Testing Fate

by Belinda Boring

  “How old were you?” I asked, interested in learning more about Devlin’s life.

  “I’d just turned six.” I could hear the smile in his voice as he began reliving a good memory. “I remember the moment I held that sweet puppy in my arms and hugged him; I knew we’d be lifelong companions. My father chastised me for spoiling him, but I didn’t care. Duke was obedient to my commands and loyal to a fault. That dog saved my life more times than I can count.”

  “Saved you?” I mumbled, relaxed. The aches and throbbing had eased and I’d finally found the relief I needed.

  “This may surprise you, but I wasn’t always good at listening to my parents. I got into more trouble than most.” Devlin chuckled. “My mother was forever telling me she didn’t know what she was going to do with me and sending me to the vicar for confession. My father would just shake his head and increase my chores. Truth is, I think I reminded him a lot of himself, but he’d never admit it.”

  I couldn’t imagine a young Devlin, a little boy running wild and free. “It’s weird hearing you talk about being a child. I’ve always known you as a vampire.”

  “I didn’t turn until I was in my twenties.” He got a faraway sound and I wished I could see his face. His conversion was such a mystery, something he never spoke about. “But that’s not the story. I was telling you about me and Duke.”

  “Because heaven forbid I hear that story, right?” I barked out a brisk laugh, the movement jostling my body.

  “All in good time, sweetheart.” Devlin stopped cleaning my wound and took a seat on the floor with his body against the bed frame. “Besides, this is a much more interesting story. I was a complete rascal back then.”

  “Back then?” I joked.

  “Yes.” Devlin tried not to sound indignant and failed. “Anyway, I had a hard time ignoring a good dare when I was younger. Half the trouble I got into was because someone had challenged me, making me feel like I needed to prove myself. Whether it was from my other siblings or the village boys, I’m surprised I was able to sit down during my childhood from the amount of whippings my father gave me. Quite a few of the events were harmless antics, but some ended up dangerous.”

  “There was a house everyone avoided. It was where Old Man Flanagan lived. He was one of the most ornery cusses I’d ever seen. And the rumor was, if he ever caught you pilfering his apples, he’d skin you alive. I remember my friend, Paul, had bragged about how sweet and juicy the apples were, and how easy it was to swipe a few.

  “He’d stood there taking big bites, and I wanted one, badly. He egged us all on, saying he’d never tasted one so delicious. None of the other boys were brave enough to go, even my older brother looked uneasy, which surprised me. I loved Sebastian and I got the idea that if I could grab two apples for us, I’d impress him. He wouldn’t shoo me away when the older boys came calling and maybe he’d take me fishing with them. When Paul declared everyone was too chicken, I stepped forward and told him I wasn’t. I promised I’d be back within the hour with my shirt full of apples.”

  “I was so certain and full of myself. I had it all worked out and could already hear the praises for my victory in my mind. Quickly scaling the fence that surrounded Old Man Flanagan’s orchard, I ordered Duke to keep a look out and bark if he saw anyone approach. I was up among the branches when the first alert came. I panicked and instead of simply dropping to the ground and running, I climbed higher into the tree, hoping the leaves would hide me.

  “I held my breath when I saw the grumpy old man at the bottom looking up. He banged his cane against the trunk, muttering about how annoyed he was with pesky thieves. All the while Duke growled. And just when I thought I was sprung, the dog began yanking on Flanagan’s trouser leg to distract him. I felt the blow when he struck at Duke, but my dog wasn’t stupid. He was able to dodge the later ones and began moving back, leading Old Man Flanagan away.

  “I didn’t waste any time. Instead of climbing back down, I simply dropped from the high branches and the last loud snap was unmistakable. I’d broken enough bones in the past to know I’d hurt myself again, but I couldn’t stop. I was terrified of being caught, so I tried hobbling away as best I could. I made it a short distance before the pain was so bad, it forced me to stop.”

  “Oh no,” I murmured, feeling sleepy, but awake enough to listen. “Did he catch you?”

