“They used Jasper to drug Rune’s drink.”
“It’s worse than that,” Aneska says, sitting back in her chair. “We have strong magic-detecting surveillance here. Whoever did this knew that and was able to circumvent it. They drew no attention to themselves, even when they took the man. Whoever is behind this act is very powerful.”
“Fucking great,” Roman mutters.
“More powerful than Rune?” Drax casts a glance at all of us. “That’s saying something.”
“You were right, Atlas.” Cassius squeezes my arm. “Rune is definitely in trouble.”
I rub the back of my neck. “But now what? We know what happened, but we don’t know who did it or how to find out.”
“I’m so sorry,” Jasper says, clearly distraught. “I feel awful.”
I offer him a slight smile. “It wasn’t your fault. They must have been following Rune and knew he was coming here. It could’ve been anyone behind the bar.”
“What’s special about him?” Aneska asks. “What reason would someone have to kidnap him?”
“Great questions,” Cassius says. “Wish we knew.”
“All we know about Rune is that he’s an extremely powerful mage,” I explain. “That’s as good a reason as any, I suppose, but who targeted him and why now? No clue.”
“How did you know he was here last night?” Jasper asks.
“We picked up his scent,” Roman says.
“And Atlas had a feeling,” Drax adds.
“I guess you need to hope you keep getting that feeling, then,” Aneska says. “If it got you here, maybe it can get you to the next location.”
I nod. “Yeah. Thanks for your help. The video helped a lot.”
“No problem. If you find out who did it, let me know. They’ll be blacklisted at all the supe hangouts.”
“Will do,” Cassius says.
We take our leave, spilling out of the club onto the street. I have no idea what to do next, and neither does anyone else, it seems.
We’re a little way down the street when Cassius abruptly stops. “Aneska makes a good point. We’re here because of the dream you had, Atlas, and your instinct was right. We got to Full Moon, and you knew he was here.”
“Yeah, and?”
“And you have some kind of connection to Rune. You need to focus on it. That’s how we find him.”
“Okay.” I nod. “Give me a few minutes.”
I close my eyes, focusing on Rune’s face and hoping somehow he knows we’re trying to help. I just need something to go on. Anything that will lead us to Rune.
RUNE
Frustration spreadsthrough me as I watch the magic fizzle out on my fingertips. It’s my fourth attempt in several hours to get something to work, but still nothing. How the hell is this even possible? Whatever they drugged me with is still running through my veins and showing no sign of weakening. When I find out who did this, they are going to be so sorry they fucked with me.
I try again, focusing on the bars above the window, but they don’t so much as rattle. With a heavy sigh, I flop back on the tiny cot and stare up at the ceiling. I don’t know why I’m here, who did this, or what they want from me, and worse, I don’t know how to get out.
Maybe if I had a friend or two who would notice I’m missing, but thanks to my prickly personality and intense distrust of everyone but myself, no one is looking for me. I’m helpless.
A shudder moves through me. No. I refuse to give in.
I can hear heavy footsteps and muffled voices beyond my cell, but since last night’s dinner delivery, no one has been here. Maybe it’s a case of mistaken identity and they thought they were kidnapping someone worth money they could get a ransom for, but nope, I have no family or anyone who would put up money for my safe return. Once they figure that out, theyshouldrelease me.
