Page 96 of The Seeker

Regardless, Nala was too tired to make the journey tonight, especially after I’d pushed her through the route that was usually broken into two days.

After I dismounted, I brushed her down, ensuring she had plenty of food and water to help her recover.

It was nearly dawn, and I paused outside of the house to admire how the garden looked in the first rays of sun.

I inhaled deeply, knowing that although so much had happened, somehow, I had ended up exactly where I meant to be.

Satisfied, I opened the door, dropping my bag the moment I spotted the male form lounging on the couch. My hand darted for my dagger, which was at my waist this time.

“You really should lock the door, you know,” Askel said with a grin, stretching and rising. “Anyone could just walk in.”

Recovering from my shock with a chuckle, I rolled my eyes, trying to calm my racing heart. “I thought someone would think twice before surprising the coven matron.”

“Unless, of course, they know all the magic said matron has and know it’s mostly harmless.” He stood then, crossing the room to pull me into a hug. I could feel his worry mingled with his relief as we embraced. “I was worried . . . when you left that cabin without a word.”

I scrunched my nose. “You’ve been here since yesterday?”

He nodded. “Otho said I wasn’t welcome back in Ralheim until I ensured you were okay.”

My mood deflated in an instant. “I see.” I moved to the kitchen, searching for the jar of seeds I’d prepared before I left. I was hungry but didn’t have the energy to cook, especially not for an unexpected house guest. “I thought he would be happier, knowing where I was.”

“He loves you, Runa, and he worries.” Askel amended.

I waved him off, locating the jar and reaching for it. “I’m tired of hearing about it.” I knew some of my anger at Askel was as a result of not eating, so I made quick work of the jar lid, tossing back a handful of seeds before passing it to Askel. He copied my motions.

“You and me both,” he said with a sigh.

“How’s Ena?” I asked suggestively, but Askel shook his head.

“I haven’t seen her since Shianp.”

That was news to me and I fought to swallow. “She didn’t come back with the group?”

“She didn’t come back from your meeting with the king,” he amended, but he must’ve noticed the questions in my gaze because he added, “I asked Otho and he said to leave it be—she was fine, and not to ask about her anymore.” I could feel his emotional turmoil at not knowing where she was, but I could also feel his resolve.

I frowned, not liking the sound of anything he’d just said. It sounded like mistakes were being repeated. But I knew Ena could take care of herself, and that if Otho said she was fine, it was the truth. Or at least, that’s what I convinced myself as I poured more seeds into my palm and searched for a way to change the subject. My eye caught on the bag I’d dropped on the floor as I chewed. Now that Askel was here, maybe . . .

I swallowed, reaching for a jar of dried apples. “Askel, can I ask you something?”

He shrugged, still chewing. “You kind of already did.”

That drew a laugh out of me as I pulled an apple ring from the jar. “Well, with the Seid magic, would you rather everyone have access, or no one?”

I’d assumed he’d answer quickly, but to my surprise, he seemed to contemplate it, pouring more seeds in his cupped palm. “That’s a hard one, Runa, but I would say since some people already have magic . . . I would have to go with all, since no one is no longer an option, as I told you before.”

A sigh escaped my lips as I leaned my weight against the wooden countertop. “I was afraid you were going to say that.” I didn’t need his reassurance, but it did give me a warm feeling inside—a confirmation of what I was about to do.

He nodded in understanding. “The way I see it, while I trust you to sever your connection with magic to ensure no one has it, I can’t trust everyone that has magic to do the same. Therefore, I default to the first option.”

“You’re right,” I agreed, my mind flashing to Collum, who I was certain would never give up the magic she already had. “Then, my next question is, are you willing to do whatever it takes to ensure everyone has access to magic?”

He frowned, and I could feel his worry at what I was going to ask him to do. “I guess.”

“Excellent.” I smiled. “You no longer work for Otho; you work for me.”

His gaze darted around the cabin, and I could tell he was searching for an excuse. “But⁠—”

“You said you would do anything. The way I see it, demanding you to quit your job isn’t that big of an ask.” I crossed my arms over my chest.