I looked at the three women and then at Devlin. Worry was etched across his face and he raked his fingers through his black hair. I wanted to go to him but a voice stopped me before I could move.
“Can someone explain to me what’s going on?” The voice belonged to the man with piercing blue eyes. I was standing so close to him—intimate even, and I protectively took a large step back, wrapping my arms around my waist.
One of the young women touched the stranger, silencing any further questions. “If you’ll come with me, you’ll receive your answers.”
Without a second glance back, I watched him leave through one of the doors. I was curious for a moment, wondering why he’d been here with us, but the thought was fleeting. I dismissed him from my mind and hurried over to Devlin.
“I agree with whoever that was. What are we doing here, Devlin?” I gave him a cautious hug as I looked at the remaining two women. “In fact, where is here?” I peered around some more, everything was so unfamiliar.
“Welcome, young Darcy.” The closest female bowed slightly with her greeting and something niggled inside. The cadence of her voice teased at my mind but I still drew a blank. Slipping my hand into Devlin’s for reassurance, I gave a wary nod in return.
“I know this is strange, but you need to trust me, okay?” Devlin dropped my hand and gently gripped my shoulders, turning me so he could look into my eyes. “Something happened and you were brought before the Fates.”
“What happened? Did I do something wrong?” I asked, confused. My gaze darted back to the women as they stood quietly, apparently willing for my friend to explain the situation. A somber air filled the room and I scrunched my brow trying to understand.
“You didn’t do anything wrong,” Devlin responded fiercely, and I didn’t miss the angry scowl he cast at the two strangers. “There was a misunderstanding and you’re here to resolve it.” He brushed his thumb tenderly over my forehead, smoothing away my frown.
“And why don’t I remember any of this?” I studied his features, hoping to glean some answers. I’d known Devlin for a long time, long enough to recognize he was struggling with something. He tried responding several times, each time starting only to stop after a few words.
“Everything you’ve experienced the past year or so has been removed from your memory.” I opened my mouth to ask more questions, but was silenced when he gently placed his fingers over my lips. “You agreed to take part in a series of tests. One of the conditions was doing it without your memories’ and even though I didn’t like it, you were adamant about completing the tests.” He released a long, exasperated groan. “I can’t tell you everything, Darcy. I wish I could, but the conditions for me to accompany you were that I can’t disclose anything.”
My head hurt trying to figure everything out. “I agreed to have my memories taken?”
“You did. It was the only way to remove any doubt about the situation.” Devlin cupped the side of my face. “I hate being cryptic, but trust me. You wanted this. You were determined.”
I nodded, grateful for the security I felt at his touch. I may have felt like I was going to explode from all the questions stirring in my mind, but Devlin had never led me astray. Placing my hand over his, I squeezed his fingers and sighed.
“I don’t like this . . . the not knowing.”
“I don’t like anything about this situation, but I support you, Darcy. I always have and always will. You felt strongly that this was something you needed to do. I’m here to make sure you succeed and don’t get hurt.”
“Thank you,” I whispered. “What would I do without you?” I wrapped my arms around his waist, resting my head against his solid chest. This was one of the things I loved most about Devlin—his friendship was an incredible blessing. I knew I could rely on him no matter what.
“We’ll get through this, I promise,” he answered, kissing the top of my head.
“Are you ready to proceed?” The soft voice drew my attention away from Devlin and back to the matter at hand. “Let me reintroduce myself . . . my name is Klothos and this is Lakhesis. The other, who just left, is Atropos and she’ll be rejoining us later.”
“Is there nothing you can tell me?” I asked, looking between the two women. They were so strikingly beautiful— it was hard not to stare.
“What your friend has told you is true. You have agreed to the Heart or Death, tests specifically designed to measure the worth of the participant. Many have entered through these doors, but few leave victorious. We made a deal and you allowed us to wipe away any recollections that may hinder the integrity of the tests. The only step left to take is through these doors. Once you do, the only way the proceedings will stop is if you forfeit or if you die,” Klothos answered.
“And I agreed to all these conditions?” A quick sidelong glance to Devlin confirmed it again. He nodded and I stood a little straighter. “I must be fighting for something extremely important,” I muttered under my breath, the words over the doorway catching my eye.
“Only in your heart will you find the answer to that,” Lakhesis softly replied.
“Do we really need to keep her completely in the dark?” Devlin retorted. “Will it hurt if she knows why she has to complete your tasks?” He looked at the two Fates, the heartfelt plea in his voice evident.
“Silence!” Lakhesis thundered. “It is not for you to question, Enforcer.”
“It’s okay, really.” I raised my hand to calm the moment. Catching Devlin’s gaze, I tried to convey there would be plenty of time for him to tell me. I didn’t know the conditions to which he’d agreed, but maybe it wasn’t so airtight.
“There is no loophole. In fact, maybe you need a demonstration of what will happen should he try to tell you.” Lakhesis pointed at Devlin and in the blink of an eye he crumpled to the floor, beads of sweat already forming on his face as he writhed in agony.
“Enough!” I shouted, falling beside his contorting body. “Stop whatever you’re doing. He won’t tell me and I won’t ask him. Just stop!” Tears escaped my eyes, my fingers resting lightly on Devlin’s forearm. The pain immediately ceased, leaving a faint tremor behind.
I’d never seen anything affect Devlin that way before and it terrified me. It took a lot of power to cripple a vampire, and he was one of the strongest I knew. The fact that he was incapacitated so quickly was a warning that it would be unwise for me to underestimate the Moirai. They held all the cards right now and we were playing their game. It was one I desperately wanted to win, if for no other reason than I wanted Devlin and I gone from here.
“Are you okay?” I asked, giving him enough room to sit up as he reassured me he was. It didn’t take him long to regain his composure and, when he finally stood, it was as if nothing had happened. I wasn’t so quick.
“You won’t have any need to do that again.” Devlin’s voice was strong and unwavering. “Once I make an oath, I keep it. You know this.” His face had hardened into a steely façade, an expression I’d seen him wear many times as an enforcer.
The word oath resounded in my mind. There would be no way I’d ask him break such a powerful declaration, no way I’d want him to dishonor his vow. If I hadn’t already realized the serious nature of the moment, learning he’d made such a pact drove it home. I may not have all the necessary details, but I also knew that I wouldn’t get them. There was no going back, only forward.
“I’m ready to begin these tests.” I swallowed thickly and moved to stand in front of the doorway. Uncertainty lay on the other side, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that answers to my questions did as well. “Thank you for letting Devlin accompany me.” He’d also approached to walk through the oversized doorway.
“Good luck, young Darcy. May the gods shine down on you and give you the strength to endure.” Both Lakhesis and Klothos gestured for me to take that first step.
I gulped nervously, my hand resting on the wooden surface briefly, before pressing my weight on it. It slid open effortlessly, the bottom of the door scraping softly on the paved ground until it was wide enough to pass through. Armed with only my convictions and Devlin, I crossed the darkened threshold.
I had no idea what was in store for me.
