Testing Fate

by Belinda Boring

  Klothos didn’t respond. Casting a sidelong glance at the young woman, I could see she was deep in thought. Her brow crumpled slightly, as if she was battling with herself, and before I could question her, she grabbed hold of my hand.

  “What if I said you are here because of me?”

  “You?” Her comment was surprising.

  “Yes.”

  I measured my response. “Did you have a good reason to bring me here?”

  “Of course.” There was no mistaking the strength of her conviction. It was simple.

  “Then I hope it works out the way you want,” I answered quietly. I could tell she was taken aback. “What, you expected me to rant and rail?”

  “A little. It wouldn’t have surprised me if you had.”

  I shrugged my shoulders and stared back at the house. “Something tells me it wouldn’t have made any difference. Besides, my chance to refuse has passed.” A cool breeze brushed over my skin, causing goose bumps to flare. “I’d better get inside. The day’s already begun and I should prepare for whatever you and your sisters have planned.”

  “The third test.”

  I hmmm’d my agreement as I stood, dusting off my behind. I turned to leave and was stopped by her hand on my arm.

  “Darcy, it is already begun.”

  For a moment I thought my eyes were closed. I stood in the center of a large field, darkness enveloping every inch and making it impossible to get a clear view of my surroundings.

  “Klothos?” I called out. I’d been escorted to the previous trials and assumed this would be the same. I was alone. There was an overwhelming sense of emptiness, an echo that made my awareness shriek with caution. I didn’t believe I was in danger yet, but I couldn’t rule it out.

  I waited for something to happen. Slowly my eyes adjusted to the dimness and I rotated around hoping the purpose of the test would reveal itself.

  Nothing.

  Apprehensively I took a few exploratory steps. Everything was eerily still and quiet.

  I tried walking in the opposite direction.

  Nothing. All the while, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was supposed to be happening.

  “Hello?” I called out again into the darkness.

  A loud thud behind me echoed and caused me to jump in surprise. Whirling around, I faintly saw something long on the ground. I hurried over to it and was amazed to find a weapon lying there.

  Picking it up, the sword’s weight was hefty and it took a few seconds to accommodate. It was beautifully crafted, with a golden hilt and a large gem embedded into the handle. I gingerly tested the blade with my finger and flinched at the sharpness.

  Sudden dread stirred in the pit of my stomach. Whatever this test comprised of, I would need this sword and it was battle readied. I’d never used anything like this before. I’d never had to because at the hint of any danger, I would shift. That, and I had always been surrounded by pack members.

  The weapon hung loosely in my hand as I gazed about. Something moved in my peripheral vision, and a cold shiver blasted through me. I was being watched. My skin prickled and the hair stood up on the back of my neck. I whirled around to face whatever it was and found nothing. Again, a sound startled me and I whipped around but the space was empty.

  I lifted the sword now and held it ready. Tightening my grip around the handle, I scanned the area and sank into the fighting stance Devlin had taught me. I also made a mental note to have him also start weapons training with me.

  There was a whooshing sound before a dark shadow charged forward, followed closely by a second. They were similar to those I saw in the maze, harmless. I had expected them to fade into nothing when they reached me, but this time pain struck me hard as large slash lines appeared on my right arm.

  “Ahhhh,” I exclaimed, dropping the sword to hold my arm. Blood trickled from the deep cut and stung when I cleaned it away. I waited for the gash to start healing; one of the blessing from being supernatural, but it remained the same. Seemed without my wolf, I truly was human. This changed everything. I couldn’t be so reckless.

  The specters had disappeared. I’d never known shadows to hold this kind of power. I’d heard stories from others about feeling drops in temperature and weird sensations, but never where they could cause physical harm.

  I needed to figure out what this test was about. The quicker I did, the sooner I could complete it. Lifting the sword again, I retook my vigilant stance and waited to see what would happen next.

