Untouchable by Marii Solaria

Chapter 42 – Final Goodbyes

“I exist in two places, here and where you are.“– Margaret Atwood

Kiya

This has to be dealt with. It’s a simple parting conversation, right? Nothing more, nothing less.

Even though this is the last time we’ll see each other.

Upon my approach, Neron’s eyes glittered in glee but dimmed quickly after. Pretending to not see the sudden shift in emotion, I stuff my hands in my pockets and smiled awkwardly, closing the distance between us.

“Hi.

“Hi.” He responded. “Do you have everything? If not, I can send the rest of your stuff to California.”

I shake my head. “It’s fine, Neron. I have everything.” Another shaky sigh from me, more awkwardness from both of us. And silence.

We aren’t good at this.

“How are you feeling?” I ask after the silence became torture. “With all of this? You said little about it this morning.” Or in wolf–form. After breakfast and before packing, Neron and I let our wolves out. Artemis and Onyx went on their last run together, racing through the dense oak trees. Without being the one in control, I could feel Onyx’s sadness roll off his fur in tsunami waves as he pumped his legs faster through the forest.

It hurt. And Artemis knew it too. After the run, she said nothing. She didn’t respond to my attempts to talk to her. I figured she needed time for the finality of the situation to marinate.

“I’m…” Neron hesitated, averting his eyes to the side. “Honestly? It’s not what I want, but it has to be done.” The Alpha sighed sharply, rubbing the back of his head. “I don’t want you to leave, Kiya. Onyx doesn’t either. Like the selfish pricks we are, we want you and Artemis at our side. However, the thought of you being miserable next to me hurts more than the inevitable distance between us.”

I said nothing. I don’t know what I could say. His sorrow is as sharp as a knife, piercing through the defenses I built around me. Maybe there’s a part of me that didn’t want to leave him–a tiny part, but I’m losing my mind and have to go.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper. “I caused a lot of trouble here, did I?”

“We needed it.” Neron chuckles, gazing at me longingly. “It made me more aware of the shit you have to deal with. And what we put you through. Your arrival opened my eyes and I know it did the same for others like your sister. But, it’s my fault for not providing a safe enough space for you for your entire stay.”

“Things happen that are beyond our control.” I retort. “You did your best, Neron. It’s not like we could’ve predicted Odessa going insane, or Tristan’s bullshit, or even Osiris. Trauma won this round, I suppose.”

“I agree. Zircon Moon has nothing to offer you but madness. You deserve so much better, Kiya.” Blue eyes glistened with wonder when he noticed something. His large hand went to my collarbone, fingers gently caressing the silver pendant hanging from my neck. The touch of his fingers was soft, cautious. “You’re wearing it.”

Chapter 42–Final Goodbyes

I’m wearing the full moon necklace Neron gifted me on our date to the amusement park. Our first date. The gold star charm with my first initial sang quietly when it clinked against the pendant. I never told him, but whenever I wore it, it made me happy. Because he gave the gift a lot of thought, especially engraving it with my birthday. And it’s beautiful. It made sense to wear it.

“Yeah.” I smile small. “Thank you for it. It…means a lot.”

Suddenly, Diana flew in like a rocket, resting her talons on my shoulder. Her wings fluttered, picking wind up along with strands of my hair. Ah, I couldn’t forget about my little friend! She followed me here to Zirco Moon, and I know she’ll follow me back to Garnet Moon. Wherever I go, she’ll follow.

However, there is a level of fondness in her golden eyes when she gazes at Neron. Molten yellow held words and emotions she couldn’t express through her beak. Fluttering off my shoulder to his. The owl nuzzled her head into Neron’s cheek, making the grown man chuckle in delight.

“I’ll miss you too, Diana. Watch over Kiya for me, okay?”

“Hoo!”

a car horn startled me. Dad is driving us

is it. My final goodbye.

Diana gently pressed her beak to

think she just

“Well, I’m flattered!”

know I can’t reciprocate those same feelings back to him. He continues to give while I continue to take. This isn’t

you go, I want to give you

gifts? You know how much I

grabs something from behind the door and hands it to me. It’s a squared manilla package. Not heavy, but not light either. The edges were hard when I tried to cop a feel of the mysterious item. Before I could rip it open,

“Why?”

me.” He said

didn’t question his intentions, even though I should. “Okay.

puts a smile on

Chapter 42–Final Goodbyes

for dark skin. Leave it to Neron to make me flush before I leave. Firmly nodding, I hug the package

things to

I enjoy out of everything here, is how embarrassed the Alpha

reached into my back pocket, unlocked my phone, and handed it

our contact list. A hint of glee bubbled in me once I set Neron’s number in my phone.

“I’ll call you.”

wasn’t. All I had to do was turn around

hard

“Kiya…”

Oh, f*ck it.

this, but I felt it. Strange, yet satisfied. Without hesitation, Neron hugged me back just as tight, pressing firm

his face? The sparks of our mate bond are so faint–barely hanging on the thread of life. They’re there, vying for the connection between destined mates. The Alpha sighed heavily above me, rubbing the back of my curls with the gentleness

stop saying it to you. Please, for the good of yourself, heal. Treat yourself kindly.

me.”

“Neron…”

He confesses. Hot tears rain

sorry that I did nothing but worsen it. Get better, my angel. Live your life the best way you can. Whatever trouble comes your way, I know you can deal

messed up, Neron.”

growls softly. “You’re

you love me so much?”

Chapter 42–Final Goodbyes

you without realizing it. You’re strong, dedicated to your cause, stubborn, and pure–hearted. You can change the world, Kiya. I’ve been my happiest when you were here, and now you need to be at your happiest away from here. It’s a shame I was too much of an

Neron showed me his face. His smile betrays the tears swimming down his cheeks like a flowing river. Pain is his best friend, but he’s shoving it aside for me. Because he wants the best for me, even if it hurts

him.

It doesn’t seem

for you.” The Alpha

me toward the car, pushing me away. The longer I stayed, the more it hurt him. My body felt like lead, but my

It’s a moment I should be grateful to leave a place that caused me too much pain. So why the f*ck does

my seat, with Neron’s gift still hugged to my chest. The car door closed with a loud and