Had Su Zhan truly fallen under Lorelei's spell? Was he really lost to her?
Suddenly, Su Zhan's eyes cleared, and he spoke. "So, you only surrender to a king? Is that the standard for Asgardian women?"
Lorelei's composure shattered. She recoiled, her hands dropping from Su Zhan's shoulders as she stared at him in disbelief. "How… how is this possible?"
Su Zhan turned to face her, his gaze steady and unyielding. "Maybe I am the king you've been searching for," he said softly.
Lorelei took a shaky step back, her confidence crumbling. For as long as she could remember, no man had ever resisted her charm, her control. She had always been the one in power, the one who conquered. But now, faced with Su Zhan's unwavering will, she felt her own power slip through her fingers.
Su Zhan's immunity was no accident. When Lorelei had touched him, he had quietly copied her ability, discovering that two identical powers canceled each other out. He had sensed her intentions from the start but allowed her to approach, curious to see her reaction when her spell failed.
He smiled, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "It's quite interesting to see you like this, Lorelei."
A sudden, thunderous roar split the sky. Lorelei looked up, her expression shifting from shock to panic. Without another word, she spun on her heel and fled, her green dress swirling around her. "I will come back for you!" she screamed over her shoulder.
A flash of emerald light enveloped her, and in the blink of an eye, she vanished—gone without a trace.
Su Zhan watched her disappear, a note of surprise in his voice. "So she knows magic teleportation. I didn't expect that. I tried to lock onto her position, but she's already out of reach." He shook his head, a wry smile on his lips. "She says she'll come back for me? We'll see, Lorelei. Let's find out who conquers whom."
He could have stopped her if he wished—his powers were more than enough to freeze her in place—but he let her go. Lorelei was a challenge, and he found himself looking forward to their next encounter.
As the dust settled, May approached, her eyes still wary. Before she could speak, a new figure strode into view. The woman was tall and striking, clad in silver armor, a sword and shield at her side. Her presence radiated strength and confidence.
"Who is that?" May asked, her voice low.
Su Zhan smiled, recognizing the newcomer instantly. "She's from Asgard as well—but this one is on our side."
He opened his arms, and Sif hesitated only a moment before stepping forward and embracing him. May's expression shifted from confusion to something more complicated as she watched the exchange.
"How did you know I would come?" Sif asked, her voice soft with surprise.
Su Zhan released her and grinned. "Lorelei escaped from Asgard's prison. You're the best candidate to bring her back, especially with your skills and experience. And besides, I'm here, so I figured you'd show up sooner or later."
Sif nodded, her eyes shining with determination. "You're right. I was ordered to capture Lorelei, and as soon as I tracked her position, I came. I didn't expect her to escape again. Are you alright?"
Su Zhan shrugged, his tone light. "Look at me—I'm fine. Her power doesn't work on me."
Sif's eyes widened in astonishment. "Her power is ineffective? I've never heard of anyone who could resist Lorelei's charm."
Su Zhan leaned in, his voice dropping to a playful whisper. "Because I'm Su Zhan. If I wasn't special, how could I be your man?"
Sif's cheeks flushed, and she looked away, embarrassed but pleased. "You're not just my man, are you?"
Su Zhan hesitated, caught off guard by her candidness. He stammered, searching for words, but Sif only smiled and let the moment pass.
Lorelei was clever, Su Zhan thought. She would not be easy to find again. He turned to Sif, his expression serious. "I'll help you track her down. Even if she doesn't come to us, we'll find her."
May cleared her throat, breaking the spell. "Are we heading back?"
Su Zhan nodded, gathering his energy. "Yes, let's go."
He summoned the light, wrapping it around himself and his companions. He could not teleport all three of them at once, so he took to the sky, flying them back toward their base.
As they soared above the desert, Su Zhan's mind raced with possibilities. Lorelei was still out there, a challenge waiting to be met. But for now, he was content to have proven himself—the king who could not be conquered.