  “I was so sure he would, but I didn’t see him anymore after that. It started getting dark, and not wanting to be caught in the orchard, I slowly crawled home. I made it as far as three lanes from my house before I was discovered. My brother had become increasingly worried when I hadn’t returned and kept a look out for me. He helped me home and together we devised an explanation to tell our parents how I got hurt. My mother took one glance and called for the doctor to set my leg. She was worried about me, but I was more concerned about my father. There’d been a knock at the door shortly after my return and he’d left.

  “I was almost asleep when he came into my room and sat at the end of my bed. He let out a long, weary sigh and in that second, there was no doubt that he knew. “Son, there comes a time in a man’s life when he must tell the truth, despite the consequences.” He didn’t say anything else, just that one sentence, but it was enough to spark my conscience. I confessed everything. Once the tale was told, we sat in silence. He got up and left the room only to return shortly with Duke. I hadn’t seen my dog since the orchard and there was no hiding a limp when he walked.

  “My father then told me how he’d been called to Old Man Flanagan’s home to retrieve the dog. Duke hadn’t relented in keeping the old man from me and had backed himself into a corner. It had taken some serious negotiating on my father’s part to keep Duke from being put down. That was one of my first lessons on the responsibility I held for an animal’s loyalty. He was willing to die to protect me and I hadn’t respected that. I deserved my father’s disappointed look and lecture. I’ve never forgotten it, even to this day.”

  “You were just a boy,” I added.

  “Yes, but nevertheless, old enough to know better. Duke was a good dog and we had many more adventures. Many a night I lay awake wondering what would’ve happened that day if Duke hadn’t been there. I lost the taste for apples after that.” Devlin chuckled.

  “I bet,” I murmured again, hovering over the brink of sleep.

  “You need to be sleeping.” I felt him gently place the blanket over my hips, careful not to touch my wound.

  “I wanted to hear about you as a boy. You don’t share a lot, so I didn’t want to miss out.” I stifled a yawn.

  “Well, story time’s over.” He stood and switched the light off, putting the room into a comfortable darkness. Devlin brushed my cheek with his finger and sat back down.

  The lullaby started softly, the richness filling the air. It must’ve been something from his childhood because I didn’t recognize the melody, but it was just enough to soothe away any resistance.

  My eyelids grew heavier as his sweet song cradled me in its magic. I loved hearing Devlin sing and letting out a restful moan, I let his voice float me away into sleep.

  Chapter Fifteen

  I don’t think I’d ever groaned as loudly before in my life.

  My eyes burned when I tried opening them. I had no idea how long I’d been asleep, but judging from how stiff my body was and how unwilling it was to move a muscle, it couldn’t have been more than a few hours. The plan was for me to sleep as long as possible, but Devlin’s angry tone was like being doused with a bucket of frigidly cold water.

  “I don’t care if it’s part of the conditions. She needs more sleep.” There was a muffled response I couldn’t quite catch before I heard him again. “Please, show some mercy. She’s done everything you’ve asked without question. She’s accepted not having her memories and becoming totally human. She hasn’t argued and she’s showed incredible courage. Just a few more hours.”

  My heart sank. One of the Moirai was obviously here to escort me to the next
test and Devlin wasn’t happy about it. I didn’t blame him either, because the last thing I wanted to face right now was something brutal. There was no doubt in my mind the fourth trial would exceed the last one, each one had become progressively worse. All I wanted to do was fade away again and let sleep continue its healing power.

  I stared up at the ceiling. Devlin was pushing his luck, arguing with whichever Fate was outside. They’d allowed him some leeway last night, but there was no telling when their patience would snap. Images of him crumpled to the ground, writhing in pain, was enough to force me out of bed and shuffling toward the door. His heart was in the right place, but I refused to be the reason why he faced their wrath. They were temperamental at best. If it was time for the next trial, then I would complete it.

  “It’s okay, Devlin. I’m up and ready.” I looked down at my bare feet and laughed. “Well, I will be after I quickly get dressed.” Acknowledging Atropos, I stiffly bowed and added. “Give me a few moments and we can go.”

