Strings Of Fate

Chapter 28

True to Madame's word, Daniel got on a train, and no one questioned him. It was afternoon when he arrived back in the city. The gates to the circus swung open to let Daniel in as has walked up to them. Marquez waited for him. One figure was considerably less intimidating than a group, but the tiger wasn't small fish. He smiled at Daniel and patted his shoulder lightly. "Come, you must be hungry."

"Can't say I have much of an appetite."

That didn't stop Marquez from steering him over to where a few tables were laid out with a collection of hybrids who were using them, mostly smoking or keeping an eye on the children who were running about playing. None of them did more than glance at Daniel, though one of the wolves heeled a chair in invitation.

Marquez sat him down at the table. He patted Daniel on the shoulder and squeezed in a silent order to stay still. Marquez walked off towards where people were collecting food. Daniel put his bag by his feet and waited for something to happen. Marquez didn't take long to return with a healthy portioned plate.

"Here."

"I can't pay." It was silly to say, but worth pointing out.

"No one here does. Don't worry about that. Food for those in the circus is free unless it's from the tourist stands," Marquez said. Someone started arguing behind them. Marquez exhaled. "I have to deal with that."

Danny nodded.

The wolf snorted. "People fighting again in front of Marquez is stupid. Eat up."

Daniel's stomach curled unhappily, but he tried to eat. After a few bites, the food started to help.It didn't change that he wanted to run. He didn't know what would happen to Terrence if he did that. The pack watched him. Someone rubbed his back as he faltered.

"Easy. You're going to need your strength."

"Will I?" he pushed his plate back and focused on the one meeting his eyes. "What am I facing?"

Everyone grimaced. Daniel stopped trying to eat. "It's not that bad," the wolf rubbing his back said, his tone disagreeing with his words. "We can't say because of Madame's magic. It's all shadows and whispers. It depends on the person how intense it is."

That, sounded about right with what little else Daniel knew.

Marquez reappeared at the table with a dark scowl over his features. "I have the two idiots running laps around the area until opening. Are you finished, Danny?" He nudged Danny's plate which was barely half eaten with a disapproving expression.

Daniel heated as all eyes landed on him. "I don't feel too well. I'd rather not chance it."

Marquez nodded but didn't try to force Danny to eat more. "Thank you for watching him," he nodded at the wolves before picking Daniel's bag up and waving at Daniel to follow him. Daniel nodded at the people and chased after him. Not that he'd gone far without Daniel. Daniel followed, trying not to look too much like he was being led to the slaughter. Sanvish waited at the cat's van, or rather he was taking down sheets from drying in the day's sun.

He offered Daniel a smile but didn't try to hug or touch him. Daniel appreciated that. Marquez opened the door and shepherded him inside. Daniel didn't really take in the space. Marquez passed him an outfit and stepped out again, leaving Daniel's bag on a bed above the driver's space.

Daniel changed. He was doing this for Terrence. He could behave and let this happen if it meant his friend had a chance of being free and happy away from the circus. The memory of Terrence being defeated and curled on the floor stabbed in Daniel's heart. It was almost worse than after his Dad had died. Daniel didn't want that. Terrence couldn't come back here.