Chapter 28

I looked out the window, watching as Frode and Rune chop wood. Sensing my gaze, Frode faces the window, a small scowl on his face. A look that had become almost permanent as we continued in a waiting game for the impending attack, or some sign of it not happening. Both Rune and Frode finished loading their arms with a heavy load of wood and made their way to the house. Moving quickly, I opened the door for them, so they didn’t have to.

“Everything alright, little one?” Frode asked as he moved to stack the wood by the fireplace.

“Yea, just worried about everything.” The tea kettle started to whistle, pulling my attention to the kitchen.

“I know it’s frustrating. I’m starting to suspect the attack won’t happen, but no one is comfortable with the Borg’s going back to their home yet.” Frode finished stacking the wood and turned to face me.

“Why do you think things changed? Would them being alerted be enough to stop the vision?” I asked, finishing making tea for all of us.

“I’m not sure, maybe. Or we could have a traitor who’s working with the hunters.” Frode said, taking his cup from me.

The idea that someone would be willing to hurt someone on the territory was unsettling. Everyone I’d interacted with so far was beyond kind and saw everyone as family for the most part. There was disagreements and arguments, but nothing that ever escalated to the point of trying to kill off a pack.

“Is that all that’s bothering you?” Rune asked, stepping closer, so my side was pressed to his front, and wrapping his arms around me.

“I’ve been wanting to ask, but it’s never the right time. I’d like to work with the Seer and see if there’s a way to control my visions. Maybe then I can see if we’ve altered the course of the attack, or if I can’t master it this time, maybe I can for future visions.” I turned in Rune’s arms to face Frode.

Frode investigated his cup of tea like it held all of the answers for him. I know this was a big ask, especially with the fear of hunters lurking on the territory. His jaw tensed as he considered it and the idea stressed him more than he wanted to admit. I’m sure he also recognized that this needed to happen.

“Fine, we’ll go with you. I’ll also pull Erik to come with us. I’m sure they can spare him for the afternoon. I’ll make sure she’s available and we’ll head over.” He said turning and walking out the door, after handing me his mug.

“Well, that went better than you thought.” Rune chuckled into my neck.

“It did. Is he alright? He’s been quiet and more tense than normal.” I turned to face Rune.

“He’s stressed. There’s no signs of any hunters around or on the territory. There’s been some disturbances, but nothing that points to hunters. We don’t know what is, but it’s…odd.” He finished after pausing to find the right word.

“Can I see them? Maybe I can help.” I asked.

“I don’t think he’s ready to risk you yet. You’re last vision stopping mission ended with you being harmed and there was no way for us stop it. He’s scared, we all are. We know that there’s risk in what we do, but this is new for us too.” Rune said, pulling me tighter to him.

I nod in understanding as I shivered in memory of the pain from the claw marks that were now scars on my back. Magic wounds always left a scar on us. I frowned thinking back to the night.

“Let’s make a quick lunch. Frode will be a few minutes, the Seer lives in the middle of the territory, and he’ll probably walk to give himself some time to clear his head.” Rune said as he moved to the kitchen.

I followed, we warmed some chicken soup and rolls from the previous night. We were just sitting down to eat when the door opened, letting a cold burst of air into the cabin. I looked up to see Erik smiling at us. Rune stood to grab him a bowl as Erik stepped to me. I met him halfway.

“Three days is too long to go without see you, kitten.” Erik growled as he pressed a kiss to my lips. “How have Rune and Frode been treating you?” He asked as he sat down, and Rune set a bowl in front of him.

We settled into silence as we ate. Erik ate like a man who hadn’t seen food in days and helped himself to a second bowl. He had just finished that one when Frode came inside.

“We’ll leave after I eat; she’s preparing for us now.” He said as he got himself a bowl and sat beside Rune, scowling at Erik who sat in Frode’s normal spot.

It was a few moments later when we were bundling up in our jackets and boots and loading into the SUV. Nerves started settling in as we drew closer to the center of the territory. I hadn’t noticed my bouncing knee until Erik’s large hand settled on my knee.

“It’ll be fine, kitten. She’s a kind shifter and has been excited to meet you and work with you since she found out about your gift.” He said as he pressed a kiss to my temple.

I nodded but stayed quiet. Frode pulled up to a cottage with an overgrown, bushy yard despite the cold weather. We all climbed out and Frode led the way to the door, knocking on the solid piece of wood.

The door opened and a thin woman stood in the doorway. The guys greeted her, and I took the opportunity to take in her appearance. She wasn’t overly tall and had a thin build. Her hair was black, with the front pulled back in a braid. She wore dark eyeshadow and liner, but it didn’t take away from her beauty. She smiled, which made all her features soften.

“You must be Astrid. I’m Faye. I’ve been looking forward to working with you. There aren’t many of us with the gift of sight, and even less with your gift. Please come in, I’ve made tea for us.” She stepped back, allowing us into her home.

She poured a cup for herself and me and gestured for me to sit on the cushions that were placed on the floor. Rune sat behind me and pulled me against his torso. I looked around, realizing that only her and I were having tea.

“The tea will help open our connection. The men will stand guard as there’s the threat of hunters. Opening the connection will dull our senses so we won’t know if there’s danger here. I will forewarn you, the first few times you connect can be intense, and not always pleasant. We’ll meet only a few times a week as you build your tolerance and adjust. There can be side effects.” She explained as she sat down across from me.

“Side effects?” I asked.

“Other parts of your powers will be awakened. I suffered from horrible headaches as I adjusted and learned to control everything. I also don’t think I’ve ever been so tired in my life.” She smiled.

“Oh, well, that doesn’t sound too horrible.” I said, trying to keep my tone even and calm.

“We’ll see how you react. I have herbs to help ease the transition.” She said. “Ready?”

I nodded and she gestured for me to drink my tea. Looking down at the steaming cup in my hand, I hesitantly brought it towards my face. I sniffed the steaming cup as it got closer. It had an earthy, minty smell with a hint of sweetness. I took a small sip, surprised at the pleasant taste of the herbs.

I didn’t notice anything off, so I continued to drink it. Faye had started some rhythmic music that had what sounded like throat singing in it. It was oddly soothing and grounding. I finished my tea and set the cup down beside Rune’s leg. Faye smiled and closed her eyes.

Close your eyes, Astrid. Shut down your negative thoughts and clear your mind. Open your mind and just feel.

Faye’s voice in mind startled me, but I did as she asked. It took me a moment to figure out what ‘opening my mind’ was, but after clearing my thoughts and relaxing against Rune, I felt myself start to get lighter. Rune’s breathing matched the beat and I felt like I was floating.

Imagine a rope that is connected to you on one end, and it’s being joined with another end of a rope by a knot. Don’t worry about where the rope goes, just focus on the knot forming.

Faye’s voice floated through my mind again. I focused on a rope that came from me, and watched the knot pull itself together. Mesmerized as the rope ends moved against each other and formed an intricate knot.

Good. Well done. Now, just listen. The connection will start to speak soon.

Faye said, her voice steady and calm, but sounding further away and almost muffled. I felt Rune’s body heat against me and his chest rising and falling as he breathed. Clearing my mind, I focused on the rope and listened.

Silence filled my mind at first, but I stayed patient. Then I heard it, a soft voice that was whispering my name. I froze as I waited, but it only repeated my name. I still didn’t move, and the voice grew louder, as if it was growing impatient. A tug on the rope that was tied to mine pulled me forward. I tried to keep my footing, but the voice called my name again and the rope was tugged harder. Then I was falling into nothing.