Balder, son of Odin, has languished in Helheim since before Ragnarok—murdered by his brother through Loki’s meddling. The Goddess Hel is his mistress and lover, and he serves her gladly in any way he can, until an unknown brother, Vali, comes to resurrect him by using Hel’s own words against her.

Leaving will allow him to honor his father, but Vali is not convinced his loyalty and love for Hel is true, that he is bespelled by her magic. Balder’s assurance is strong, so he agrees when Vali seeks to test his true loyalties.