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161- Subtlety and specially
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2024-10-29 19:42:56The next hour passes peacefully. Megan and I go through tons of items of clothing and sort through what we like and don’t like. I try to limit the number of items I say yes to, trying not to overdo it but Megan has no such scruples. Bellamy hovers around, tidying the kitchen and occasionally chiming in with his opinion about specific items. Megan is just entering Bellamy’s credit card details which she apparently has memorised when Bellamy comes and hugs me from behind. He seems more thrilled with the purchases than I am, which is probably the reason I feel okay about it.
“It’s almost time for the meeting. We should go make sure the link is working properly and everything.” Bellamy says eagerly. I look up at him and I can see excitement on his face. I hadn’t realised he was so enthusiastic about this, but I suppose he is almost as invested as I am, he’s just not quite as traumatised and exhausted as me right now. Megan heads to the living room, letting me know that we can justRelated chapters
Strings of Fate 162- Starting and spanning
Bellamy and I are the first to join the call. I stare at the black screen anxiously, constantly checking and rechecking that the camera is on properly and the microphone has sound. Bellamy gently places a hand over my knee to stop me from bouncing my leg anxiously. I have so many questions, I don’t even know what to ask first. About Kiara’s magic? About theirs? My own? What if they don’t know anything, or what if they DO? I find myself leaning into Bellamy’s shoulder. I feel kind of nauseous. Maybe I should have sat on his lap after all, at least then he could support me if I pass out. I’m actually holding my breath when the first person joins the call. It’s an older man, maybe in his sixties. He has a huge moustache and not a lot of hair. Honestly he kind of looks like a cartoon character. The thought makes me crack a smile and I start breathing again.“Well hello there young lady. You too lad. I’m Collin Demy, you can call me Collin” His voice is gruff, but he seems nice.
Strings of Fate 163- Diaries and death
“What can you tell us about Atropos?” I prompt. Well, she is usually considered to be the oldest of the fates. I’m not sure how anyone would know that kind of thing, but that’s what the stories I was told said. It doesn’t really matter anyway. So, as I said, Atropos is the fate who controls the manner in which someone dies and cuts the string that represents their lifespan. Basically if our fates represent the beginning and middle of life, Atropos represents the ending. I don’t really know exactly what abilities your Kiara has but it probably involves knowing how people will die. Maybe when? You would really need to ask her for the specifics.” Collin suggests. I tense up. I was so interested in hearing about this magic that for a minute, I forgot the reason I started looking into it in the first place. I must have stayed quiet too long because Bellamy responds for me. “Kiara is missing. She was kidnapped several days ago. We have reason to believe that she is still alive.
Strings of Fate 164- Children and chosen
“A woman with unusual whitish eyes who knows about a person’s future relationships. That does sound familiar now, doesn’t it?” Bellamy says pointedly.“Yeah, but I’m no goddess.” I remind him. He shrugs.“I’d believe it.” He says sweetly and I roll my eyes. “Thanks, but no.” I say with a laugh. “You two are adorable.” Addie comments. She is resting her chin in her hands and watching us dreamily. Okay, now I feel a little weird. “There’s more to the journal entry if you’re all ready to hear it.” Collin says mildly. “Sorry, didn’t mean to interrupt.” I apologise. He waves a hand accepting my apology then holds the book up, clearly eager to read us more. I apologised to the goddess and begged for her forgiveness. She assured me that as long as I fulfilled my duties and made things right that there would be no lasting consequences. I could not help but tell her that it was unfair. That I could see a person’s life but not know who I was meant to love unti
