“Wow…” He shakes his head with a smile but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “I’m just as alive as you are and as for feeling emotion. I feel more deeply than you could possibly imagine.” His eyes burn into my own. “In future get your facts right before throwing accusations.”
I scoff. “I have every right to accuse you after the things you’ve done!”
He starts to argue back but the sound of a throat clearing stops our argument. I turn to see my mum standing with a stoic expression. How much had she heard?
“I’m sorry mum I didn’t mean to wake you.”
“Don’t worry it’s about time I got up. I take it some things have come to light?” She’s always so cryptic.
Alistair forces a laugh. “Yeah a bit too much I think.”
I realise my mum knew that me and Alistair were fated after I woke up last night from my vision of the Strix. That was what she whispered to him when I first restrained him! I feel hurt that she didn’t tell me herself. Did I not deserve to know that my whole life is tied to an ancient masochistic God from practically the beginning of time?
“Mum why didn’t you tell me? You knew and-” A lump forms in my throat.
“You had to realise it for yourself in your own time sweetheart. I’m sorry.” She apologises.
“Is there a way to change it?” I ask.
I see Alistair shake his head in the corner of my eye but I refuse to look at him.
“Fate is a strong force and so is Gaia. No one can change it. You two are meant to be.” Her tone is sympathetic. “You can resist it but it will only cause you both pain.”
So that’s it. Clearly, I have no choice in the matter. This is practically an arranged marriage. Decided before I was even born. Bloody fantastic…
I throw my hands up in the air in exasperation.
“I’m done. This is just… I’m done.”
I walk away.
How much more am I supposed to take. How can someone's life change so much in such a short amount of time? It's complete and utter madness! I don’t want to be with Alistair. I’m only 18 and now I’m all but married to the guy! How old is he anyway? I dread to think. Fecking paedophile.
I don’t know where I’m walking. I just had to get away from them both. I keep putting one foot in front of the other with no real direction in mind. I won’t go far. I can’t risk letting Alistair escape. Just far enough away that I can breathe. I see a tree stump and sit on it. letting my head flop into my hands. I’m done with crying. I’m past that. I just need to figure out what I’m going to do with all this.
We have until midnight before Hades comes after us. What sort of position is that going to put Alistair in? Where will his loyalty lie? With his dad surely. I’ve given him no reason to trust us and I sure as hell don’t trust him. No, I don’t think I can count on him. Despite us being Moira. We are nowhere near love. I doubt we ever will be. Lust maybe but we don’t even likeeach other so if it came down to it he will turn us in. So, I can’t release him. No way.
I hear a flutter in the trees above me and I look up to see Alistair’s Strix watching me. I stick my tongue out at it and it just blinks at me.
“You’re a nosey pigeon aren’t you.”
It gives a small hoot.
“Watch all you want nothing exciting going on here.” I mutter.
I turn back around and look out through the trees. Hoping to find an answer to this mess somehow.
I hear a swoop and the Strix lands on my knee. Its huge white eyes staring up at me. The weight of it pushes its huge talons into my leg. It’s a little uncomfortable but it doesn’t hurt.
“What do you want?”
It fidgets getting comfy and I slowly lift my hand to its head. Tentatively I lightly brush over its pitch-black feathers. They’re so soft I can barely feel them. Like smoke. As the sun catches them there are hints of metallic purples and deep dark blues. It’s beautiful. It stays totally still as I stroke it. I can’t help but smile at its cuteness. The minuets pass in the same way. It’s nice. Serene. Just what I needed.
I release a sigh when I think I should probably head back. How do I deal with it all? I wish I could go back to being a normal college student. Life was so much easier a week ago. I just wanna switch places with someone normal… Hold one that’s it!
I jump up and the Strix hoots in shock as it flaps to the floor looking affronted. I run back to where Mum and Alistair are. Mums leaning against the tree opposite Alistair’s.
“I know what to do! I have a plan!” I shout excitedly. “Alistair, you were shocked at my strength. Your father will be to. He would never dream that I could capture you. Let alone kill you!”
