The Guardian chosen by the Moon

Panic engulfed Asgard.

From the first explosions, a deep fear awakened within me—a cold shiver that had nothing to do with my powers. I could feel the screams, the terror, and the anguish of the people. Most of all, of the children. Voices echoed in my mind, unheard by others. Cries, pleas, desperate calls. My heart clenched.

I couldn't just stand there. I couldn't wait while others fought, while innocent people were trapped. I cast one last glance at Jane and Frigga before slipping into the shadows of the corridors, rushing toward the streets of Asgard.

But before I could leave the palace, a deep, imposing voice startled me.

"Where do you think you're going?"

I turned to see Odin and Frigga in discussion. Odin, clad in his golden armor, gripped his scepter, Gungnir, firmly. Frigga, though worried, stood tall, her piercing gaze seeking to convince her husband.

"We must evacuate Jane immediately, Odin. Malekith will come for her."

The King of Asgard clenched his jaw. "We cannot allow the enemy to believe Asgard is weak. We will hold our ground."

Frigga shook her head. "This is not about weakness; it's about survival. The Aether is too powerful to fall into their hands."

Odin lowered his gaze slightly, weighing his options. "We will protect Asgard at all costs. Keep Jane in your chambers—I will lead our forces."

I took advantage of their exchange to step forward, my voice trembling but determined. "Your Majesty… allow me to fight."

Odin's piercing eyes settled on me, evaluating my resolve. He did not speak immediately, likely considering the risks of my request.

"You are not Asgardian," he finally said. "Why should I grant you this honor?"

I straightened, gripping my staff tightly. "Because I can feel their fear. I know where they are in danger. I can help. I want to help."

Frigga placed a hand on Odin's arm. "He speaks the truth. His power is unique… and he has come here for a reason."

The King of Asgard closed his eyes for a moment, then slowly nodded. "So be it. But do not think we will spare you. If you fight, you face the same dangers as the rest of us."

I couldn't hide a relieved smile. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Odin gestured toward the door. "Then go. Protect those who cannot defend themselves."

Without wasting a second, I left the throne room and rushed into the streets of Asgard.

The battle raged on. Dark Elves descended from the skies in silent ships, their black armor a stark contrast to the golden brilliance of the city. Asgardian soldiers fought valiantly, but the element of surprise had worked against them. Streaks of crimson energy cut through the air, shattering Asgard's defenses.

I took a deep breath. My staff in hand, my fingers trembled. Instinct took over. In one fluid motion, I let the wind carry me. I leapt to the top of a roof, my breath turning to white mist. The cold surged within me, a wave ready to crash.

A group of children huddled behind a fountain, trembling, as a Dark Elf approached, weapon raised to fire. Before he could strike, I swept toward him like a winter storm. My staff sliced through the air, and in an instant, the ground beneath his feet froze. The elf lost his balance and collapsed.

The children looked up at me, their expressions wavering between awe and fear. "Are you all okay?" I asked, trying not to show my own distress.

They nodded timidly. "Who… who are you?"

I took a deep breath. "I'm Jack Frost."

At those words, a subtle wave rippled through me. As if a part of me was anchoring itself more deeply into this world, strengthening through the children's recognition. A shiver ran across my skin—not from cold, but from power. The snow around me seemed to dance more freely, the winds responding to my call with newfound ease.

A bright smile lit up one child's face, and soon, all the children murmured my name, their fear fading little by little.

But I had no time to savor the moment. More Dark Elves were coming.

Cold surged through my veins. I extended a hand, and snow materialized around me. It swirled with the wind, following my movements. With a flick of my wrist, I raised a wall of ice between us and the enemy.

One elf shattered it with a blast from his weapon, but I was already on him. Spinning, my staff struck with the force of a blizzard. He flew backward, carried away by a freezing gust.

I fought as if I had been doing this all my life.

The movements came naturally, every step in sync with the storm I summoned. My opponents slipped, fell, but none perished under my attacks. A mysterious force within me held me back.

The children were safe. I guided them toward a secure passage, urging them to run to the palace. They gave me one last look before obeying.

Asgard's forces were beginning to push back, but the battle was far from over. A shockwave rippled through the city as Malekith's ship crashed into the grand hall. My heart pounded.

Frigga.

I ran through the ravaged streets, the wind howling around me. When I reached the palace, the scent of blood and dust filled the air. I entered the great hall just in time to see Thor sear Malekith's face with a bolt of lightning, but the Dark Elf vanished, his body disappearing along with his ship.

Then, my gaze fell on Odin.

He was kneeling, holding Frigga in his arms. His usually unshakable expression was shattered by grief. Jane emerged from her hiding place, her face twisted with horror and sorrow.

I stood frozen, breathless. I wanted to intervene, but what could I do?

Frigga was gone.

Silence fell. A silence colder than any winter I could ever summon.