Strings of Fate
196- Rescue and retreat
Darrien is the closest to her and he sees her at the same time I do. He takes a step towards her and
she whimpers in fear. He freezes and backs away slowly, trying not to startle her. I gesture for everyone
else to stay back and take a few steps closer. I stop a good metre away from the little table and then
slowly lower myself to the floor. Kneeling down so that I can see her properly. Kiara is covered in soot
and I can see little trails of tears smudging around on her face. She is still crying and whimpering. I am
careful to keep my voice gentle and calm.
“Kiara?” I call her name. She doesn’t answer or look up, but her whimpering quiets a little and I can see
her tensing up like she’s listening carefully.
“Kiara sweetheart. You’re safe now. You cane out. We can get some something to eat, you can
have a nice bath and some clean clothes. How does that sound?” I try to sound soothing. Her crying
stops and she looks up at me with wide, teary, red–rimmed eyes. She doesn’t speak, but she does
meet my eyes. I keep going.
“You know what else sounds really nice? A warm nket and a hot chocte. I bet we can find some
of those little. marshmallows somewhere too. Do you like hot choctes?” I prompt, Kiara gives a tiny
nod, so small that I can barely
see it.
“Me too. I don’t know if you remember my name, but I’m Ryann. I’ve been looking everywhere for you.
We’re friends, remember?” I tell her gently. She gives another nod, stronger this time. I hold out a hand
to her.
“Would you like to get out of here sweetheart? You cane home with me and we can get you
cleaned up. We have
this
super nice bathtub, I bet you’ll love it.” She doesn’t move right away and I stay still, holding my hand
out to her. I don’t want to rush her. She’s been through a lot. She’s had no control over her life for
weeks now, I won’t force her to move. I can stay here all night if I need to. Luckily, that doesn’t seem to
be necessary. She slowly inches out of her hiding ce. She hesitate
a second and looks at my face. I try to give her a reassuring smile. In a second, sheunches herself at
me and clings to my hand with both of hers. So tight that it’s painful, but there is no way I’m going to
comin. I start to get to my feet and pull her up to hers–But she sways and her knees buckle a little. I
don’t know if it’s due to her physical condition being so poor from her captivity or because she’s scared
and in shock. She tumbles towards me and I hold her securely. She releases my hand only to wrap her
arms tight around my waist while she hides her face against my stomach. Despite the recent fire, she is
freezing and shaking.
“I can carry her.” Bemy offers. Kiara instantly whimpers again and presses her face into me. I stroke
a hand through her knotted hair as carefully as I can.
“Shh, it’s o
to her.
okay. This is Bemy. He’s been working really hard to help me find you.” I exin. I lean down and
whisper
“He’s also my boyfriend. I promise he is super nice.” I assure her. This seems to be enough to convince
her to turn her head just enough to peek out at him with one eye.
“Hello Kiara. I am really d to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you. Ryann told me that you are a very
brave little girl. It is really smokey in here still. You don’t have to go anywhere you don’t want to go, but
would you like toe outside with us to get some fresh air? It might make it a bit easier to breathe.”
He suggests. Kiara looks up at me and I nod encouragingly. She gives a small nod of agreement.
“Okay, Kiara I’m just going to let you know that there are more people out there. The other Shifters who
came with me to rescue you. They are all good friends and you are safe, but if you want I can ask them
to give us a bit of space. Would you like that?” I offer. Kiara nods again.
1/2
196- Rescue and retreat
“Good girl. Would you like Bemy to carry you for a bit? I promise I will be here the whole time. You
can even hold my hand.” 1 offer. Kiara looks very hesitant and I can see fear in her eyes. She bites her
lip and stares at the floor for a second before nodding again. Bemy checks that the towel on his waist
is secure, then slowly steps forward. Kiara swaps back to clutching my hand instead of
my waist.
“Okay. I am going to put a hand behind your back and one under your knees to pick you up, okay? You
just let me of Ryann know if you need me to
put you down.” He
tells has
as he slowly moves to pick her up.
With Kiara safe in Bemy’s arms, we turn to the door. Darrien and Megan are hovering near the
doorway. I can see pain and sympathy in Megan’s eyes. I know she wants to g
Kiara in a huge hug but she is restraining herself.
“Kiara, this is Bemy’s sister Megan and our friend Darrien. They’ve been helping us look for you.
Kiara squeezes my hand tightly and tucks her chin into her chest, avoiding their eyes. I use my free
hand to gesture for them to lead the
way out.
“Megan, can you please let the others know to give us a little space?” She nods and darts off to warn
everyone.
“Darrien, has someone gone to get the cars?” Bemy asks, keeping his voice low and gentle to avoid
spooking Kiara. Darrien speaks simrly.
“Yes. Aaron, Rio and Shaun went for the cars. Shaun also called Alex to
to update him and Alex called the police to keep them in the loop. They are sending someone to ch*ck
things out here but we advised them that we would be moving the littledy back to your ce as soon
as reasonably possible so I think they’re going to meet us there. Alex is arranging it.” He assures him.
Bemy gives an approving nod. Kiara gives a dry, painful sounding cough.
“Can someone contact Dr Dae and have her stop by too?” I ask with a pointed look at Kiara.
Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!
“I’ll take care of it.” Darrien promises.
“Thanks.” I tell him with a slight smile.
I thought that everything would be okay when we found Kiara, but I’m still stressed out. Yes, it’s
definitely better. But she is clearly not okay. She looks pale and unhealthy, not to mention she still isn’t
talking. I add it to my mental to do list to make sure that Kiara is put in contact with a good psychologist
or something. When she is ready to talk, she is going to need someone to talk to. Bemy continues to
gently narrate all his actions to Kiara as we make our way out of the building and into the dimly lit
street.