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.”

apologies. Not every ritual is successful. For whatever happens tonight, brace

outcomes.”

his friends marched in. While his friends held curious expressions,

asked, his body rigid. Neron answered with a headshake. “Looks like we’ve arrived on time. I brought my

face. “We can’t let you go through this

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

of authority. Thick braids splayed on her shoulders, contrasting heavily with her purple garb. “Everyone, please come and grab a candle

area,

preferably a circle.”

weight to the power it held. Darien’s hands shook as he reached for his candle, but

smile meeting their amber–tinted eyes. “Gotta be careful with these

“You made

Cruces? It is like finding a needle in a haystack!”

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

The Hit

“I’m a witch. Well, not a full one. My distant ancestor is a witch, and genetics made me one, it seems. Estella and Marjorie are my

a witch as well, but she is

fellow witches. Send her my way if possible.” Mara’s effervescent personality is infectious, awakening a smile on Darien’s face. A smile he thought he had lost for good.

interrupt,” Elder Estella poked her head between the two. “But the ritual

minutes.”

out a portable lighter to light his candle. The flame stretched to the sky, flickering crazily when touched by moonlight. “Looks like you better get back to

He wasn’t certain if it was from

air, her grin glittering under the silvery light. Some members parted ways for her

Separating from her guiltlessness is a miracle she

guilt melted away like ice on fire when her eyes landed on Darien. Her grin grew impossibly wider, breaking away from the guards toward him. Darien’s blues flashed to soft yellow, marking the presence of Sirius. Once

own.

Ariel gasped, tears brimming in

see you before…” He sighed, hands rubbing her naked arms. Her cheeks flushed. The colorless dress Ariel failed to provide warmth against the tranquil night. “Are you

is unbreakable, and she intends on following through with her promise. “Sirius. I’m sorry for not being strong enough to stop my human. This

for this. I should apologize to you–I could have stopped Odessa from poisoning Darien, but I was as weak as

stop now.” She chuckled, brushing her palm against Sirius‘ cheeks. Yellow filled with indescribable emotion. Ariel’s face softened. “We won’t

it sound so final…” Sirius whimpered.

the tips of her toes, Ariel plants a tender

64 The

Desperate. Silently conveying his prayers for her to emerge unscathed after the ritual, his fears, and his hopes. Ariel drunk

Both mates gazed into each other’s eyes once