The Fates were silent as I finished my account. Even now, remembering the dream left me feeling warm inside and I had no doubt Mason was still the man for me. He had proven to be more than I’d ever hoped for—passionate, protective, and our love left me completely dazzled at times. Regardless of what happened here, there was no one else I wanted. The Moirai could display a million men, each with their own assets and strengths, and I’d still choose Mason every time, without hesitation.
“Step forward, Mason O’Connor.” The air rippled with anticipation when Lakhesis finally spoke. Her expression revealed nothing. She gestured for me to return to my seat and I couldn’t resist touching him as he brushed past me. He winked, the muscles around his mouth lifting into a soft smile, before standing in the spot where I’d just stood. Sitting on the edge of my chair, I leaned forward, waiting. I never got tired looking at this man.
“You also shared this dream. Tell us how you remember it,” Atropos ordered. Resting on her elbow, her long legs were stretched out on the elegant chaise, the folds of her dress keeping the smooth whiteness of her skin hidden. It was hard to judge what she was thinking, her facial features void of emotion. Watching her idly roll two stray grapes around on the platter, she appeared bored, but it was a theory I wasn’t willing to test. I’d already seen how quickly their tempers flared and I wanted this peacefully resolved.
Mason licked his lips, taking a few moments to gather his thoughts. We’d talked a lot about the dream, interested in what the other had experienced and felt at the time. He’d experienced things a little differently, but the result had still been the same—he’d seen me and known.
“I was working in my office late one night and fallen asleep at my desk. Things were running smoothly for the Pack, but as the Alpha, I was feeling pressured to find a mate. A pack’s strength comes from many things—a dedicated leader who is willing to put aside ego and do what’s best for each person he governs, loyalty from each member, and an unfailing commitment to protect at all costs. The Mystic Wolves were flourishing, but I couldn’t deny that having a mate would bring something more to the pack . . . to me. It didn’t matter how many eligible females I met or how many anxious mothers paraded their daughters before me, there was no connection. No spark. No instant flare inside that reinforced that I’d met my equal. When I became aware of the young woman in my dream,” Mason paused and nodded in acknowledgement of Klothos, “I wondered if it was a result of those occupying thoughts. I was standing in a small circle of light with this mysterious stranger, surrounded by darkness and her knowing smile intrigued me.
“She asked if I truly yearned for a mate, if I was ready to see what my heart desired. I nodded and suddenly a window appeared before me. I turned around to question the woman but she’d vanished and I was alone.
“It’s not unusual for me to have cryptic dreams. Carrying the Alpha mantle is a heavy responsibility and many times I’ll receive inspiration or a needed perspective while I am asleep. I didn’t move to rouse myself; I wanted the vision to unfold naturally. What I didn’t expect was the intensity. The force almost drove me to my knees when I first caught sight of Darcy.
“It was her, the one. I knew immediately. It felt like the world tilted on its axis, and began spinning in a whole new orbit. Something gripped my soul and I knew . . . I knew that all I would ever want was her. No one else could ever compete. No one else would ever be enough. I didn’t know her name yet, but one thing I was sure of—I’d move heaven and earth to find her and make her mine.
‘My wolf instantly responded. He recognized her for what she was . . . our mate. Not a day has gone by that I haven’t believed that.” Mason paused, taking the time to look at each of the Fates. Conviction blazed from him, from the way he held his head high to the deep resonance that echoed in his voice. “This changes nothing for me. No matter what ruling you pass today; Darcy is mine and I refuse to live my life without her.” His powerful declaration caused my breath to catch as a few tears rolled down my cheek. It didn’t matter how many times he told me he loved me or what he saw when he looked at me, hearing Mason speak how he felt always humbled me. I never believed that I would have such a fairytale romance—my own where love conquered all. It still stunned me when I realized that I was really living it.
“While we appreciate your conviction, young Alpha, our verdict will determine your futures. You may try to discredit the importance of destiny, but this is the way it has been done from the beginning of time. No one can overrule a Fate sanctioned mating. No matter what someone may think or be deceived into believing, the love between two well-matched people forges an unbreakable bond. Soul mates, if you will. For centuries, it has been a union that has been highly sought after and valued. Couples who have found their true other half find a quality of joy and passion that makes all other affection pale in comparison. Are you saying this doesn’t matter to you?” Atropos asked.
“Nothing matters to me but Darcy. She’s my mate. I know it, here.” Mason thumped his fist over his chest. “And frankly, I refuse to be punished for something you did. You interfered, not Darcy and me. The dream came from you. Make this right.”
His last words resonated in the room before fading away into silence. No one spoke and I closed my eyes, begging for common sense to rule. We weren’t at fault. Our destinies should remain unaltered.
“It is more complicated than simply making it right, as you say. Doubt has been placed. Already your mating has been challenged and unless everything is returned to the state it was in prior to the dream, more challenges will come forward. Amber Bracken won’t be the last female werewolf who feels her destiny is tied to yours.” Lakhesis peered at me. “How will you answer male wolves when they challenge Mason for their right to claim you? The balance has been upset. A simple declaration will not suffice.”
My mind reeled as bewilderment struck me. This was becoming more and more like a twisted nightmare and I was desperate to wake up. I wanted to scream that it was just a dream. I wanted to rant about how unfair this was. I wanted to join my wolf, howling inside over the injustice but I didn’t. I knew tantrums weren’t the answer. I just didn’t know what was.
Standing, I joined Mason. “Then please, tell us. What will suffice? I won’t pretend to agree and I definitely don’t understand, but I want this resolved. Mason is mine and I want no doubt.” I slipped my hand into his and gently squeezed.