  “Are you strong enough to face whatever they have planned, Darcy?” Devlin’s question stopped me in my tracks.

  “It doesn’t matter. Where the body is weak, the spirit is willing . . . or something like that.” I’d used one of his favorite sayings back at him and he snorted in response. Turning to Atropos, I waited until she returned my glance. “Will this next trial be anything like the last? Meaning will it kill me?”

  “It is never our intention to harm those facing the challenges.” I studied her expression, aware she hadn’t really answered me. I decided to take it at face value.

  “Then just a sec.” I hobbled back into my room and slid on my shoes. As a second thought, I also grabbed a jacket for extra protection. The cuts on my arms had begun to scab over, but I couldn’t guarantee the next few hours wouldn’t injure them further.

  Closing my bedroom door behind me, Devlin and Atropos stood quietly staring at one another. I knew he wasn’t happy with this but ultimately it wasn’t his decision to make. I’d agreed to be tested and it was my call whether or not I quit.

  He met me halfway and I winced as I wrapped my arms around his waist. He carefully embraced me, making sure not to touch near my shoulder blades. The cut was itching, which was a good sign, but it wouldn’t take much to reopen it.

  “Have I told you how much I hate this?” He whispered in my ear. “I think three challenges are enough and you’ve already proven yourself worthy.”

  “That’s not for me to decide, though.” I rested my head against his chest. Devlin was so strong and I wish I could’ve gathered some of it to me. Each step made my muscles throb and the pain slowly began chipping away at my resolve. “I need to go before I chicken out. I love you. I won’t be long.”

  I cupped his jawline and offered him a smile. Grabbing my hand, Devlin kissed the back of it and winked. “Just remember to keep alert and when you get back, I’ll have another story for you.”

  “Deal.” I nodded slightly.

  Atropos stood by the door as I made my way toward the exit. I tried to ignore the way I hurt and plastered a brave expression on my face.

  “Are you sure you are ready?”

  Taking one last look at Devlin, I just hoped I was able to keep my promise to him. “As ready as I’ll ever be,” I responded and touched her arm. Transporting was becoming easier, but as the pressure squeezed my body. I disappeared with an agonized scream.

  “Son of a gun!” I cussed and dropped to the floor. There was no trying to put on a brave front as the courage I’d just shown Devlin shattered Appearing now before a large wooden door had robbed me of whatever energy I’d accumulated through my sleep. My insides shrieked for relief and I wiped away the tears that filled my eyes. This was already too much and I hadn’t even started.

  Heaven help me, please, I inwardly begged. Getting onto my knees, I leaned forward and rested my forehead on the ground, silently counting. I was hoping for a miracle because there was no way I was going to be able to stand.

  You can do this, sweetheart. Dig deep and you’ll find what you need to succeed. Goosebumps raced across my skin as I recognized the voice. It was the mystery man from my dreams and his words were like an elixir to my battered body.

  I don’t know if I can. I’m so tired. But even exhausted I was following his advice, searching deep within my heart for the courage to act.

  You can because you must. Sometimes you don’t have the option to do nothing. Just do it. There was a soft flush of warmth before the voice faded away—of peace, reassurance, and love.

  Just do it, I uttered. Just do it. Raising myself to my feet, I swayed back and forth from the dizziness, but I held firm to my new mantra. Finally steady, I looked at Atropos. “I’m ready.”

  She studied me for what seemed like the longest time before gesturing to the large wooden frame. “Your next test lies on the other side. To begin, all you must do is open the door and walk through.”

  “Any clue about what I’ll find?” I didn’t expect her to answer me, but the question slipped out before I could stop it.

  “No, but I will say this. You have shown remarkable faith and character to make it this far. Many have gone before you and shrunk away from the tasks. It has broken down stronger, more determined people than you, yet here you are. It would be understandable if you had doubts and wanted to end your trial.” Atropos tilted her head to the side, her hands hanging loosely beside her. “No one would think any less of you.”

