Chapter 29

I braced for impact as my body picked up speed. It was dark, making it impossible to tell how fast I was going, but it faster than I would have preferred. Then suddenly I stopped, and impact never came. A light was at the end of the rope, uncertainty filled me as I wondered what to do next.

Faye? I called.

I’m here, Astrid. I can’t see you in here, but I’m here and will guide you as best I can. I can feel you and auras of those in the vision. Her voice filled my mind.

My stomach settled as I considered her words. A familiar pull to go to the light came over me, but it was stronger. The grip made it hard to breathe and think, it was all consuming. The only comfort was that it was the same pull that I’d felt when looking into other visions. I took a deep steadying breath and took a step toward the bright light. The pull lessened, becoming less overwhelming.

I started to hear voices and see shadowy figures in the distant light. One of the voices were familiar, but I couldn’t place it. As I drew closer, I noticed a large man had their back to me so I couldn’t see his face. More came into focus and I saw that they were seated around a table.

“Why haven’t we seen the dogs we want? The only ones we’ve seen are from the territory, but they aren’t close enough to hurt the Asketill’s enough.” The rough, familiar voice declared, I shrunk back from the intense anger his body carried.

The pull strengthened, wanting me closer to the scene. I did my best to ignore the intense anger that was pulsing off the bigger man as I stepped forward. As I stepped forward, I felt a darkness that made the hair on my neck stand up on end. Fear ran through me like I’d never felt before.

“They must have known somehow. Did anyone see you when you were scouting?” The rough voice demanded.

The man he directed the question to froze and his face went pale. He shook his head, his mouth opening and closing a few times before he finally worked up the courage to speak.

“No, of course not. I was careful, very careful.” He emphasized the last part of his sentence.

The man who’s back was to me just grunted and collapsed heavily into a chair. He sighed and rubbed his eyebrows with a hand, before slamming his fist onto the table. The dark presence grew stronger, and I instinctively pulled away.

What’s happening, Astrid? What do you see? Faye’s voice was full of concern.

I was too caught up in watching to respond. The presence was drawing closer, and panic started to fill me.

“Shut up.” A scratchy voice commanded.

I shivered at the voice and command. The man who’s back had been turned to me turned to look over his shoulder at the voice that spoke up. I saw just enough of his face that I recognized him. His mouth opened like he wanted to argue with whoever had just spoken.

He was one of the hunters from when I first met my mates. He didn’t want to listen to their leader, until one of the others pulled him back. He had been willing then to go against the treaty. Did he leave the hunters he worked with and gone his own way?

“I sense a presence.” The scratchy voice sounded closer still.

I pulled back farther, my gut screaming in alarm. He meant me.

Faye, how do I leave? I need to get out of here. I yelled through our connection.

Untie the knot. Faye commanded. See it being undone.

I looked at the knot and willed it to come undone. It didn’t move. I felt the darkness moving closer, coming down the bond as it followed the rope.

Astrid, undo the knot. Do it now. Faye commanded again; this time fear filled her voice.

I’m trying. I grunted back through the connection.

The darkness was still creeping down the other end of the rope. Abandoning trying to see the knot come undone I reached out with my hands, grasping the knot. An uncomfortable burning started as I made contact. I ignored it as I pulled at the rope. It loosened, barely, but it was enough.

Astrid, you must leave. We must leave. Faye’s voice sounded pained.

The knot stopped loosening, and panic overwhelmed me. The darkness was halfway to me, still coming slowly down the bond. I realized that if I couldn’t get out, Faye could. She wasn’t connected directly. Instinct drove me as I pushed her away.

Astrid, stop. Let me help. Faye’s voice was muffled, further away.

Suddenly, I felt alone. I was alone. Faye was gone, she was safe. The knot, my mind screamed at me. The burning was more painful this time as I wrapped my hands around connection.

“Who is there?” The rough voice of the hunter demanded.

“I’m not sure, there’s resistance.” The scratchy voice sounded strained this time.

“Well push harder.” The hunter snapped.

I felt a surge of fear and looked up to see that the darkness had moved much closer. I fought the panic that was becoming overwhelming. I had to undo the knot The burning in my hands turned into blinding pain. I clenched my jaw and focused on loosening the knot. I had to get away.

Finally, I felt it loosen more and I was able to unwind it. The darkness was only inches from where the ropes were still close together. Fear rippled through me as it reached out like it was trying to reconnect the ends. A bright light flashed and pushed the darkness back down it’s end of the bond. Pain and fatigue raced through me.

Rhythmic music came into focus, and I could feel the heat of Rune at my back again. Rune’s chest heaved like he was out of breath. Panic filtered through my mind, and it took me a moment to realize it was their panic not my own.

“Astrid, can you hear me?” Frode’s voice filled my ears.

My eyes opened and I blinked trying to get them to focus.

“She’s back.” Rune’s arms tightened around me.

“She’ll sleep now. I’ll pack some herbs and give you directions and you can take her back home. It’ll be more comfortable for her to come back fully in a familiar place.” Faye’s voice sounded pained and exhausted.

I couldn’t keep my eyes open any longer.

“Sleep, angel. We have you.” Rune’s comforting voice and warmth surrounded me.

I recognized the truth in his words and leaned into him more. Too tired to even process what had just happened I let sleep take over as I felt Rune stand with me in his arms. Doors opened and shut. The last thing I recognized was the familiar feeling of being in a moving car before sleep fully consumed me.