Page 78 of Visions of You

Keegan shook his head. "Their features were obscured by some kind of magical shield. But I saw them preparing a potion."

Jaron stepped closer to Keegan, adding his own thoughts. "We think they're targeting fated mates to change fate by sacrificing them."

A heavy silence settled over the room as Altair and Sven absorbed this bit of information.

"Is that possible?" Sven asked.

"I didn't think it was," Keegan said, "but all my research seems to indicate this is what they're trying to achieve." He didn't mention the fact that he'd only done this research because he'd been trying to do something similar himself.

That was beside the point, wasn't it?

Altair's brow furrowed. "Why would this kidnapper want to change fate?"

Keegan took a deep breath, organizing his thoughts. "I think they might be a seer too. It would explain how they've been able to outmaneuver me. Maybe they saw something in their future they didn't like and are trying to alter it."

Everyone in the room looked surprised by this idea. Sven exchanged a glance with Altair, who seemed to mull over the new information.

"A seer," Altair repeated slowly. "That would indeed explain a lot. But why the mind control?"

Keegan hesitated before speaking again. "In one of my visions, I saw Jaron being controlled. The shadowy figure was manipulating him to stop me." That wasn't the whole truth, but it was close enough.

Next to him, Jaron stiffened, but he didn't contradict Keegan.

Altair walked over to his bookshelf, scanning the titles. "I've been educating myself on the topic of mind control recently," he said as if this was a normal thing to do. He pulled out a thick, leather-bound book and flipped it open.

"There are several ways to protect oneself from mind control," Altair explained. "One method involves wearing enchanted items—amulets or charms specifically designed to block mental intrusion. Another approach is mental fortification through meditation and specific exercises to strengthen one's mental barriers."

"I don't think we have that much time," Keegan said. What he wanted was a foolproof way to make sure that nothing was going to touch Jaron's mind.

"I understand." Altair paged through the book, deep in thought. "An enchanted amulet might be best in that case."

Sven leaned in, peering at the book over Altair's shoulder. "Do we have anything like that?"

"No," Altair said. "And items like these don't come cheap."

Jaron's expression darkened, his brows knitting together. "If money's all that's required, don't worry about that. I'll get the funds."

Altair eyed him curiously but didn't press further. Keegan had a suspicion about where Jaron would get the money—probably from his family. The thought of Jaron having to go back to them, even for something as important as this, made Keegan's stomach twist.

He wished he didn't have to make Jaron do that, but this was too important.

"Very well," Altair said, turning back to his book. "I'll try to locate an object for purchase. In the meantime, Keegan, focus on finding out more about the kidnapper. Anything you can uncover will help."

Keegan nodded. The kidnapper might be trying to hide, but Keegan would figure out their identity sooner or later. He only needed to learn to control all this new power he'd been given a little better.

He turned to leave but stopped himself to look at Altair once more. "Have you heard from Mordyn?" he asked quietly.

Altair shook his head tiredly. "No, not yet."

Keegan worried his lip and nodded again before exiting the room with Jaron by his side.

As they walked down the corridor, Keegan glanced at Jaron, who was deep in thought. "Are you sure about this?" he asked softly.

Jaron's eyes met his, a determined look in them. "Absolutely. There's gotta be some advantage to being born a rich kid, right? Don't worry. I know what to tell my parents to get money."

Keegan squeezed Jaron's hand. "I'd offer to come with you, but I know that wouldn't help."

"How much have you seen of my parents?"