Untouchable by Marii Solaria

Chapter 57 – Delegation

“Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.“– Suzy Kassem

Neron

I don’t know where I am, or how I got here.

All I know is that something terrible has happened.

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A throbbing pain in my chest wouldn’t leave. It sat, recklessly pulsating against my wishes. I’ve tried rubbing the area to case the discomfort, but it only made it worse. The only thing I could do is try to ignore it as I try to figure out where I am. Easier said than done, so it seems.

Is this a dream? My steps echoed as I walked through the infinite void of white. The blinding light betrayed the reckless chill, goosebumps littering across my exposed flesh. Could this be a sign of things to come, or am I looking too much into it?

Then, I remembered what Onyx said before I passed out. He believes something happened to Kiya. The pain was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, like it ripped my heart from my chest. It was the only sign I’ve received from my mate’s condition, and it wasn’t good. At all.

This is where the panic sets in. What happened to Kiya?

Suddenly, a second pair of footsteps appeared, seizing my attention. Faint sniffles followed. I ran toward the source of the sadness. My distressed heart was eager to alleviate whoever it was. Confusion settled in; why am I doing this? It seemed futile, but I couldn’t stop. Something was telling me not to. As I drew closer, the thoughts of Kiya grew in power. She was all I could think about; her smile, her laughter, her fearlessness–everything that made her perfect..

“I’m sorry…”

The memories faded to dust. I skidded to a stop, eyes widening. That voice. I’ll always recognize that voice, even if it’s just a whisper in the wind.

“I just wanted the pain to stop…”

The white void misted and cleared to a scene that crushed my heart. It was Kiya, on her knees with her hands covering her face. Tears slipped from her fingers, raining on the ground like a storm. Her whimpers were soft, her body curled into a small ball to hide from the world. I couldn’t stand the sight of my mate sad. I wanted to take away her sadness; to reach out to wipe her tears away. To tell her everything will be okay.

But what did she mean by ‘wanting the pain to stop?

“Love?” I took a step forward, worried. My fingers ached to touch her face. Startled, her head shot up from her palms, revealing puffy eyes and a tear–stained face. Brown eyes glistened with fear, Kiya retreated on her rear, scurrying away from me.

“No! Stay back!” She yelled. “Leave! I’m too dangerous!”

“What do you mean, Kiya?” I continue to advance, motivated by my concern. “Please, let me help you.”

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“No one can help me!” Frantically wiping her tears, she rose on her feet, staring me down. “You don’t know you’re getting into, Neron. If you know what’s best for you, you’d leave and forget about me!”

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my head. “Something is happening, and I need to know what it is. I want to and will help you, even if you’ll hate me for it. Leaving you

scoffed. I ignored it. “What

as if she was waiting for

will to fight. I had many questions, and this was my only chance to get answers, по matter how wild

Sighing, her eyes drifted close. “I’m no longer the Kiya you

z an

howled, pulsating unseen force that chucked us on our rears. What slithered out of the hole was a colossal, writhing, snake tail. It launched toward its target, draping around Kiya’s waist, pulling her toward it, ravenous to swallow her whole.

not taking my mate away

game of tug–o–war with my mate as the rope, both sides fighting for the chance to claim her as our own. Losing her wasn’t

yells of pain were all I could hear. I wanted them to stop because she was in pain, but I’d risk losing her for good. My heart can’t take that! I couldn’t give up!

belonged, not in a pit of black. Losing footing, the snake tail began slipping,

Until it wasn’t.

pain spreading from my Pack Mark to the rest of my body. Sadistic, the agony seized control of my muscles, infusing in every fiber to render me helpless. I fought against it, but it became tougher to breathe. My vision blurred, sending a pounding, rhythmic headache straight into my skull. My hands slipped and my knees buckled. I lost focus. I lost my momentum and Kiya slipped from my hands with an echoing scream. Collapsing onto the hard ground, weak and lips cemented together,

“NERON!”

heart monitor bombarded my eardrums when I shot up from the hospital bed, sweat clinging onto my clothes.

me to rest. My eyes found my Betas and Gamma gazing at

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pushing me back to the pillow. “We found you passed out in your room. We couldn’t wake you up, so we had you rushed

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what I should say. My hands shook and my mind swam like a cruise against the wild sea, threatening to throw me overboard in its watery prison. Kiya’s

“I

Goddess,

through our bond, hoping for a sign. Hoping for an answer that she’s okay. But I’m met with an impervious wall. Unable to feel her on the

Kiya is no longer there.

reject me? Was this the pain I gave her five years

guilt, punishing me worse than my father ever could. A normal person would cry in their bed as they struggle, but I couldn’t. I felt numb. Nothing felt real to me, anymore.

finally caught up to me.

know what’s best for you, you’d leave and forget about me!” Kiya’s voice from the dream echoed in the recesses of my mind. Could that be what she meant? Maybe it was her way of saying she rejected our bond. Osiris has her. Kiya said, in the dream, that he’s done something to her. I don’t know if the dream was just a dream or a strange premonition, but I trust in what

wait to rip

y voice flat

from Alpha Anthony, Kwame?” I

location ritual failed. She couldn’t find her, even with the aid of other witches. The

detail and we’reping at straws. I feel like I’m about to lose my mind with all these different, contradicting emotions at

know, Neron. I don’t think I’ll ever

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better than nothing. Better than

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of

is a struggle unlike any other, Onyx. To be a leader when you aren’t sure

it right.”