Untouchable by Marii Solaria

Chapter 22 – The Owl

“Sometimes, reaching out and taking someone’s hand is the beginning of a journey. At other times, it is allowing another to take yours.“– Vera Nazarian

Halima

Tonight was the night of Anthony and Alesia’s ceremony. Dwayne and Jackie were to be Co–Betas and a man named Ali was to be Gamma. I met him quite a few times, and he was a proper gentleman. And cute, too. I set out the outfit I’ve decided to wear on my bed, admiring how the color and accessories work well with each other.

Per Lyria’s advice, I went with amethyst purple, which was slowly becoming my favorite color. The dress was sleeveless with a turtle neckline guaranteed to cover my back. The scar from the Mark of the Betrayer still gives me a deep sense of shame, so I wanted it covered. The dress was flowy and loose, starting at my waist, reaching down to my knees. My golden flats with ankle straps rest on the floor near the dress.

Walking in heels was a disaster waiting to happen. And by disaster, it involves me kissing the floor.

A pair of gold bracelets and a single charm necklace rest on top of my vanity, glittering under the pale amber light of my room. I don’t understand how to style my hair, so I wore my curls down. Thanks to the love and care from Jackie and Violet, my hair had grown significantly after some trims, now with the ends brushing my shoulders. All I need to do was apply some product to make the curls pop and I’ll be fine!

Tapping my cheek as I stared at the colorful makeup palettes, I debate whether to apply makeup. I keep it simple to avoid the risk of looking like a clown with warm neutrals and lip–gloss.

Stripping down for my shower, I wash the day’s stresses from my body, falling in love with the rich lather of my floral–scented body wash. I learn to appreciate the hot water showers, not realizing how much they did me good. I’ve grown accustomed to cold, pleasureless showers that the joy of a decent warm one was fleeting. Today, I was happy to experience that simple pleasure. After completing my business, I work on my hair in front of the vanity in my towel. I was so deep into moisturizing my hair that the taps on my window startled

1. me.

“Whoa!” I yelped, jerking my head towards the window covered with curtains. Tightening the towel around my body, I sauntered towards it. The tapping continued and persisted, doing nothing to quell the anxiety pooling in my stomach. Who or what was demanding my attention? Sucking in my breath, I threw my covers open to see the culprit.

It is…an owl?

The white owl sat on the outside window ledge, peering at me with its large golden eyes. I cock my head to the side, arching a confused eyebrow. Weren’t wolves” natural predators to the owl? What is it doing here? Once I opened my window, the white owl flew in, settling on top of my vanity, eyes still glued on me.

I asked, keeping a good enough distance

in

know I could eat

It still stared.

1/3

The

it didn’t. It just sat there, watching

does nothing. I groan. This was ridiculous. Was I about to change into

Yep.

the ceremony. I could hear excited commotion

need

The soft texture of my hair cracks opens a smile on my face. I slip on my flats before slipping on my dress. The top part hugged me at every curve. No matter how small they are. I was filling out my clothes the more I gain weight,

to face my visitor only to see it

“What the…”

1

spun around to see the owl on the bed right next to my hip.

ground, flat on my ass. It hooted as if it was laughing. This damn bird liked to joke, huh? Rolling my eyes, I

on my earlobes. “It’s not nice to surprise people like that. I could have squished you if I fell the wrong

flying on my vanity once more. The bird was now closer than ever, less than a foot away from me. Oddly enough, the longer I look at it, the

what it’s trying to say, I don’t speak owl!

run my fingers through its feathers. Soft, it tickled my heart. I feel like I know this

cute,” I whisper to it, relishing in its soft hoos. “Are you

“Um, female?” She gave

I shot the bird a small smirk.