Strings of Fate 165- Research and reason
Once Collin hangs up I sit there for a while in a stunned silence until Bellamy decides it’s enough. He spins my chair to face him and moves in close to me. “What are you thinking? Talk to me.” He demands. “I’m not even sure. It’s a lot all at once. I don’t think I’m ready to process the information about me just yet. Can we focus on Kiara?” I ask mildly. Bellamy looks me over closely for a minute, examining my face, probably looking for any sign that I’m not coping. When he decides that I’m alright, he gives a single nod.“Okay. Well in that case. What have we learned about Kiara and how can we use it?” Bellamy directs the conversation. I’m grateful for the prompting because my mind is still reeling and I need the help to focus.“Well, we know at least part of what her magic does. We know that it is connected to mine, sort of, and we learned that IF my magic is due to this Ananke person, goddess, thing, then my visions of her are likely because she is misusing her
Strings of Fate 166- Success and shock
After sending off the email to Shelly giving her my number to share around, I decided I needed a break because between the email, the phone call and my nightmare visions, I’m exhausted and completely overwhelmed. Bellamy sends me up to bed. He does offer to come lie down with me but I can tell he has stuff he needs to get done, I’ve seen his inbox and he has like ten unread messages on his phone. I convince him to stay and do something productive. I doubt he will stay away for long, he hasn’t really let me out of his sight in days. I probably have an hour tops before he comes looking for me. I lie in the bed, but it feels oversized. Probably because I’m by myself, usually Bellamy is crowding me, or I’m clinging to him. I suppose I’ve gotten used to it. I close my eyes and try to sleep. I toss and turn for about half an hour before I give up and decide to try meditating again instead. I’m very high strung right now though so I don’t expect I’ll have much success. I start with my brea
Strings of Fate 167- Risks and requirements
Bellamy and I head to the bar, just the two of us. Megan did complain about being left behind until I reminded her that we’re meeting Dr Dae’s unknown contact and we don’t want her to refuse to speak to us because we brought extra people along, although if the contact IS Cam like I’m hoping, then I doubt that will be a problem. Megan wasn’t thrilled but agreed that it wasn’t worth the risk. We arrive at Witches Booze about five minutes before eight and settle in on a couple of barstools, Bellamy moves his over a little so he can sit shoulder to shoulder to me, not comfortable with me being anything more than an arms length away. “Ryann right?” Cam approaches me and drops two drinks off in front of Bellamy and I, ones that we didn’t actually order. Mine is a blueish colour with swirling glittery patterns in it. I hold it up to the light and watch it swirl.“Yeah, and this is Bellamy. Are you who I’m here to see?” I ask. Cam nods firmly, her blonde waves bouncing around her h
Strings of Fate 168- Books and backrooms
Uh, hi? Late for what?” I ask, a little confused. Did we make plans that I’m not aware of? I look at Bellamy to see if he knows what’s going on but he’s just as confused as me. Cam shrugs at my confusion.“Friend of yours?” She asks. I nod. “In that case. Hey, I’m Camille. You can call me Cam.” She greets her. Amber nods.“I know. I’m Amber. I used to be Ryann’s boss. Now I’m just here for the show.” She introduces herself with a wink. Cam seems delighted. “Lovely, I can get behind that. Let me get you a drink.” She dashes off. “Amber? Not that I’m not glad to see you, and I know HOW you know to be here, I was just wondering why?” I question. “Well, I missed out on drinks and meeting people last time. I didn’t want to miss out again.” She explains. So she’s here to meet Cam? It doesn’t take long for Cam to return with another drink for Amber. Her drink is as unnaturally bright red as her hair and it looks… fizzy?“Perfect, my favourite.” Amber beams.
