She bobs her head again before taking a big breath. “Mama said you’ll be going away soon and you’ll be gone for a long time. She wants you to know we’ll be fine. We’ll be here waiting for you when you get back.”
“Well, I’m sure that one’s wrong,” I respond with another laugh. “I don’t know where I would go, and I would miss you too much if I did.” I grin, making sure it reaches my eyes. She needs to know I’m here to stay for the foreseeable future. I’ve been searching long enough to know I won’t find my way back home anytime soon.
“I’ll miss you too. But Mama said you need to go when the time comes. And you shouldn’t worry about us.”
“Tell your mama thank you,” I tell her. “I’ll try.”
Halla returns my smile and reaches out for a quick hug before turning away. I watch until she rounds a corner, wondering what would happen to them if I disappeared. I need to make arrangements for someone else to bring food to them and Toffer if I ever have to leave. Mikkael and Johan will help. They’ve been working for Bevin for a long time, but they’re good males. Good friends.
Shaking my head, I start to walk home. I’m going to meet an enemy who isn’t an enemy? My actions will change everything? And I’m leaving for a journey soon? None of Sagga’s words make much sense, although the last one was more specific than normal. It makes me nervous, even if I don’t want to admit it.
I’m lost in those thoughts when I sense something unnerving—a power unlike any I’ve encountered before in Vanatia, that I’m drawn to in a way I could never have anticipated. My heart beats more erratically, my hands clenching, as the strange magic ripples around me, poking at my shields. I stiffen my spine and push up my chin. Whatever or whoever this is, I won’t let them see the effect they have on me.
It’s not an elf, I can tell right away, although I grasp hints of magic similar to mine emanating from this being. Elven mind magicfeelsdifferent than the raw power it emits. Maybe it’s one of the Dróttning’s trusted few, but that doesn’t seem right either. I’ve felt their abilities once or twice. It’s an echo of the Dróttning’s power, and has never been this primitive or strong. I’ve also never felt connected to that magic the way I do this. My power is humming inside me, demanding release, as if it wants to dance with this stranger’s essence.
Pausing, my breath hitching in my throat, I stop walking and spin to search for its source.
And I find the most stunning, terrifying man I’ve ever seen.
A sharp jaw and cheekbones, along with bright green eyes, are framed by a tousle of thick hair, dark against his lightly tanned skin. His full lips are set in a thin line, as if he’s angry to have crossed my path. He’s tall—probably a full head bigger than me—with a firm, lithe body. If I look, I’m sure I’ll find only muscle beneath his tunic and leggings.
I’m drawn to and also completely repelled by this unexpected, magnificent male.
And I can’t ever let myself get near him.
I have no idea how I know it, but every part of me screams that he is the most dangerous thing in this world to me. Still, it takes every ounce of will I possess to stand there and watch him turn and stride away. Because as positive as I am that I have to get away from him, I want him more than I’ve ever wanted anything.
These warring emotions he’s inexplicably stirred in me make even less sense than Sagga’s nonsensical warnings.
I take my time walking home after that, not ready to face a life that suddenly holds many more questions than answers.
Chapter two
Sifa
Am I Done Here?
Morningsex.Aksell’spale,flabby ass is bouncing up and down while his consort, a female I know named Liv, stares at the ceiling above and tries to keep from yawning. If I had any idea I’d find him like this, I’d have dawdled a little getting here. This isn’t the image I need to start my day.
I woke way too early this morning so I could sneak in and out of Aksell’s house before the staff gets up. He should have been asleep, maybe in his wife’s arms. Instead, he’s on top of Liv. His moans and the smack of flesh against flesh, like fish being tossed onto the pile at the harbor, fill the room. Ick.
Maybe I should turn around and come back in a few minutes—probably more than enough time for a man like Aksell. But I’m here. May as well get it over with. At times like this, I’m grateful the underside of Revalle is a small place. Liv works for Bevin too. She’s pretty, with straight blonde hair, eyes the color of the sea and an hourglass shape, everything perfectly proportioned. Bevin must have decided to assign two of us to this job, although I have no idea how Liv knows Aksell has the satchel. I’ll worry about that later.
If Liv’s here fucking Aksell—and there’s no denying it, much as I wish I’d never seen this—she hasn’t yet gotten what Bevin wants from him. We’ll try my way. Stepping forward, I raise my finger to my lips as Liv’s eyes grow wide. She holds her tongue while I slide my blade between them and position it at Aksell’s neck. He goes still, even the pathetic thrusts of a moment ago coming to an abrupt halt. My other hand wraps around his mouth to make sure he doesn’t call for anyone.
Tugging him off to the side, I let out an involuntary laugh as his manhood flops to rest on his thigh. Or should I say boyhood? Aksell’s a hefty guy, but his pride and joy apparently stopped growing at a young age.
“You’re here for that?” I whisper to Liv, who still looks like she may never blink again. “No wonder you were bored to tears.” Turning again to inspect Aksell’s still exposed crotch, I smile. “You should cover that up. I’m tempted to relieve you of your misery. It must be such a disappointment when you pull that thing out.”
“What do you want?” His voice is more respectable than his dick. But that’s not saying much.
“Thrym sends his regards,” I whisper, leaning forward to rest the knife’s tip on his collapsed cock.
Aksell’s eyes grow wide as he realizes why I’m here. But he’s not ready to give in yet. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he sputters, little bits of spittle erupting to land on his face and chest.
I dig my blade in just enough to draw blood, triggering a whimper as a few drops trickle down Aksell’s leg to fall like crimson tears onto the sheet.
“Aksell, please. We both know that’s a lie. I usually start with fingers but this ... pitiful penis ... is sitting here just begging for attention. I’ll start there. Unless you tell me in ten seconds where to find the satchel Thrym gave you.”
