Testing Fate (7 page)

“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.

Chapter Seven

We stood in the midst of an opulent suite.

“Is this part of it? To be pampered and live in the lap of luxury?” I whispered to Devlin, as I tentatively inspected our new surroundings. “Somehow this wasn’t what I was expecting.”

Everywhere I looked I found decadence and embellished finery. I’d always thought my childhood home was fancy, but standing amongst gold encrusted lamps and cushioned couches, we may as well have shopped at the Goodwill. Never one to focus on my appearance, I tugged at the bottom of my shirt, feeling painfully out of place and under-dressed.

“Me neither. I assumed we’d be staying in something more . . .” It was interesting watching Devlin’s reaction as he scoped out the room as well. His eyes were wide with surprise, his expression curious.

“Spartan?” I offered. “I got the distinct impression back there that this would be grueling. This—” I fingered the burgundy tasseled throw pillow, twirling it before gliding my hand over the chair. The material was soft like butter. “It doesn’t fit.” I glanced back at Devlin and smiled. “Not that I mind.”

He chuckled and came to stand by me. “I suppose not. It could be worse.” Brushing by me, he parted the heavy curtains, allowing light to spill into the room as he peeked through the window. It had taken a while for me to not cringe every time sunlight hit him, magical protection making it possible for him to withstand exposure. His role as enforcer and the vampire king’s most trusted confidante demanded it.

Creating a spot for me to join him, I released a low whistle of appreciation at the immaculately maintained gardens below us. “Wow, that’s impressive. Look how green and lush everything is.” I spied a thick grove of trees and craned my neck to see how expansive the forest was. “There’s even a place to run if needed. Good to know.”

“Do the accommodations meet your approval?”

Even though I’d felt the presence of someone else in the room, her voice still caused me to jump slightly. Stepping away from the view, the curtain swished back to its previous position and the room returned to its softly lit ambience.

“They do, thank you.” I stood still, not wanting to move.

“Not what you expected, is it?” Atropos smiled as she glided toward us, her feet gently padding over the thickly woven carpet. “Our hope is to help ease any discomfort the trials may bring.”

“When will I begin? I’m ready. I shouldn’t think I’d be here long enough to fully enjoy your generosity.” Platters of food caught my attention, piled with an assortment of meats, fruits, and cheeses. My mouth watered and was followed, a second later, by my rumbling stomach.

“Your stay will be for as long as it is needed. You will be summoned at the beginning of each ordeal and returned promptly to this suite once you complete it.”
If you complete it
was left unsaid but clearly understood.

I wanted to argue with her and insist that I get whatever they had planned over and done with as swiftly as possible, but her firm tone told me I had no say in what happened from here on out. They dictated the schedule. They determined all the conditions. It was my responsibility to ensure I was prepared.

“Do you know when I’ll be sent for then?” I prodded, hoping to get some kind of definitive answer. There was so much that remained in the dark and it didn’t sit well. I needed whatever information I could get. Something, anything to give me just the smallest sense of security. Being this blind was never a good thing.

“I do not. I suggest you rest and eat. I’ll leave you both and should need any further assistance, tug on this cord and someone will be here shortly.” She drew my attention to the long, thick tassel that hung beside the door. I imagined it alerted whatever servants worked here.

She left without speaking, plunging the room into silence again. I wandered over to the table and began sampling some of the food. My taste buds erupted as the flavors filled my mouth and I let out a satisfied groan. I was starved. I piled a variety onto an available plate and brought it over to sit on one of the couches. Devlin was busy examining the rooms that branched off the main living area and I watched as he cautiously opened doors, sticking his head briefly inside before continuing his inspection.

“I forgot to ask them about you. You know . . . what you need to eat.” I nibbled on a slice of cheese, enjoying the sharpness against my tongue. I followed it with a red, ripe strawberry still on its stalk. Juice squirted into my mouth and I licked a stray droplet from my lips.

“I’m sure they have everything covered. Regardless of how we were brought here, they wouldn’t overlook such a simple courtesy. When I get hungry, I’ll pull on the cord and find out.” Devlin rested his hand on the chair’s arm and strummed his fingers to an imaginary beat. “So how are you feeling?”