Strings of Fate 169- Tracking and trading
“Well, that’s at least one piece of information confirmed. You wouldn’t happen to have a handy list of Witches or Warlocks that are secretly capable of murder do you?” I ask with false cheer. Cam grins. “Not on me no. But it would be a long list. The list of Witches I trust NOT to be secretly killers would be shorter. Those coven Witches are no joke.” She shudders.“You’re not part of a coven?” Harry asks curiously. Cam shrugs.“Nah, I’m not much one for rules. I’m not interested in secretly planning to take over the world or hoard millions of dollars or whatever it is those old crones do in their secret meetings. I’m happy on my own.” Cam responds, but I can’t help but notice a slightly wistful look on her face. Cam says she doesn’t want to have a Coven, but I suspect she is lonely. Most Witches are close with their families and Covens. Often the two are interchangeable terms. Without one… Well it would be lonely and probably limiting. Although based on her spells that
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Strings of Fate 203- Beads and bonding
“Well, I think that it might actually be nice having an extra person around the house. Extra security and company. Besides, you spend most of your time here anyway. Might as well save you the commute. That is, as long as no one else has any objection?” I say pointedly looking at Megan. Sure, Bellamy could object but I already know that he won’t. Megan briefly makes eye contact with me, gives a slight nod, then finds something to stare at on the ceiling. She is clearly trying to look like she doesn’t care but she is blushing bright red. True to form, Darrien is watching her closely trying to work out how she really feels about my suggestion. Realising that she isn’t going to provide any input, he decides to push it a little. “Megan? I would like to hear your opinion. I am still courting you and I don’t want to screw anything up by making a decision like this without your input.” Darrien says clearly. His voice is mostly calm with just the slightest hint of anxiety as he monitors her r
Strings of Fate 202- Calories and clothing
I wake up late in the morning, it might even be early afternoon. I wriggle around a little which prompts Bellamy to do the same, he is apparently already awake. He raises a finger to his lips to shush me before I speak and I can see why. Kiara is still sleeping, lying in the bed between us. She is still loosely holding onto my arm, even in sleep. I slowly disentangle myself from her light grip and slide out of bed. Bellamy follows, clearly doing his best not to jostle her and wake her up. She definitely needs the sleep. She was restless for a good part of the night and almost definitely was having nightmares, but she seems like she’s sleeping soundly now. My own sleep was blissfully quiet. No visions or anything thank goodness. I’m looking forward to having several weeks of steady sleep and so help me if anything tragic or dramatic happens for the next few weeks then whoever is responsible should probably be terrified of me. We step into the hallway to talk without disturbing Kiara.
Strings of Fate 201- Touch and trust
I cross my arms in irritation. “Kiara would never! How would she even do that? She’s just a kid!” I object. Dr Dae rolls her eyes at me.“Oh calm yourself girl. I’m not saying she chose to murder anyone. I assume that she was forced to comply somehow. You’ll have to ask the girl when she’s ready to talk. As for the how, the child is a Reaper.” She says it as if it’s obvious but it really isn’t. I know that Reapers exist, but they’re the kind of Magic that most people have heard of but no one has ever met. I suppose Kiara’s dad must have been a Reaper too and why the MRO was so secretive about her markings. Most people are kind of scared of Reapers, they’re kind of the boogeymen of our society. Mostly because they can kill on a whim. All it takes is one touch and they can free your soul from your body. Obviously with no soul you die, and I guess your soul moves on to wherever souls go when you pass on. I suppose that a Reaper would make sense for the representative of Atropos. Her add
Strings of Fate 200- Healing and hunger
Since Kiara probably isn’t up to braving the stairs and she really doesn’t want to be carried around everywhere, we decide to ask Dr Dae to come up to the bedroom. It’s actually kind of weird having so many people in here. Bellamy is a fairly private person, he doesn’t generally invite people to hang out in his… our room. Dr Dae shuffles in clutching her usual bag. I’m surprised that Bellamy isn’t carrying it for her because it looks kind of heavy, but I suspect that she wouldn’t hand it over anyway. I immediately greet her.“Thank you so much for your help. Your contact has become a great friend and she’s a huge part of the reason we were able to find Kiara here.” I nudge Kiara gently with my elbow and give her a little smile. She looks very small and delicate in the oversized, mismatched clothes with her hair dripping down her shoulders. She’s so pale that the bruises on her skin stand out and look even worse than they actually are. Dr Dae gives me a half nod of acknowledgement then
