She has the nerve to sigh in exasperation. “You talk too much.”
“Likely true. Imagine how quiet I’d be if you just answered some of my questions.”
“Eat.”
She leaves before I can continue prodding her. I sit down to eat my meal. The aroma of the steak makes my mouth water, so I shift my focus to filling my belly.
My thoughts drift to the many outstanding questions in my mind—why am I here and who is behind this, how did I speak to Atlas a few nights ago and will he return, and if he does, is there any hope of getting me out of here?
While I’m eating, the air in the room noticeably cools. I put down my fork and brace myself for whatever might happen next. The space around me shimmers, and right before my eyes, Atlas appears. I gasp, rising to my feet.
“Atlas.”
He stumbles a bit, catching himself on the wall. “Hey.”
“How did you…” I reach out to touch him, but my hand goes right through him. “It’s a vision.”
“I used the potion again,” he says. “Sleeping is the only way to reach you right now.”
I nod, cautiously optimistic. “Why are you here?”
“Did you find out anything new?” he asks instead of answering my question.
“Nothing at all. The guard won’t talk to me except to tell me to eat, and whoever is behind this still hasn’t visited.”
“I have a lead. I might be able to find you. Physically, I mean.”
My heart beats a little faster. “Really? How?”
“A witch named Kallis.”
I pull back slightly. “Kallis? How do you know her?”
“I don’t. I was given her name by a friend. He said she has access to spirit guides.”
“She does, yes. She’s… not nice, Atlas. She hates other magic users. If she knows it’s for me, she won’t help.”
“You personally, or because you’re a magic user?”
I scrunch my nose. “Both. We had a run-in a few years ago, and I bested her in front of a crowd. She hasn’t forgiven me.”
Atlas frowns but nods. “I’m going to bring offerings for her goddesses. Think that will help?”
“It should, yes, but I’d still avoid talking about me if possible.”
“I’ll do what I can.” He rubs the back of his neck. “Are they treating you okay?”
“For the most part. Obviously, I need a shower, and a decent mattress, but the food is good and they supply plenty of water. No one has hurt me, but my magic is nothing but a flicker still.”
“And you have no idea who might be behind it?”
“None. I don’t know of a living soul powerful enough to suppress my powers. I’ve had my clashes, but my skills have always been strong enough to get me out of them. Until now.”
“I’ll find you, Rune. One way or another.”
“I still don’t understand why?”
“Honestly, I don’t either.”