  There was another rushing noise and then pain erupted in my ribs. It felt like something had punched me solidly and the impact stole my breath. I staggered backward only to be propelled forward by a jarring kick in the back. I dropped my weapon again and went sprawling across the floor. Not once did I see my assailants, only felt their crushing blows.

  I inwardly begged for the return of my wolf. Being completely human left me vulnerable and I didn’t like it. I dragged myself up and whipped around trying to catch the next attack. The shadows had gathered around me in a circle. There was no substance to them but that didn’t matter, they were dangerous.

  Panic bubbled inside me, threatening to overtake the focus I was clinging to. Now wasn’t the time for fear. Assessing the situation, I didn’t know if I could hurt the darkness, but I couldn’t let them hurt me further. If given a chance, the group would swarm me and it would be all over. Failure wasn’t an option.

  Be in the moment, Devlin’s voice filled my mind. Nothing else is as important as right now. I let his words wash over me, infusing me with a strange calmness. I picked up my weapon, tightened my grip on the sword and centered myself. When the next shadow approached, I was ready.

  I swung hard, the blade cutting through the form. I waited for the sting, the brutal crunch of impact. There was no pain and that told me what I needed to know. I could stop them.

  Two more came forward, hot on the heels of the one I destroyed. Blocking the heavy strike from a phantom blade, I wasn’t quick enough for the second one and an additional cut appeared on my arm. I ignored the wincing flare and the surge of blood. I didn’t have time; more shadows were filling the vacated spots in the circle.

  A hard hit to the head dazed me. Agony exploded and I involuntarily dropped to my knees. There was the hint of a breeze as my cheek was nicked, no warning sound before I received a matching cut on the other.

  I scrambled back to my feet and began swinging the sword. I was a sitting duck just waiting for them to take turns attacking. One thing I’d learned watching pack members talk strategies was the element of surprise. The best defense was going on the offense.

  I had nothing else to lose. I was getting hurt regardless of what I did, whether standing, swinging, being vigilant. There were too many of them and only one of me. It was time for action.

  For every blow I delivered, I received three in return. My body screamed for me to stop, but I couldn’t. Shadows scattered in front of me. My muscles were on fire from the sword’s weight and the death grip I held on it. Tears streaked my cheeks as I fought for my life.

  Suddenly I was alone again and I staggered forward. I was no longer surrounded. Wiping the sweat from my eyes, my hands trembled as I turned around. It had to be a trick. There was no way I could be under that type of constant pressure and then have it stop for no reason.

  None of the Moirai appeared, telling me the test was either over or still underway. This was a new tactic in breaking me, watching to see how I would handle the situation. I wanted to drop my weapon and nurse my wounds, but I didn’t dare. The moment I lowered my guard they would pounce again.

  The silence messed with my mind. My eyes played tricks, but I forced myself to keep readied. The sword now felt like it weighed a ton and my knees threatened to buckle. It would be almost too easy to simply surrender.

  Nothing charged at me. No shadow swung a death blow. No shadows encroached on the vigilant guard I held. No sounds broke the eerie silence and it was unnerving.

  “W
here are you?” I whispered, wiping the back of my hand over my brow. It came back a mixture of sweat and blood. I was exhausted.

  I had no warning, simply an excruciating pain burning between my shoulder blades and I dropped to the ground. It felt as though my back had been ripped open and there was no mistaking the wetness of my shirt. I’d been struck from behind, badly.

  “You will not win!” I screamed, pushing past all pain. I struggled to my feet. I took courage in knowing the Fates wouldn’t let me die, at least not yet. Beaten to a blood pulp possibly, but there was a reason to this madness.

  Shadows swarmed around me, overwhelming in their numbers. Blow after blow, strike after strike, I dished back as good as I received. Adrenaline surging through my veins, I raised the sword above my head, slicing down with everything I had.

  The blade whizzed through the air and struck the ground, embedding in the rocky soil. I tugged on it hard, needing it, but it refused to budge. A kick connected with my side, propelling me away from the sword and I cried out with frustration when I saw it disappear. I was now weaponless.