Strings of Fate 199- Clean and covered
We all turn to face Alex in confusion. I glance up at Bellamy to see if he has any idea what’s going on but he looks just as lost as the rest of us. I continue to stroke Kiara’s hair trying to keep her calm. “Explain.” Bellamy says firmly. Alex flushes red under the attention of everyone in the room. “Uh, well. I assisted Miss Gale in updating her registration with the MRO, and uh, since her position is one of… well almost authority, over the fate’s representatives the updated registration reflects this. So she should be able to make decisions about Kiara’s care like an Alpha would for their Shifters or like a Coven leader would for their Witches. Admittedly it’s a very small group of Magics, but according to the Magic Registration Office, she is in charge of it.” He explains, his voice starts off weak but gets stronger as he becomes more confident in what he’s saying. The police seem a little stunned but I guess Alex isn’t technically wrong. If Kiara were a Shifter, her Alpha would
Strings of Fate 198- Stolen and sure
When we pull up to the house, there’s a police car waiting. There are two cops standing by it, one looks bored and irritated and the other has a fake ‘customer service’ type smile plastered on his face that I know well from experience. Yeah neither of these guys want to be here. They’re probably pissed that we made them come down here. Not to mention uncomfortable being in the Shifter compound. Non-Shifters aren’t invited here often, although I suppose that isn’t exactly true anymore with all our new friends stopping by regularly. Standing beside them looking awkward and uncomfortable is Alex. I bet they’ve been taking their impatience out on him. I narrow my eyes at them and prepare myself. One snotty comment and I am going to tear into them, it’s been a long night. Bellamy parks the car and I wait for him to get out. He speaks with the police briefly and Alex escorts them inside the house. Bellamy returns and opens the door next to Kiara. “Hey, can I help you get inside? The police
Strings of Fate 197- Leaving and leaning
As we step outside, I’m confused to find that I actually have no idea where we are. I really was just running and following the tracking spell. I don’t know how far I ran. It’s a good thing the others are here to bring back the cars because I would be wandering all night trying to find my way back. I’m also fairly sure that I left my phone in the car when I jumped out in a hurry. Kiara clutches my hand tightly as the cars pull up on the street in front of us. “Megan, Darrien. You stay here and speak to the police when they arrive. Direct further questions to me. Shaun, you stay with them too.” Bellamy directs as Shaun hops out the car. At Megan’s insistence he stays a good couple of metres away from us.“Yes Alpha Kane.” He responds cheerfully. Aaron and Rio also climb out of the vehicles. Rio stops to chat with one of the other Shifters whose name I still don’t know. Aaron immediately approaches me. Actually a better way to phrase it is that he storms over. He looks almost angry. Or
Strings of Fate 196- Rescue and retreat
Darrien is the closest to her and he sees her at the same time I do. He takes a step towards her and she whimpers in fear. He freezes and backs away slowly, trying not to startle her. I gesture for everyone else to stay back and take a few steps closer. I stop a good metre away from the little table and then slowly lower myself to the floor. Kneeling down so that I can see her properly. Kiara is covered in soot and I can see little trails of tears smudging around on her face. She is still crying and whimpering. I am careful to keep my voice gentle and calm. “Kiara?” I call her name. She doesn’t answer or look up, but her whimpering quiets a little and I can see her tensing up like she’s listening carefully. “Kiara sweetheart. You’re safe now. You can come out. We can get some something to eat, you can have a nice bath and some clean clothes. How does that sound?” I try to sound soothing. Her crying stops and she looks up at me with wide, teary, red-rimmed eyes. She doesn’t
Strings of Fate 195- Smoke and smothering
Look, I’m no fighter and the Shifters move way faster than I can even properly process in this stressful situation. I watched the Shifter woman leap towards the redhead (I have got to learn these people’s names!) and the next thing I know, both women are screaming and the living room is lit up with blue flames that are steadily growing. I watch as Shaun and Darrien leap at the Shifter woman and help her tear off her burning shirt. Bellamy takes the chance to shift and a few moments later his large black cat form is launching towards the Witch in an attempt to knock her down. He pulls back at the last second as flames light up in front of him, spreading and essentially splitting the room in half with us on one side and the Witch on the other. She’s completely trapped, both by us and the fire which is steadily going out of control. There is smoke in the air making it hard to see what’s going on and the smoke in the air is making it difficult to breathe. My throat is so dry and my lung
