Page 69 of Shadows of Fate

“Bastian,” I replied.

“Letter was received. It’s time to go.”

I just nodded. Court of Ravens was where I was headed anyway. Looks like the Fates weren’t done interfering just yet.

* * *

Since Bastian and I couldn’t shift into a damn bird like Cedar could, we had prepared horses for the two of us. Most definitely not my preferred method of travel, but it was better than walking with all our weapons and gear.

We’d gotten up the moment the sun had dipped below the horizon and already crossed into the Court of Ravens.

I was trying my best to focus on the ride and what my plan was, but my mind kept drifting back to our departure.

“Don’t feed him while we’re gone,” I’d told Micah.

He smirked. “Absolutely not, My Queen.”

I shook my head at the title when Allie wrapped her arms around me in a quick but thorough hug.

“You’ll find him, My Queen. Trust the threads,” she’d whispered in my ear.

I nodded. Always about trusting the threads. I knew I’d find him, though. Nothing in me doubted that truth.

“Paine knows everything that’s been happening here, and he’s expecting your arrival, Silvana. Talk to his visionary when you arrive. They’ve foreseen you arriving before we did, so they may know more,” Micah said, once Allie released me.

I nodded. “Got it.”

“What has you so deep in thought there, Silv?” Cedar’s question brought me back to the here and now.

“Just thinking about what Micah and Allie had said before we left.” I looked over at him, nibbling on my bottom lip. “Allie has been telling me since the moment I met her to keep trusting the threads. What do you think that means?”

Cedar looked away, watching the forest floor as we trotted along on our horses. “When I was a kid, my mother used to tell me that the Fates were watching, always watching. That they rewarded the people who deserved it most. My grandmama, though? She didn’t think so. She believed we were all connected, and no matter what, the Fates had already decided your fate—your path. She’d say we were guided by the threads of fate.” He was quiet for a moment. “She was a witch, you know. My grandmama? Powerful too. I always believed what she’d said. Our paths are already planned out, each of us connected in some way.”

“So you think Allie is telling me to trust that fate, what? Has my back and is guiding me to where I need to be?” I asked incredulously.

Cedar shrugged. “It’s just a thought. You don’t have to believe it, but they say visionaries are guides and speakers for the Fates, right?”

“Yeah, I guess so.”

“So, Allie telling you to trust the threads that fate has laid out for you and our mighty ruler wouldn’t be that insane. That’s all I’m saying,” Cedar stated with a shrug.

He wasn’t wrong, I knew that. It made sense. But I was just having a problem trusting it right now. But I buried that distrust and anxiety and sent a thorough plea to the Fates. Hoping the three Goddesses would be listening to what I was asking.

Chapter35

Of All Females

Viktor

Ientered the throne room and immediately dropped to one knee before him. I knew he was sitting in front of the statue I’d had created for him, looking just as regal as always. Dressed in gold and dark blue, his pale skin looking at home in the midst of colors he loved so much. I knew he’d have a girl on his lap to keep him company and feed him, some pretty human doll he’d collected for the next few nights.

“Is it done?” he asked, his tone bored. As if he had so many other things to be doing right now than listening to my report. But what did I know? Maybe he did. I couldn’t imagine anything more important than the Outcasts and our cause, but I didn’t rule the way he did. I wasn’t in charge, and it wasn’t my place to question him.

“Of course, Master. He’s been taken to a new safe house near the Court of Ravens, and she’s… she’s on a war path, to be blunt. I imagine she’ll be at your door soon. I left the trail, just like you told me to.” I spoke without glancing up. He hated eye contact unless we obtained permission first. Though it killed me not to see his face when we spoke, I loved having his eyes on me.

Sometimes it was hard working for him; he wanted things done exactly the way he asked, and not with a pittance of difference. However, I did it anyway. Whatever he asked for, I’d do my utmost to give him. It was my duty and my honor to serve him.

“Good, good.” I heard him rise from his throne, the girl’s feet hitting the floor and walking off as he walked closer to me. “Cora, my dove, take Erika with you to your chambers. I need some time with Viktor,” he stated.

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