“It won’t be easy,” Atropos said, the shadow of a frown marring her perfect features. Even though I barely caught a glimpse of the expression, its appearance caused me to worry.
“Nothing worth it ever is,” I responded quickly.
“It will bind your fates tightly together, never to be pulled asunder again,” Atropos added. “That is if you both survive the Heart or Death.”
Both Mason and Devlin exploded into action—Mason dropping my hand as he stepped forward in protest. “I won’t allow it!”
“Surely this isn’t your answer!” Devlin gasped, leaving his chair. “You’re all insane if you think this resolves it!”
I looked between them both, confused. “If doing it fixes this, why wouldn’t we do it?” I had no idea what they were upset about and judging from Devlin’s shocked features, I was missing some vital information. I glanced at Mason, his face red with anger. “Mason, I needed to understand.”
Klothos answered before he could, chanting in ancient Greek. Hearing the unfamiliar words, Mason’s face drained of color and Devlin closed his eyes, swearing softly under his breath. Their reaction told me all I needed to know. This was bad.
“What does that mean?” I asked. There was no ignoring the way the air seemed to thicken and press against me. Looking about our small group, I’d never seen such seriousness, the tension almost oppressive.
“Heart or Death,” Devlin answered, stepping beside me. “An ancient, archaic set of trials meant to test the very soul of a person. Each one is specific to the one being tried—each one geared to strip them down to their most fundamental beliefs and desires. Named such, because it forces a choice between following the heart or submitting to death. It is the truest type of refiner’s fire.”
“This is not the answer. I refuse to allow this!” Mason fumed through clenched teeth. “Your ruling is too severe. We are innocent of all wrongdoing. Find another way.”
“There are many who declare themselves strong enough to face such challenges, but very few last long enough to emerge victorious. It has been centuries since someone has attempted participation and survived. It is not something to be taken lightly,” Lakhesis continued as though Mason hadn’t spoken. “Despite that, it is the only way to truly prove your mating bond was destiny. It will remove all doubt.”
“A doubt you placed through your involvement,” Mason’s voice came out low, like a deadly whisper as his eyes widened. “Are you so without honor that you would allow this?” His head whipped around to face his friend and ally. “Devlin, do you know of any other way?”
He stood still, grim, the years of his enforcing justice among the supernatural community showing in his straightened stance. His brow furrowed as he struggled to find the solution he desperately wanted. Devlin had lived the longest, seen the most, and studied the most. When he shook his head, something inside me crumpled.
“I wish there was. The Moirai have final judgment. If they say it is between this or bond uncertainty, there is nothing left to do but choose. No amount of argument from us will change it.”
“Then rule only I take the tests,” Mason faced Lakhesis, staring at her boldly. “Let me face your trials for both Darcy and I. Only then will I agree.”
“No, Darcy must also pass through the refiner’s fire,” Klothos interjected, her tone forceful.
“Then Fate be damned. I can live with the uncertainty of others. I know in my heart what truly matters.” Mason grabbed my hand and pulled me to him, wrapping his arms around me.
“But, do you truly understand what you’re saying? Are you willing to put Darcy and your Pack through more attempts like Amber’s? Are you willing to fight a challenge with every suitor that comes along?”
“Yes. If that’s what is needed, then I will beat them all!” Mason’s body stiffened with determination and I could only imagine what his wolf was experiencing below the surface. Male werewolves were dominant and extremely territorial. I had no doubt Mason would fight to the death, as many times as he needed to, in order to keep me by his side.
“I am sure you would, young Alpha. But are you willing to have Darcy do that as well? Will you be able to watch her fight to the death? Is your pride worth the risk? Are you willing to test fate?”
“We’ve done nothing wrong!” Mason answered angrily.
“Yet these are the cards being dealt. This is our verdict. This is our official judgment. Make your choice: the trials or a lifetime of never having true peace within your union.”
“Mason, we’ll be okay. We’ll survive.” I placed my hand on his chest, attempting to calm his racing heart.
“But it could also cost you your lives.” Atropos’ words were unwelcomed. I turned around to glare at her. She stood so calm, her body relaxed with her hands clasped in front of her. The peaceful demeanor she presented was a complete contradiction to the battle that warred inside me.
Cost you your lives.
Cost you your lives.
Cost you your lives.
I didn’t want to die. I wanted no part in the madness that was unfolding. I didn’t want to participate in some barbaric law that made innocent victims risk their lives just so they could spend forever, together.
I didn’t want to think about all the different possibilities, someone stealing Mason away from me because a Fate couldn’t follow protocol, or enduring unimaginable things only to lose him anyway. My mind couldn’t quite wrap itself around everything and I longed to rewind time and go back to when things were simpler. I didn’t want this complication. I just wanted Mason.
I wanted to go home and continue preparing for our wedding. I wanted to wake up each morning knowing I was surrounded by the people I cared about, and retire to bed each night, wrapped in the arms of the man I loved. I wanted babies. I wanted a peaceful future. I wanted him.
“I’ll do it,” I said, rock solid in my decision. It didn’t matter about my doubts or fears. My love for Mason was absolute.
“Darcy, no!” Mason yelled.
“Once you submit, you are bound to commence.” Klothos ignored Mason’s outburst and stretched forth her arm in invitation.
“Wait, Darcy.” Devlin’s shoulders slumped when I placed my hand in Klothos.
“I agree.”
“So it must be.” The Moirai whispered and for the second time that day, everything went dark.
