The slender female from my dream shifted in her chair, putting down the jewel encrusted goblet she’d been drinking from on the table beside her. There was a remorseful quality to her manner, the downward tilt of her mouth and soft sigh as she readied herself, smoothing out the creases in her gown. All eyes were focused on her.
I was especially eager to find out why she’d interfered. The dream Mason and I shared was one of my most prized recollections, something I felt strengthened the already powerful connection between us. It was the stuff of fairytales and romance—soul mates brought together, two people in the entire world destined to meet and fall in love. I would tease Mason about how he was just like someone out of my cherished books and that maybe, one day, someone would write our love story. Now it looked like a farce and I was angry. I felt robbed and cheated out of something special.
Mason’s hand touched my elbow, and I noticed three embroidered chairs had appeared behind us. They weren’t as comfortable as those used by the Moirai, but as I sank into the middle seat, I was grateful for the cushioning. Devlin and Mason sat on either side—Devlin with his long legs crossed at the ankles before him and Mason’s brushing against mine. His knee bounced slightly and the constant contact reminded me that as long as we were together, we could face anything. His arm rested along the top rail of my chair and I leaned back.
Whatever happens here, it changes nothing, I whispered to Mason in my mind.
He caressed my neck lightly, trailing his fingers along to my shoulder where he squeezed supportively.
I know. No matter what, you’re mine.
Devlin’s hand reached over and gripped mine. Giving him a smile, I was grateful the Fates had also brought him here with me. Surrounded by those who both loved and supported me, I knew I could survive anything.
Someone cleared their throat, forcing my attention to the front again. Klothos was standing to the side now and appeared prepared to give her account. Glancing at her sisters for approval and receiving a brusque nod from Lakhesis, she began.
“I appeared in both Darcy Matthews and Mason O’Connor’s dreams, orchestrating the same vision so that when they met, they’d instantly recognize each other.”
“Why would you do such a thing? Atropos asked. “You know it is forbidden to meddle in such affairs. The very integrity of the universe we’ve been charged to protect has now been called into question.” She continued, clearly disappointed. “Such matters are strictly bound in protocol and for centuries we have been above reproach in our duties. You bring great shame upon us.”
“That was never my intention. The destined meeting was the following day. The foreordained blind date had been accepted; and in the morning, they were to be brought together. While I cannot reveal all details, my involvement was necessary. I felt it strongly and acted accordingly.”
“It is not your role as Moirai to feel, Klothos. Yours is to watch over mankind and make sure everything runs as it should. You herald in each birth and make sure every string remains unhindered and untangled until it is time to cut, sending the person onto either their eternal reward or damnation. It’s what has been done since the beginning of time and will continue until the gods declare it is over,” Lakhesis answered, reproach blazing in her tone. She shook her head at Klothos, gesturing toward us. “There was no intervention required. No need for magical involvement. Everything was as it was meant to be.”
“And what do you mean by you cannot reveal all details? You do not work alone. We work together, all decisions made as a unit. If you deemed an intervention imperative, you should’ve brought it to us for discussion,” Atropos added. “None of us acts alone on a whim or fancy.”
“I assure you, sisters, it was no spontaneous judgment on my part. And even now, I’m not at liberty to divulge the source of my resolve. Just know that I knew, without any doubt, I needed to step in. That is all I can say. I am truly sorry.”
I studied Klothos and marveled at her bravery. Her involvement had definitely messed things up, but even I could respect that she didn’t cower under the disbelieving interrogation from her sisters. I didn’t understand why she seemed to hedge on disclosing everything, and gazing around the room, neither did anyone else. Judging from the pulsing power that had returned to the room, the obvious division between the Fates was a new issue.
“I demand you tell us,” Lakhesis thundered. “Reveal your reasoning. Explain why you broke protocol.”
I flinched over the forceful command and waited anxiously. There was clearly trouble brewing in paradise and I wished there was a way for Mason, Devlin, and me to escape. This new development, a Moirai acting solo, didn’t really have anything to do with us. My anger toward Klothos continued to diminish as I witnessed her take an unbendable stand against those she’d worked beside for centuries.
“I cannot tell you. Not yet. Not until the vision I had plays out to its fullest. I do not know why this burden has fallen solely on my shoulders, but bear it I must. Please don’t ask me this again,” Klothos beseeched. “Please.”
