Fate Breakers

Chapter 34

Gannon

Satyana seems more open with talking to me, and I'm trying to tread as lightly as I can. It's easy for mortals to get attached to this idea of deities in our heads, that that ends up being the image we cling to. It depends on the person, but most of the time, those images border between fantasy and outright disrespectful. Satyana seems lonely, like she's looking for some sort of companionship. I want to see her as a friend, but my head reminds me of her position. Known or not, millions of worshippers or one, she's still a Goddess. I'm alive because of her, but that can change in an instant.

"So, you like the Addison girl?"

My skin heats. "I... I mean yeah she's... she's interesting." Inessa's been consuming my thoughts since that first fight. More so, because of what's been happening after. Every so often, I see a glimmering gold thread, stemming from my chest to hers. I'm not stupid enough to deny what it is, but I am stupid enough to deny that it's real. "She doesn't like me like that, Satyana."

Actually, I think Inessa fucking hates me.

Satyana smirks, staring out at the space beyond this odd, temple space. "She doesn't hate you, she hates what you do for her."

The gears in my head start to turn. Inessa came from the Chasm Sector. It was snowy and dark more than half the year, much harsher conditions to survive through. Her previous sergeant was a sadist, and while I don't know much more than that, her reactions to conversations about our childhoods likely means hers wasn't the best. She feels like she's chasing something that isn't meant for her, and she feels like it's because she's not good enough.

Maybe I make things easier, or maybe I really do just piss her off. "Regardless, she doesn't like me now. I guess it's nice, knowing I have someone who's meant for me, but..."

"Feels like a trap, huh?"

"Yeah, like I've got no choice but her. N-not saying it's a bad thing." I can't try and tell myself that the idea of Inessa one day loving me doesn't make me feel lighter. I'm drawn to her. She's a fucking genius, she moves like she's weightless, and she commands a room like she's a Goddess. "I guess I would've... I dunno, liked a surprise?"

Satyana nods her head. "Mating Bonds didn't used to be like that. Before the Moirai, they were a thing you could create. Like a flower, the bonds were meant to be seeds you planted and nurtured. With the Moirai, it's all a big scheme to keep reality going. If it's going to result in something that will ensure everything keeps turning, they'll do it."

"But... what about me?" From what Satyana has explained, the Fates never intended me to live past nineteen. "How is... how is Inessa and I possible?"

"I don't know." Satyana looks down to me. "You have caused the biggest disturbance in reality since the last of the great heroes died off. They don't know what to do with you, and more importantly, you've ignited their worst fears."

"And... those would be?"

"That anyone can go against them. One person altering the status-quo is irritating." Satyana presses the tip of her finger to my chest. "But you, my boy, have a will and a voice. Your soul was forged from fire. You have a natural desire to see the people around you succeed, so when you stand, others stand with you."

The implication makes me swallow. "I... I can't defy the Fates..."

"You already have."

↻

"Wake the fuck up!"

Tills' shrill laughter fills the air, Knoll on his hands and knees, wheezing right beside him. Aviva is standing over my sleeping bag, still banging the wooden spoon against the cast iron skillet. She waves it in the air, giving me a look before she goes right back to banging. "If I can't sleep cuz' of your snoring, you ain't sleeping on account of me!"