Page 24 of Polar Fates
Clotho doesn’t look back once as she sweeps through the house, ignoring doors on both sides of the corridor. Not quite next door, then, like shesaid.
Finally, she stops in front of a beautifully carved white door. It looks like it should be in a museum, not in a house. She knocks but doesn’t wait for a response beforeentering.
Inside are two bears, sleeping on the ground, hugging each other. Húnn and Ràn. Myguys.
“Where are theothers?”
She shrugs. “The Portal closed before they could get through. They’re still onEarth.”
I squeeze past Clotho and run to them, kneeling by Húnn’s side. He seems to be uninjured but he’s not responding to mytouch.
“Húnn?” I ask cautiously, then louder. “Húnn!Ràn!”
They don’t even twitch. They’re breathing though, so they’re notdead.
Tsss, Isla, don’t think such things. Of course they’re not dead. They’re not allowed tobe.
“They’re asleep,” Clotho explains and I huff infrustration.
“I can see that! Why aren’t they wakingup?”
“They threatened my sisters, so we had to put them to sleep. They refused to shift, which made it harder to communicate with them.” She smiles. “Now that you’ve seen that they’re alright, can we goback?”
I stare at her in outrage. “Wake. Them. Up.Now.”
My voice is turning into a growl, but she doesn’t flinch like I’d hoped. She continues to smile. I’m beginning to think that she might be more dangerous than Atropos. Not that any of them aren’t dangerous. They’re the Fates – just because they look like pretty women doesn’t mean they won’t cut my thread in aheartbeat.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. Let’s go back and talk,” she says in a sweetvoice.
“No. I want themawake.”
Her smile doesn’tchange.
“I’m afraid that’s notpossible.”
“Why not?” I shout. “Did you make anothermistake?”
This time, she flinches slightly, but regains her composureinstantly.
“We don’t make mistakes. Now come with me or I’ll keep them asleep for a lot longer than you’dlike.”
Hate for her and her sisters boils up in me. Who do these women think they are? They’re playing with our lives and don’t seem to care about the consequences. They’ve probably done this for so long that they’ve lost all humanity. If they ever had any. Maybe they’ve always been the bitches they arenow.
“Watch your language,” she says softly. “People used to cower before us. You should be honoured you’re in ourpresence.”
“Well, I’m not,” I retort with a grimace. No way would I bow to them. “And I’m not going to leave this room until you’ve woken up mymates.”
Her smile changes. “But isn’t just one of them mated withyou?”
That bitch. I’m tempted to slapher.
“The other one will be as soon as I get thechance.”
“But will you get the chance?” She lets that question take effect. I’m sure she’s gloating as my heart tightens. Of course I’ll get the chance. Of course I’ll get bonded to Húnn. Of course he’ll be part of my sleuth. My harem. Mymen.
No question about that. Even if I have to rip my thread from the Fates and make my own destiny. Which sounds like a very good idea rightnow.
Clotho’s expression hardens as she hears mythoughts.