Atropos placed her hand on Lakhesis’ forearm, silencing whatever comment she was ready to utter. Something passed between the two and Lakhesis visibly relaxed—her features returning to one of peaceful contemplation.
“As you wish. We will afford you the time you need.” She bowed her head toward Klothos who smiled in return. “This still doesn’t resolve the concern, however, between Darcy, Mason, and their fated mating. For whatever reason, we were still involved in their meeting . . . something that shouldn’t have occurred. Judgment needs to be delivered on how to rectify it.”
“Why must we adjudicate, still? Have I not said there was a reason behind my involvement? I know you have limited information, but no damage occurred. Darcy is still Mason’s rightful mate, despite what the other female werewolf decrees. Plus, our word is law in this matter. Can we not just say it is so?” Klothos’ attention bounced between her two sisters as she begged for understanding.
“The law was broken and justice must be meted out. A simple declaration won’t return everything to its original status. Amends must be made—restitution exacted. There is no other way.”
I expected Klothos to request leniency, to assure her sisters that no punishment was necessary because we’d done nothing wrong. I waited for her to assume the responsibility for her involvement and take the verdict burden onto herself. She’d stated she acted honorably—now was the time for her to step forward and prove it. Disappointment crushed me when she continued standing quietly, tight lipped and straight faced. Despite everything she’d just spoken, the truth was still shadowed in secrecy. Klothos didn’t speak up in our defense.
“Are you suggesting Darcy and I must be penalized for something we neither instigated nor wanted?” Mason asked, leaning forward in his chair. His own power crackled in the air around us, the mantle he held as Alpha teasing my senses as his wolf stirred. He still kept his tone respectful, but there was no denying his frustration and disbelief.
“I agree with Mason’s question,” Devlin added. “While we respect your authority here and understand that this turn in events altered their destinies, it was not at their requests. This is something between the Fates—a matter you three must resolve and restore. I don’t see why Mason and Darcy must pay the price.”
Devlin and Mason obviously didn’t anger them because there was no repeat in theatrics from earlier and the three women continued to lounge on their chaises. Only Atropos revealed any reaction, when her eyebrows rose in surprise. Seconds later, her features smoothed and she reached over for a strawberry to chew on—thoughtfully.
“Have we not already determined these matters are for us, alone, to decide, Enforcer? Have we not already said that you don’t dictate what occurs here? We don’t need to help you understand. We don’t have to explain our musings or findings. You are at our mercy, our leniency and our generosity. If we decree this couple must make restitution to rectify the problem, then so shall it be. Remember your place . . . all of you.” Atropos glanced at us, momentarily holding eye contact to drive her point home.
My stomach sunk at her declaration. One thing I cherished most about Mason and the way he governed over the Pack and interacted with people in general, was his consistency in dealing fairly with everyone. He’d earned respect and loyalty from others, because his decisions and judgments were always sound—revealing his common sense along with the ability to see to the heart of things. I’d taken it for granted, expecting everyone to hold the same standards. It was obvious this wasn’t the case here. For a group who stated they didn’t act on whim and fancy, this situation reeked of it.
“I see your condemnation, young Darcy,” Atropos added. “I see in your eyes you don’t agree. I would even say you deem my words unfair. I’m not used to having my authority questioned, but I will have you know this is the way things have been. These are the laws that everything has been predicated upon and how we have reigned since the beginning of time. When rules are broken, someone must pay the price. To deviate from what has always been done would reduce us to chaos and that is something we cannot allow.”
“May I have permission to speak freely?” I asked, directing my request to Atropos. When she inclined her head in acceptance, I took courage. “It seems to me the rules are archaic. I’m sure that in the past your judgments have been appropriate, but clearly in this case something else must happen. Mason and I are not the offenders. We are not guilty of any crime other than we both shared the same dream. I appeal to your sense of honor and integrity . . . surely something else can be done.”
All three Moirai were quiet. Mason and Devlin sat beside me still and I could hear the sound of my heart thudding in my chest. Everything hinged on how they answered—damnation or redemption. Punishment or reprieve.
Lakhesis looked over at me and beckoned for me to approach. “Come Darcy. Share with us this dream you had the day before you met Mason. Maybe that can help us decide.”
Standing, I quickly glanced at Mason and Devlin, not sure where this could lead us. I didn’t know what was left to decide—Klothos’ admission made it apparent who was at fault. I closed my eyes and began digging through my mind for the cherished memory. As the familiarity came over me, I smiled.
This was something they couldn’t take away from me.