  “This means nothing!” I raised my fists, sinking into a defensive stance. “You won’t win without a fight. I won’t let you.”

  As a whole, the shadows seemed to pulse with energy and together they surged toward me. The scene was terrifying, but I refused to run and cower. If this was it, then I’d go down swinging.

  Cold air blasted through me and lifted me off my feet. I was airborne for a few moments before landing with a crunch yards away. The impact jarred my bones and battered my already enflamed muscles. All the fight inside me drained away. The pain finally overruled everything.

  Get up, I screamed inside my mind. Get up!

  Raising my head, I looked up. The shadows were gone and in their place the three Moirai stood. I willed my body to work, to stand and complete the task. My movements were jerky at best, but after a few halting moments, I was finally standing, swaying back and forth, but on my feet.

  “You showed incredible courage, Darcy. Beyond what we expected.”

  “Facing an unknown enemy, fighting far past your endurance, and a willingness to sacrifice everything, including your life.”

  “You have completed the third test and proven your worth.”

  Their words barely registered. My head pounded and as I crumpled to the ground, the last thing I saw was the small knowing smile and a nod from Klothos.

  Chapter Fourteen

  “Explain this to me!” I don’t know what made me wince more, moving or Devlin’s loud and angry tone. Even from the main room, I could tell he was beyond annoyed. “This was not part of the deal. She was never meant to be this hurt. Return her wolf so she can at least heal quickly.”

  Obviously the soft murmured reply didn’t please him because there was no mistaking his growled frustration. I tried lifting myself off the bed so I could join the conversation, but the mere thought of shifting, even slightly, hurt.

  “Have you seen her?” Devlin asked and the door opened. “I want you to end this trial. She’s done, do you hear me? Done. I’m taking her home.” My eyelids fluttered a few times as my vision was slow to focus on the two people now standing over me.

  “She’s awake,” Atropos replied, ignoring Devlin as he fumed behind her. “And alive. All is well.”

  “This is not well. Far from it!” Devlin dropped to his knee beside my bed and gently brushed the hair from across my forehead. He shook his head when I tried sitting up, placing his hand lightly on my arm. I flinched from the contact and he didn’t miss my reaction. Gingerly, he slid the material up and revealed the lacerations I’d received from the test. His eyes narrowed on my skin, his mouth tightening and jaw clenching. “Damn. How bad is it, Darcy?”

  I didn’t dare tell him. I’d seen him angry before, but I knew how protective he was. Looking over at Atropos, she quickly bowed and left. It was a wise idea because something told me when Devlin knew all the details, Moirai or not, there’d be no escaping his wrath.

  “I’ll be okay,” I croaked, my voice sticking in the back of my throat. He left the room and returned with some water. It felt like heaven as I took small sips, trying to assess exactly where to start.

  “It doesn’t look like it and judging by the way you’re moving, I’d say you went through hell.” He took a seat at the end of the bed and let out a long, tired sigh. “It terrified me, walking in to find you passed out and bleeding.”

  “I’m sorry,” I took another mouthful from the glass and shifted so I could place it on the floor. No matter how careful I was, pain lanced through me and I gasped, unable to hold onto it. Devlin moved with lightning reflexes and caught it before it hit the floor. “I didn’t want to scare you.”

  “This isn’t your fault, sweetheart.” His tone changed to something more tender. “Let’s see exactly what the damage is, while you tell me what happened.”

  I nodded, the motion making my head pound. I started from the beginning, laying out the entire series of events as he carefully inspected my wounds. I worried what the effect my blood would have on him, but he never faltered. Distress weighed heavily on him as he helped me sit up, wanting me to show him my ribs.

  “Yeah, you’re bruised pretty badly. I don’t think anything’s broken, but not being able to heal quickly will hinder you for at least a day or two.” He gently prodded my side and I tried pulling away from his touch. “Maybe longer. You can’t keep going with the Heart or Death, Darcy.”

