Strings of Fate

Strings of Fate

196- Rescue and retreat

Darrien is the closest to her and he sees her at the same time I do. He takes a step towards her and she whimpers in fear. He freezes and backs away slowly, trying not to startle her. I gesture for everyone else to stay back and take a few steps closer. I stop a good metre away from the little table and then slowly lower myself to the floor. Kneeling down so that I can see her properly. Kiara is covered in soot and I can see little trails of tears smudging around on her face. She is still crying and whimpering. I am careful to keep my voice gentle and calm.

“Kiara?” I call her name. She doesn’t answer or look up, but her whimpering quiets a little and I can see her tensing up like she’s listening carefully.

“Kiara sweetheart. You’re safe now. You can come out. We can get some something to eat, you can have a nice bath and some clean clothes. How does that sound?” I try to sound soothing. Her crying stops and she looks up at me with wide, teary, red–rimmed eyes. She doesn’t speak, but she does meet my eyes. I keep going.

“You know what else sounds really nice? A warm blanket and a hot chocolate. I bet we can find some of those little. marshmallows somewhere too. Do you like hot chocolates?” I prompt, Kiara gives a tiny nod, so small that I can barely

see it.

“Me too. I don’t know if you remember my name, but I’m Ryann. I’ve been looking everywhere for you. We’re friends, remember?” I tell her gently. She gives another nod, stronger this time. I hold out a hand to her.

“Would you like to get out of here sweetheart? You can come home with me and we can get you cleaned up. We have

this

super nice bathtub, I bet you’ll love it.” She doesn’t move right away and I stay still, holding my hand out to her. I don’t want to rush her. She’s been through a lot. She’s had no control over her life for weeks now, I won’t force her to move. I can stay here all night if I need to. Luckily, that doesn’t seem to be necessary. She slowly inches out of her hiding place. She hesitate

hers–But she sways and her knees buckle a little. I don’t know if it’s due to her physical condition being so poor from her captivity or because she’s scared and in shock. She tumbles towards me and I hold her securely. She releases my hand only to wrap her arms tight around my waist while she hides her face against my stomach. Despite the recent

and presses her face into me.

“Shh, it’s o

to her.

help me find you.” I explain. I lean

be enough to convince her to turn her head just enough to peek out at him

little girl. It is really smokey in here still. You don’t have to go anywhere you don’t want to go, but would

who came with me to rescue you. They are all good friends and you are safe, but if you want I

1/2

and retreat

to carry you for a bit? I promise I will be here the whole time. You can even hold my hand.” 1 offer. Kiara looks very hesitant and I can see fear in her eyes. She bites her lip and stares at the floor for a second before nodding again. Bellamy checks that the towel on his waist is secure, then slowly steps

my waist.

under your knees to pick you up, okay? You

you down.” He

tells has

he slowly moves to pick her

Kiara safe in Bellamy’s arms, we turn to the door. Darrien and Megan are hovering near the doorway. I can

but she is restraining

our friend Darrien. They’ve been helping us look for you. Kiara squeezes my hand tightly and tucks her chin into her chest, avoiding their eyes. I use my free hand to