  “But I would.” I took a step closer to the door and laid my palms against the smooth wooden surface. “As long as I can still stand and breathe, I’ll keep trying.” Offering a silent prayer for strength, I pushed against the door with everything I had. It refused to budge.

  Please. My conviction faltered again, and I struggled to hold onto the last threads of my hope. Please help me through this. I don’t want to fail, not after everything I’ve been through. I took in a deep breath and tried again, this time using my shoulder for leverage.

  “Good luck, Darcy,” Atropos called as I began moving. I didn’t respond, using all my senses to focus on the task. I wanted to weep when the door began to creak open, slowly at first, and I increased my efforts. When it was sufficiently wide enough, I gripped onto the doorjamb to stop myself from toppling over.

  I couldn’t see into the room. Darkness, similar to what I’d faced earlier, filled the space. A flash of fear pulsed through me, causing a tremble, but I shut it down instantly. My first step was jerky but it was promptly followed by a second, third, and fourth. I needed to see this through. I needed this to be over.

  The door banged shut behind me, completely trapping me in the dark. I readied myself for whatever came next.

  “Darcy Matthews,” a loud voice echoed. “Welcome to the end.”

  There was a blinding white flash and then everything lit up.

  I was back where it had all started, standing before the reclining Fates in the white room filled with beautiful greenery. Gone was all the darkness. I looked around, confused, unsure over what was happening.

  “Is this the test?” I asked.

  “You completed the fourth and final challenge. Your willingness to face the unknown, despite everything, proved once and for all the kind of person you are. It revealed the trueness of your heart. Agreeing to walk through those doors was the ultimate test and sacrifice. Many fail their personal trials because they couldn’t banish their fear. When we give them the option of quitting, they seize it with both hands and willingly forfeit their heart’s desires. Very few do what you’ve just done.”

  “So, it’s really over? Devlin and I can go home?” It seemed too good to be true, but as Devlin appeared by my side with a wide smile on his face, I knew the Moirai weren’t deceiving me.

  “You are free to go with our blessing and official mandate.” Klothos stood and approached me with a graceful step. “You have impressed us, Darcy Matthews, something that very rarely happens.”

  “She’ll receive her memories
and her wolf back now, right?” Devlin asked, grabbing my hand and squeezing it. “She’ll finally understand why she went through all this.”

  “Yes, Enforcer. Your friend and charge will be fully restored. In fact,” Lakhesis rose from the beautiful chaise lounge and stopped at her sister’s side. “I am curious about something. You have fulfilled everything we’ve asked of you, not once pressing for us to reveal the truth. Surely you have wondered what would be so important that you’d risk your life?”

  I cast a sidelong glance at Devlin and nodded. “I have . . . more times than I can count. And every time it came back to one single thing.”

  “And what is that?” Atropos asked. I hadn’t seen her move, but she completed the small group in front of me. “What could be so significant?”

  “Love.” It was just one word, but it meant the world. Pride shone from Devlin’s eyes when I looked at him and grinned. “Not just any love, but true love; the kind where you’re willing to walk through the refiner’s fire over and over again for, the kind that keeps you going, even though every part of you screams to give up.”

  “You are wise, young one.” Klothos bowed slightly. “And you are worthy of your mate.”

  “Mate?” I quizzed. Even though I didn’t understand, there was a rightness to the word.

  Klothos rested her index finger in the center of my forehead, looking into my eyes. “We return to you your wolf.” There was a wave of warmth through flowed through my body, and then suddenly I could sense her. Tears instantly flowed as pure joy filled me. Being cut off from her had felt so unnatural, torturous, and I never wanted to experience it again.

  “Remember,” she then commanded and a jolt of energy pierced my mind, flooding it with a tsunami of images. Scene after scene unfolded, filling me with a sense of wonder as my memories returned. My parents, the blind date, moving in with a new pack, the recent Council trials with Avery and Amber, the death of Jasmine, and . . .