Strings of Fate

Strings of Fate

165- Research and reason

Once Collin hangs up I sit there for a while in a stunned silence until Bellamy decides it’s enough. He spins my chair to face him and moves in close to me.

“What are you thinking? Talk to me.” He demands.

“I’m not even sure. It’s a lot all at once. I don’t think I’m ready to process the information about me just yet. Can we focus on Kiara?” I ask mildly. Bellamy looks me over closely for a

minute, examining my face, probably looking for any sign that I’m not coping. When he decides that I’m alright, he gives a single nod.

“Okay. Well in that case. What have we learned about Kiara and how can we use it?” Bellamy

directs the conversation. I’m grateful for the prompting because my mind is still reeling and I

need the help to focus.

“Well, we know at least part of what her magic does. We know that it is connected to mine,

sort of, and we learned that IF my magic is due to this Ananke person, goddess, thing, then

my visions of her are likely because she is misusing her abilities and going against fate. But

that ‘s probably not intentional.” I try and reason things out but it’s definitely awkward. I’m more thinking aloud than anything else.

“If the person or people who took Kiara are intentionally trying to mess with fate, then that would also explain why they’re trying to harm you as well. I do wonder why someone would

be so angry with fate.” Bellamy muses. His tone gets grumpy when he brings up the threats against me.

“They have something against fate, or something against me. Or both. I can’t imagine that a nine year old did anything to make someone homicidal. Then again, I don’t know that I’ve done anything either. And who hates Fate that much? It’s not like it’s personal. Fate screws everyone over occasionally. This is kind of an extreme reaction.” I point out. Bellamy nods.

“Hmm, yes it does seem a little overboard. I’m inclined to think that the psycho isn’t aiming to bother fate but rather is aiming for someone else and is using fate, or their knowledge of fate to do it. Or it could just be a coincidence and the effect on fate is because they happen to be using Kiara who is one of literally four people that we know of who can actually affect fate that way.”

1/4

DU ULIC

LL

—–

Bellamy shrugs.

to knowing one of the victims personally and you didn’t know any of them. Maybe, like Kiara, they were hoping to use you to hurt someone or to get to one of the others, then they changed their tune and decided

now.

• one

to find them. I do think you’re wrong about one

you say that?” he asks, his voice dark.

were killed to get to

women about my age.” I point out. Bellamy shoves his chair back, gets

it’s possible that the killer just has a type and you fit it too. Maybe you were meant to be a victim but they couldn’t get to you.” Bellamy’s logic isn’t

the

possible. Can… Can we ask Alex to maybe try to research Ananke? I

do a much better

whenever. I’ve told you before, you don’t need my

don’t know, what if he was too busy or you had already asked him to do something. He’s too nice to say no if I asked him a favour, I don’t want him overworking himself or falling behind on work you’ve given him because I’m oblivious to what tasks he usually does.” I explain. This time it’s Bellamy’s turn to

2/4

and

As long as you make it clear that you legitimately want to know, he should tell you.

case, I’ll

message but I feel a little bad. I’m taking advantage of the fact that the Shifters all seem to be willing to do things for me, but I’m reluctant to offer them my help. Previously I could convince myself it was fine, it’s not like they were ASKING for my help. Except that’s really not true anymore. Based on Shelly’s email, they do want my help. My eyes are drawn to the screen of Bellamy’s computer which is still open to the email program now that the video call is over. I can see Shelly’s message just sitting there in the inbox, waiting for

for a

He returns

He sits and waits patiently for me to

aren’t comfortable talking to you. Is that something you

speculatively.

want?” He turns the

eyes.

entirely unhelpful. I asked you first. I want to know how you

to take on the job and yes I think you would do a great job of it. But I don’t want you