Clotho sighed, weariness etched in the pocketed shadows of her eyes. “She and the others on our lists will be protected at all costs.”
“They should have been brought in when they were born,” Kyana grumbled. “We could have kept them safe until the time of the exchange.”
Atropos narrowed her dark gaze, the shadows of the cave making her look momentarily haggard and worn. “If they have not lived amongst humans and learned the importance of humanity, than they would never become fair and just to those who worship them. Humanity. Humility. They are foreign concepts to you, Kyana. I do not expect you to understand, but I do expect that you do not question our ways.”
Thinking very little about either concept, Kyana rolled her eyes. “I want Jordan Faye’s guardianship.”
“We have another task for you,” Lachesis said, digging noisily through a golden chest behind her as Kyana turned a murderous stare to the other sisters.
“No way. I found the one that everyone else had given up on. It’s my right to be her guardian.”
“Because you think
such a post will give you power?”
“No. Because she is my responsibility.”
“Liar,” Atropos hissed. “You’re as power hungry now as you were when you first came to the Order.”
Lachesis turned back to the group. In her hands, she held a golden chain with a flat, square hunk of obsidian the size of Kyana’s hand dangling from the end of it. Lachesis turned the block of glossy ebony so that Kyana could see a roughly cut pentagram-shaped hole in the center.
“Sisters, I think the choice belongs to our tracer.” Lachesis held out the stone pendant, her lips curving into a sly smile. “You found our Chosen, and you may guard her if you wish.”
Satisfied, Kyana started to nod in acceptance, but the gleam in Lachesis’s eyes stopped her. “What’s the catch?”
Lachesis looked to her sisters before turning back to Kyana. “You may play guardian to Jordan Faye or you may take up a more important job.”
Her curiosity peaked, Kyana reached out and touched the sharp edges of the cut stone. “What job?”
Lachesis slipped the chain around Kyana’s neck. The thing weighed as much as a small hippo.
“A simple task, Kyana.” A smile lit Lachesis’ tear-stained cheeks. “We want you to save the world.”