Page 86 of A Silence So Divine

But what choice do I have?

There’s a tremble in my fingers, a quiver in my jaw, but the determination wins over.

“I’m ready.”

“I’m ready.”

Part Two

"The Stars"

Thirty Five

Cecil

The tension in my shoulders spreads pain up my neck and into the base of my skull. I want to keep my shit together, I really do, but I have a feeling that the more Veda talks, the more irate I’m going to get.

It’s not that I don’t think she’s being honest. I believe that she’s telling me whatshebelieves. But just because she has her heart set on some truth, doesn’t mean I have to as well. Especially if said truth is batshit crazy.

Eden is alarmingly still, which isn’t a good sign. Veda scours the book in her hands, and I take the moment to slide my palm up the back of Eden’s shoulder, closing my fingers over the curve and giving it a squeeze. Those silver eyes peer back at me, and I offer a nod.I’m right here,it says. Her left hand raises and closes around mine. For a moment, we sit that way, emotionally leaning on one another.

As soon as Veda begins speaking, I remove my hand and tuck it into my front pocket. I miss the contact as soon as it’s gone. My fingers pulse, concealed by the denim of my jeans.

“What do you know of the Fates?” Veda asks, looking between the two of us like an expectant teacher.

Eden shakes her head, I shrug.

Veda doesn’t look surprised, but she does look exasperated.

“Okay. Think of them like… the universe, or divine intervention, or destiny.”

“Them?” I ask. “Is this like God or something?”

Veda barks out a laugh that lacks humor. “The Fates are as similar to a God as they are to a Golden Retriever.”

My hackles rise, but this will go nowhere if I pick a fight. Instead, I hum in the back of my throat and motion for her to continue.

“They’re not one single being. They’re infinite; written in the Stars. There was never a beginning, just as there will never be an end. The Fates simplyare. ‘Week after week, day after day. The Fates know the why, The Fates know the way.’”

Eden leans in close, hanging on to Veda’s every word.

It is a compelling tale, but it also sounds like someone took one too many psychedelics and wrote down their theories on life.

“Okay. Maybe fast forward to the part where this involves Eden.” I say, annoyance sharpening my words.

Veda shoots me a disapproving look, but continues her search.

“Balance,” she says, pointing to a page that is flooded with a language I don’t recognize.. “The Fates are all about Balance. Light and dark, good and evil. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

No.

“Sure.”

Veda doesn’t look convinced, and by the crease forming in between Eden’s brows, I’d say she’s as lost as I am.

Laying her palms flat on the table, Veda tries a different approach.

“Okay. You’re familiar with karma, yes?”