"You know the answer," Wynn said. "Let's not play games with one another today. I cannot possibly have anything you want."
"I monitor and balance potential outcomes and free will. There's room for curiosity about the motivations of others," Fate said.
Wynn met the deity's gaze, which flickered between all the colors in the universe. He'd met Fate once. It was impossible to forget Fate or Death or any other deity once one crossed their paths or to deny that such creatures not only existed, but played a game no one else understood or had a chance of winning. Wynn didn't like being out of control, at the mercy of one he couldn't predict or manipulate.
"For example, before you ran into her in the mortal world, there was a ninety seven percent chance you would've killed her the first time you met. Now, there's less than a one percent chance," Fate continued. "You've gone so far as to eliminate some of the enemies who likewise stumbled across her."
"I do not need to explain my actions to you." Wynn looked away. "What do you want from me?"
"You are close to crossing the line where you mess with the Future. You have been for a while."
"You have a preferred outcome," Wynn said, suddenly comprehending why he'd been involuntarily summoned. "You don't want me to influence it."
"Some laws from the time-before-time cannot be broken," Fate replied.
"Those rules are very few."
"You will have to trust me when I say this is one of them."
"Will you tell me one thing?" Wynn asked. "What is your motivation to interfere now?"
"I have no motivation." Fate smiled. "Ask what you mean to ask, Wynn. I may answer it."
Wynn's jaw clenched. No, he didn't miss this aspect of his past life. Dealing with deities was a nightmare. He hated the idea of being vulnerable, and concern for another was vulnerability.
"Are you going to save her?" He forced the words out.
"From what?" Fate asked with faux innocence.
"I made a mistake. I cannot fix it."
"It's not so bad to admit you were wrong, is it?"
"How do you think it feels to live with the regret that stems from having done something beyond reparation to someone as beautiful as she is in this life?" Wynn asked in barely controlled anger.
"No idea. I'll never have that problem," Fate said with a shrug.
"If you are finished with me, I have work to do." Wynn rose, fed up.
"Her destiny lies with Death."
Wynn debated the meaning behind the words. There was more than one interpretation, and he admitted at last he wasn't certain what Fate was telling him.