While the group was still speaking, Loki had already stepped onto the Rainbow Bridge, the Eternal Spear in his hand, Asgardian soldiers and citizens advancing behind him in a glittering tide.
Rowan reacted instantly.
"Thor, stall him," he said quietly but firmly. "Buy us as much time as you can. Steve, take command and set up our defense. I need ten minutes."
Without waiting for a response, Rowan stepped back and began chanting under his breath.
Since acquiring that ancient lightning magic, Rowan had poured nearly all his focus into mastering it. He had paused other projects, refined his fundamentals, and pushed through the brutal learning curve. Only recently had he reached the point where he could use it reliably in battle.
Now was the moment.
"Our objective is the Rainbow Bridge control chamber," Steve said, already scanning the terrain. "We hold this position and don't let Loki access the controls. He won't risk heavy weapons here, not with the Bridge itself at stake."
He pointed toward the narrow span behind them.
"The bridge limits how many can engage us at once. Five or six at most. That works in our favor."
The real danger wasn't just the soldiers. Asgard's true threat lay in its advanced weapons, massive energy cannons mounted throughout the city. As long as they stayed at the control chamber entrance, Loki wouldn't dare use them.
"I'll take point with Logan, the Warriors Three, and Lady Sif," Steve continued. "Tony, cover us from behind. Bruce, hold back for now. If we're pushed to the edge, then you step in."
No one argued. Even Tony, who rarely missed a chance to push back, said nothing.
Watching Steve work, Tony felt something shift. The man his father never stopped talking about wasn't just a symbol or a polished myth. He was steady under pressure, clear-headed, and decisive. Stubborn, sure. But solid.
As Steve finalized the plan, Loki arrived at the control chamber and confronted Thor.
"Heimdall. Warriors Three. Lady Sif," Loki declared coldly. "You defied Father's command by returning the exiled Thor to Asgard. And you brought mortals with you."
His gaze sharpened.
"As King of Asgard, I charge you with treason."
He didn't wait for an answer.
"And you, my dear brother," Loki continued, turning to Thor, "should not have returned before Father awakens. I will not punish you. Go back to Midgard. When Father rises, I will personally plead your case."
Thor's voice shook with fury. "Why did you conspire with the Frost Giants? Why did you let Laufey try to kill Father? Was it all for the throne?"
A ripple of murmurs spread through the gathered Asgardians.
Loki remained calm.
"Brother, how could you accuse me of such a thing?" he said softly. "Father sleeps. Mother stands watch. Asgard needed a ruler. I accepted the burden, nothing more."
His expression was earnest, almost wounded.
"When Father awakens, I will restore everything. But until then, you cannot defy his command out of jealousy."
Doubt flickered across the faces of Thor's supporters.
Thor roared, voice cracking. "Enough lies! Heimdall and Sif told me everything!"
Loki sighed. "Then it seems you've been misled by those around you."
He raised a hand. "Seize them."
The soldiers hesitated. Loki held the Eternal Spear. By law and symbol, he was king.
"Lord Thor," one soldier said carefully, "please step aside."
"Stand down," Thor commanded, centuries of command in his voice.
Several soldiers instinctively stepped back.
Loki's eyes hardened. "Do you mean to defy your king?"
The Eternal Spear flared as he fired a blast straight at Thor.
"Look out!" Steve shouted, stepping in front of Thor and raising his shield. The energy struck and deflected harmlessly away.
Loki snarled. "By royal decree, arrest them all!"
The soldiers surged forward.
Thor, powerless, was pulled back into the control chamber as the battle erupted.
At the entrance stood six figures: Steve with shield and hammer, Logan with adamantium claws bared, the Warriors Three, and Lady Sif. They formed an unyielding wall.
Behind them, Tony coordinated precision fire, cutting down threats before they could break through.
Wave after wave crashed against the defense.
Not a single Asgardian soldier made it into the control chamber.
The siege had begun.