Untouchable by Marii Solaria

Chapter 64 – The Ritual

“You win some, you lose some. Nothing wrong with that at all.“– Stefan Edberg

Two Days Later–Zircon Moon Pack

Third Person POV

The flaming sun settled below the vivid orange horizon to allow the silver moon to take its reign as ruler of the night. Twinkling diamonds bedazzled the cobalt cloak as it enhanced the shine of the waning gibbous. It was a night unlike any other. While the many humans and supernaturals of Nevada tucked away in their beds, the moonlight shone over a vast and vacant field surrounded by dense oak trees. A solitary tree with a wide bark stood in the center of the obscured greenery. In the distance, a waterfall plays its soothing song for the creatures taking shelter for the evening.

Perched in the birches was little Diana, with her golden orbs glued to the magic cradled within the moon.

Gentle commotion echoed through the breeze, carrying worries and curiosity from the wolves awake to see this monumental occasion. Two women decked out in orchid–purple garbs tossed glittering white dust in the air, whispering as the particles scattered across the land. Calm and collected, they worked to insure the area is free from impurities that could disrupt the soul–separation ritual.

One woman dusted off her hands and marched toward Neron, her ginger pixie cut fluttering with the near- unnoticeable wind. Her approach captured the Alpha’s attention, his sapphires drawn to her freckles highlighted by the moonlight. “How many people do we expect to be in attendance, Alpha Neron?”

“More will arrive soon, Elder Marjorie. That should be it. The man answered, ignoring the rising goosebumps on his exposed arms. “If I may ask, what was that dust you and Elder Estella were tossing?”

“Crystalline dust from selenite. It purifies the area from negative energy lingering in the area. Any disturbances can harm both the mortal and the wolf.”

“But wouldn’t the ritual itself hurt them both?”

“I cannot say for certain because those who partook in soul separations each yield different results and experiences. For some, it is painless. For others, it is excruciating.” Elder Marjorie adjusted her amethyst necklace, enclosing the gem with her palm. “To separate a wolf from their human means severing a bond untouched since birth. Invoking Selene is the only solution. However, if one party refuses to release the other, it adds to the pain.”

Neron bit his lip as the thought of Ariel in pain. Despite the immediate threat of agony, the wolf’s inflexible resolve is praiseworthy. She held immense strength for enduring endless days of her human’s greed and gave out endless chances for her to repent. How often did she suffer every time he and Odessa laid in bed together?

Odessa’s truth squashed any remaining feelings he had for her, along with her guiltlessness with tormenting Kiya. His heart didn’t beat for her as it used to before. Was this the effects of falling out of love with a woman who cared about the power he gave her?

His nostrils flared with his inhale, his chest settling after expelling an unsteady sigh. “Has anyone ever died

Chapter 64 – The Ritual

during these rituals?”

The icy mask of Elder Marjorie melted, disclosing the sorrow glittering in her emeralds. Her shoulders tensed as if her body is recalling what her mind didn’t want to. “There were a couple of occasions. If you don’t mind,

I don’t wish to delve into that.”

Neron nodded. “I apologize for my overstep.”

is successful. For whatever happens tonight, brace yourself for

outcomes.”

at multiple footsteps nearing the field. With his Betas and Gammas behind him, Darien and his friends marched in. While his

a headshake. “Looks like

smile settling on his face. “We can’t let you go

talk further. Emotional conflict raged a lethal war in his stomach, chest, and heart as his eyes watched the preparations. He spotted a youthful woman about the same age as him in a floral print dress, settling out white candles in their holders with Elder Estella. Both adults made eye contact, but Darien darted his eyes elsewhere, avoiding further attention. Sirius trotted and pranced around in his mind, adding to the pooling anxiety he wishes to

ready.” Elder Estella announced to the surrounding constituents. Her modulated voice carried with the wind, gentle but full of authority. Thick braids splayed on her shoulders, contrasting heavily with her purple garb. “Everyone, please come and grab a candle from Mara and

area,

preferably a circle.”

white candle adorned with a silver candle holder. Bits and pieces of authentic selenite poked through the waxy body, adding weight to the power it held. Darien’s hands shook as he reached for his candle, but

on the forest floor, her smile meeting their amber–tinted eyes. “Gotta be

blinked. “You made

golden hair. “Do you know how troublesome it is to find selenite in Las Cruces? It is like finding a needle in a haystack!” She hands him the candle. “Logically, it would have been

eyed Mara from head to toe, eyes unblinking. For a moment, Sirius stopped his shuffling and stared along with his human, curious. The pads

The

“I’m a witch. Well, not a full one. My distant ancestor is

is a witch as well, but she is in California at

Mara’s effervescent personality is infectious, awakening a smile on Darien’s face. A smile he thought he had lost for good.

Elder Estella poked her head between the two. “But the ritual will begin in

minutes.”

sky, flickering crazily when touched by moonlight. “Looks like you better get back to your friends.” The man nodded in silence, turning on his heels to walk back to his

his chest. He wasn’t certain if it

inhale of the night air, her grin glittering under the silvery light. Some members parted ways for her to enter the circle along with a few guards. Her green eyes recounted

Separating from her guiltlessness is a miracle she treasured.

grew impossibly wider, breaking away from the guards toward him. Darien’s blues flashed

own.

tears brimming in her eyes. “I’m so

cheeks flushed. The colorless dress Ariel failed

doubt and conflict, but found none. Ariel’s steadfastness is unbreakable, and she intends on

for this. I should apologize to you–I could have stopped Odessa from

back and forth with whose fault it is, so we might as well stop now.” She chuckled, brushing her palm against Sirius‘ cheeks. Yellow filled with indescribable emotion. Ariel’s face softened. “We won’t have to worry about Odessa anymore. I don’t know what

sound so final…”

sorry.” Rising on the tips of her toes, Ariel plants a

64 The Ritual

Sirius drew the she–wolf into another kiss. Smoldering. Desperate. Silently conveying his prayers for her to emerge unscathed after the ritual, his fears, and his hopes. Ariel drunk it all like fine wine, relishing in the touch of her other

of the urgency to start the ritual. Both mates gazed into each other’s eyes once