  “I’ll do the best I can, Devlin. Quitting isn’t an option. Hopefully they’ll let me rest for a day before they take me to the next one. If I can sleep for a while, I’ll be okay.” I knew he wanted to argue with me. I would’ve loved to have gone home right then, but I didn’t just endure hell to quit. “Trust me.”

  “I do, it’s them that I don’t.” Devlin inched closer and tilted my chin a little so he could study my face. “I’m going to get a wet cloth so I can wipe away some of this dried blood.” He paused for a second, as though he wanted to say something but wasn’t sure whether he should.

  “What?”

  “Promise me you’ll at least consider it.”

  “Consider what?” I was confused.

  “I want to give you some of my blood . . . just enough to help speed up your recovery.”

  “I’ll be fine, Devlin. Thanks though.” I shifted uncomfortably.

  “Why won’t you? I know you don’t like the idea, but you’re obviously in pain. It doesn’t make sense for you to suffer when I can help.”

  “Because all I need is sleep.” He opened his mouth to interrupt, but I didn’t let him. “I promise you, if the next test is worse or I get hurt again.” I swallowed thickly, gathering the courage to finish my sentence. “I will. Let’s just see what happens.”

  It said a lot that I was tempted. I’d never tasted vampire blood before, but something inside always told me to avoid it, at all costs. It wasn’t just the fear of craving it and becoming addicted. I knew that it was a way vampires controlled people, and even though I loved Devlin and knew he’d never take advantage, the aversion had stuck.

  He accepted my explanation and left the room again. I slowly inched my way into a sitting position, the effort wearing me out. I hated feeling so weak, so human. Fighting back a yawn, I slumped back against the pillow.

  Devlin returned with a towel and bowl of warm water. He worked silently, washing away the dried blood flakes and I was relieved to see some of the cuts weren’t as deep as I initially thought. My arms were a mess, but would easily heal.

  “If these scar, I’m going to be pissed.” Devlin squeezed out the excess water before wiping my cheeks. “Were you cut anywhere else?” I shrugged, only to whimper when the action caused my shirt to tug on my back. That’s when I remembered the painful blow.

  “Between my shoulder blades.”

  He helped me lean forward so he could look, growling at what he found. “Your t-shirt is covered with blood and has a huge slash in it. Yo
u’ll need to take it off so I can see underneath.”

  There was no way I could lift my arms but Devlin solved the situation, tearing it off me. There was a slight ripping noise and then cool air danced over my exposed skin.

  “I think I’m going to be sick.” Sitting up was taking its toll on me and the room began to spin. I started to fall backward, only to be stopped by Devlin’s arm.

  “Honey, if you lie down I can’t clean the wound and this is the worst one.” Compassion thickly coated his words.

  “I just need to sleep.” My own voice caught. I was just so tired and the constant ache was starting to frazzle my nerves.

  “Then let me get you onto your stomach. That way you can close your eyes and relax while I fix your back.” He gently lifted me into his arms and helped change my body position. The movement caused more pain and tears began streaking down my cheeks. I held my breath as my weight adjusted before sinking back into the soft mattress, slightly relieved.

  Devlin dabbed at my wound, muttering under his breath about seeking justice. I flinched with each press of the wet towel, but moving had taken what little energy I had left.

  “Tell me a story, Devlin. Something to take my mind off everything.”

  “What kind?” He never stopped his methodical, almost soothing, strokes.

  “It doesn’t matter,” I murmured.

  “Hmmm,” Devlin answered before falling silent. I heard him rinse out his towel again, the tinkling water falling back into the bowl. “Did I ever tell you about my best friend growing up?” I made a noise, too tired to answer properly and he chuckled softly. “I take that as a no. Well, we were inseparable and he was the best dog a boy could ask for.”

  I couldn’t help but smile. “What was his name?” I whispered.

  “I called him Duke. My sister made fun of me because, even though he came from a good breed, he was the runt. My father declared I was old enough for the responsibility and said if I trained Duke well enough, he would make a good hunting dog. I didn’t care how tiny he was. It was love at first sight.”