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.

confessed 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 to use Kiara, either because her particular magic abilities align better with their goal, because as a child she is

out loud now. I sigh heavily.

• one

for or gives us any idea where to find them. I do think you’re wrong about one thing though. I think whoever it is has something against me personally.” I admit.

say that?” he asks, his voice dark.

Other than Kiara’s parents who were killed to get to her,

I point out. Bellamy shoves

too. Maybe you were meant to be a victim but they couldn’t get to you.” Bellamy’s

the

Can we ask Alex to

a much better job. He really is a wonder on the computer

you don’t need my permission to ask the Shifters to get things done.” Bellamy reminds me.

I don’t want him overworking himself or falling behind on work you’ve given

2/4

Research and

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

in that case, I’ll text

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

for a second.

I ask nervously. He returns to his seat beside me.

He sits and waits patiently for me to spit it

email, me trying to help some of the Shifters who aren’t comfortable talking

speculatively.

depends, is it something that YOU want?” He turns the question back at

eyes.

first. I want to know how you feel about it.” I insist.

appreciate it if you were able to take on the job and yes I think you would do a great job of it. But I don’t want you doing it just because of what I think.” He answers