Finished with my small feast, I balanced the plate on my knee and let out a tired sigh. “I’m doing okay, considering. Just impatient to get this done and over with. I still can’t imagine what’s so important that all this secrecy is necessary.” Resting my head against my hand, I paused before faintly rubbing my forehead. “I’ll bet my parents are having a field day with this. Do they know I’m here?”

I was careful with what I asked Devlin and studied his facial expressions for any signs of pain. No matter how badly I wanted to understand everything, I wasn’t selfish enough to risk him like that. Apart from the flash of sorrow in his eyes, he looked the same as always.

“What’s the last thing you remember?” Instead of answering my question, Devlin asked one of his own. I watched him weigh each word carefully, measuring to see whether it would affect his oath.

“I remember going to bed, annoyed at my mother. She’d called to tell me she’d set me up for a blind date and there was no reasoning with her. Talk about stubborn! That woman is relentless.” I shook my head, exasperated. “I swear, if she doesn’t have me married off by the end of the year, I’m scared she’s going to resort to something drastic. She sees it as some kind of ‘maternal failure’ that I’m not barefoot and pregnant already.” I added a snort of disgust. We’d butted heads so many times that my being single had become a constant sore point in our relationship.

“She just wants you to be happy, Darcy.” He chuckled and I was tempted to throw a cushion at him. “Besides, it’s a mother’s prerogative to not rest until all her children are enjoying wedded bliss.

“Easy for you to say, you’re not the focus of her obsession. Although,” I pointed my finger at him for extra emphasis and winked, “I could fix that for you. I’m sure she’d just love to help you find your special someone.”

“Don’t you dare!” Devlin’s face whitened and I laughed at the terror in his eyes. The man was a powerful enforcer, had been in countless dangerous situations, and looked like he was about to face the boogeyman.
Close enough,
I thought.
In fact, I think the boogeyman would be terrified of my mother too.

“Awww, scared, huh? She just wants
you
to be happy, Devlin. You’re one of my closest friends,” I teased gently.

“I don’t have time for romance. You, on the other hand . . .” He left his sentence unfinished. We lapsed back into comfortable silence, the brief moments of frivolity a good respite.

“I think I’ll go crazy if I have to sit here the whole time waiting,” I groaned, running my fingers through my hair. “Did you find anything interesting?” I tipped my head to gesture the other rooms.

“No, they’re just bedrooms. Over there is the bathroom and if you go through that door, you’ll find a kitchen and dining area. Here.” Devlin stood and held out his hand. I gave him mine and he helped me to my feet. “They didn’t say we couldn’t explore.”

“And they did say they’d summon us when the first test began.” I chewed on my bottom lip. I knew I’d go insane if I had to stare at the walls for a long period of time, and the short glimpse I had of the gardens fascinated me. I just didn’t want to do anything that delayed my leaving here and getting back to our lives—whatever they were.

“Exactly. They’ll find us.” Leading me to the exit, Devlin bowed after opening the door. “After you, madam.”

“Why thank you, kind sir.” I smiled and linked my arm through his. A flutter of excitement stirred when I saw the hallway outside and not the previous room we were in at the beginning of all this. Noticing the large opening farther down the corridor, we began walking as some nervous anticipation and buried worry began growing inside me.

Tilting my head back as the sun’s heated rays tickled my skin, I let out a sigh. There hadn’t been much to explore, but I couldn’t help feeling dazzled by everything I’d seen. If the decadence of the suite had been any indication of where we were staying, I should have been prepared. I hadn’t been though. Everything was bigger, better, more opulent than our room. From crystal chandeliered rooms to masterfully carved staircases, everywhere I turned I found marble columns and statues. Freshly cut flowers adorned every available surface and beautiful tapestries hung from almost every wall.

A closer inspection of the wall hangings made me gasp at the intricate details. I was impressed by how skillfully each stitch was placed and I couldn’t imagine how long it had taken to create. The only thing that came to mind, as I carefully stroked the outline of a magnificently sewn horse, was a painstakingly long time.

The estate wasn’t as large as I initially guessed, but it was expansive in its layout. Devlin and I didn’t see anyone as we surveyed our surroundings. I thought it was strange we didn’t encounter any servants, but Devlin explained that their absence was a mark of a well-trained staff. Having never lived with hired help, I took his word for it.