Strings of Fate

192–Numb and nervous

The drive back to my old home is quiet. We’re all kind of anxious. Bellamy, Darrien, Megan and I all ride together. Apparently some of the others are going to meet us there. No one even bothered arguing that Megan or I shouldn’t come this time. I have to use the spell and Megan used the same argument as last time. I think with all the security coming with us, with the team is probably the safest place either of us could possibly be. We pull up to park and unsurprisingly, there is a large group of Shifters all sitting around while Maggie moves between them all offering what looks like cake and cookies. It seems she has already distributed cups of tea to everyone as well. I hop out of the car and she beams at me.

“Ryann! It’s lovely to see you. I hear you’re going on a bit of a magical scavenger hunt looking for that missing girl. I’m sure you’ll do well, but there’s no harm in making sure that everyone is well fed before you go.” She cheerfully offering me the plate. I take a cookie and ugh wow have I missed these. This might be the biggest downside in moving, more distance between myself and Maggie’s amazing baking. While she gives everyone snacks I look around to see who else is here. Shaun and Aaron of course, a few other male Shifters that I have seen around but don’t know by name. I’ll have to learn them. I’m happy to see that Rio is here. She waves at me enthusiastically, although I’m saved from talking because her mouth is stuffed full of cake. I like Rio, but I’m not sure I’m prepared for a long conversation right now. I have to focus on Kiara. Shaun wanders over to us.

“Good morning Alpha Kane, Miss Gale. You know, that Maggie really is a miracle worker. This cake is amazing. We’re all free to assist you for as long as it takes today. It’s time that we find that little girl. I hope you don’t mind that Rio. tagged along. She volunteered to help when she heard that Miss Gale was coming. Apparently she is quite fond of you.” He grins at me and I can’t help but smile back. I’m glad that she likes me.

“Of course, more help can’t hurt.” I respond and Bellamy nods his approval. Aaron catches my eyes and gives me a short nod as a greeting. As quiet as ever.

Like a game of hotter and colder from what Cam told me. We answer a few questions about how we want everyone to split up, (Even between the cars) Are we expecting multiple people wherever Kiara is being held? (Probably not but we can’t be totally sure.) Should we be prepared to be attacked magically? (Yes probably) and other than Kiara, do we know who we are looking for? (Nope, only that it’s a woman.) Maggie also volunteers to operate as a sort of home base for everyone and promises to keep food and drinks handy for anyone who needs to pause for a break. With all the questions out of the way, I grab the tracking spell from where I’ve stashed it in the car, wrapped up in a towel just in case. I don’t want to risk breaking it, although I might not have to worry, I know Cam spells a lot of her glassware to be unbreakable. Still, I’m not willing to take that chance. In the daylight, the purple potion is actually almost pink. It swirls around in the bottle and sort of looks like it’s glittering, but that could just be that the glass bottle is really shiny. I take a deep

hand. It’s so quiet in our circle that I suspect I am not the only person holding my breath. The spell looks pink on my hand and it is a much thicker consistency than I thought. More like custard than water. I was almost right about it glittering, but it’s not glitter, it’s more like tiny sparks. I pour the entire bottle over my hand, strangely none of it ends up on the floor, even though there is far more in the bottle than I should be able to reasonably hold in my single

1/2

and

But does that mean it hasn’t worked or not? I experimentally close my fist and when I reopen it, my hand is empty. Uhm what? Shouldn’t I be able to tell if this is working or not? I’m about half a second from bursting into tears when I feel something. My hand feels… sort of numb? I turn around and at first nothing changes, but in the general northern direction, I feel a sort of prickling feeling in my

think it’s worked? It’s really weird. But I’m fairly sure we need to go that way.” I

more flashy. I was expecting flashing lights or a puff of smoke or something.” She observes. I shrug