Untouchable by Marii Solaria

Chapter 71 – Memory Recall

“Things end but memories last forever.“– Unknown

Anthony

A new summer’s day starts off with the sun blessing my lands and the echoes of my wolves bombarding the air. It is something I look forward to each morning, and it fills my heart with joy. Happiness is no stranger to me as every day brings more warmth and possibilities for greatness and progress.

Today wasn’t one of those days.

News of the attack on Zircon Moon didn’t just reach my ears, but it crossed state lines. It is unheard of that a lone enemy can destroy a good portion of a titular pack, but it struck fear in the strongest hearts. Because of this, Alphas all over have increased security around their territories in case the threat spreads. No one was taking any chances.

I followed suit. Security around the perimeters of my terrain increased in expectation that we might be next on Osiris‘ hit list. My members had asked why the sudden change when Garnet Moon was the safest pack on the West Coast, but I assured them it was a precautionary measure. I couldn’t tell the whole truth, for it would

raise alarms.

However, nothing could prepare me when Jacqueline and the others recounted the horrific details of the attack. They’ve arrived in the morning with heaviness in their hearts and sadness in their eyes. As if someone ripped their hearts out of their chest. Descriptions of the blood, the screaming, and the terror made it feel as if I was there on that calamitous night–and knowing they couldn’t do a thing to help is a type of helplessness I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.

I couldn’t describe the gut–wrenching sensation I felt when I learned that my little sister led the charge. Corrupted. Misled by a snake in the grass. One bite of the poisonous fruit and she turned into a beast with Osiris holding the leash. All of what Lucien, Phoebe, and Nadia speculated not too long ago molded into the truth; Kiya could be beyond reach. If her friends couldn’t get through to her, what could?

Kiya slaughtering people struck a lightning bolt of fear into my spine. I didn’t believe it was my little sister; the most humble and benevolent wolf that I know, aside from my mother. She isn’t the type to hurt people, no matter how angry she got. The group described an unhinged, vengeful animal, not Kiya.

I refuse to call her by that wicked alias Osiris gave her. His name awakens an anger in me I never thought existed he took my family. He is a dead man as soon as I get my hands on him!

Telling my parents wasn’t easy. Watching the devastation on their faces demanded that I repent for the sin of upsetting them. The light left my mother’s eyes as she cried, and the unspoken sadness in my father hurt deeply. I wanted to comfort them, but I knew it wouldn’t work. Mom looked like she hadn’t slept in days. Dad confirming it only aggravated my pain.

They need Kiya back.

I couldn’t afford to waste time. We have to find Kiya and bring her home; even if it means dragging her kicking and screaming. If anyone knew answers about where Osiris is, it is Nadia and Lucien. Desperate times

1/6

call for desperate measures.

1 needed Phoebe’s expertise.

“You think Nadia and Lucien know where Osiris‘ main base Is?” Phoebe asked, carrying her black, thick book as we walked to the couple’s safe home. “Nadia said before that they didn’t know where they were coming from.”

“I’m aware of that, but I believe if we keep pushing, they can recall things they couldn’t recall before.” I explained. “Is there anything in that book of spells that can help?”

“It’s called a grimoire.” Phoebe answered with a playful eye–roll. “But, yes. There are spells in here for memory recall. To be transparent with you, these are the spells I don’t touch nor perform on a whim. These spells don’t just make the person recall specific memories; they can recall any–good and bad.”

“I see. There is the risk that we might retraumatize them.”

“Exactly. Memories are powerful, but some are better left buried and forgotten.” The witch paused for a moment and sighed, as if she was trying to push back some memories of her own. “We don’t know the full extent of what Nadia and Lucien experienced at Osiris‘ hands. They remember more than what their brains allow them to. What do you hope to gain from this?”

“A way to know Kiya’s location. Osiris kept his business hidden–we know that, but if they’re able to recall things in the environment, it can point us in the right direction. We may not know the city, state, hell even the zip code of where they were, but I need something to work with.” The weight in my chest is back, pressing against my heart. I…I can’t believe what Kiya has become. She…it isn’t possible.”

Anthony.” Phoebe hugged her grimoire when she faced me. “Darkness and light have a complicated relationship. It isn’t as black and white as everyone thinks it is. Kiya is an amazing person with a great heart, but even those with big hearts struggle with their darkness–the feelings they’re forbidden to express. Just as Lucien said, if Osiris senses a weakness, he’ll exploit it and whether we like it or not, Kiya had many that she hid very

thought about

to get your sister back. We just need to get creative and look at other avenues we haven’t thought of before. And

don’t take risks.”

don’t have to touch you to know that you

Goddamnit, I love and hate Phoebe’s perceptiveness. Yes, I’m scared. The image of my little sister in my mind is flawless and polished–I remember her as how I left her at Zircon Moon months ago. I haven’t

that led up

distance ahead of me.

else could

that in mind.”

a familiar pair walking toward their front door. Confused as we were, Phoebe and I trotted up to them. “Mom? Dad?” They turned to face me, shocked that I was

were…” Mom hesitated a bit, eyeing Dad for help. “…wondering if Nadia

“About?”

the snake lives.” Dad answered blandly.

same thing. Wouldn’t it be overwhelming for the four of us to be here?”

eyes is coming back, but it is not as prominent as before. “I’m sick of not knowing, and I’m sick of waiting. Those two rested for long enough and

knocked so hard the door shook. She was a woman on a mission–a mission formed out of desperation and impulsivity. When we caught up, we heard a yelp and rummaging echoing

did you put my

it matter? You look better naked,

in front of our guests! Where the hell is my bra–Lucien! Give it back!”

are the cups bigger than my

sizes

as a face mask if I wanted to!”

“Lucien!”

“Fine, fine.”

were

slammed her fists against the door again. A save Bowl

Lucien wearing

were

irritated. Mom and Dad invited themselves into their home and made themselves

in here.” Mom blurted out.

checks grow red

her grimoire on the surface. “We wanted

Nadia said,

damage is severe, and they’ve kidnapped the old Alpha and Betas. We need to know where Osiris is located so we can retrieve them and my sister. The smallest detail

in the prisons.” Lucien explained with a weighty sigh. “We were there until we broke out. We never looked back, and we don’t know where his home is located,

Dad muttered. “What about the direction you ran

running until we came across smaller, unestablished packs and supernaturals that took us in. The direction didn’t matter–we needed to get far away from Osiris has possible.” Nadia’s eyebrow

both your permissions, I’ll cast a memory recall

hurt?” Nadia

no. Again, it is up to you two

one another, teetering between acceptance and rejection. From the look in their eyes, they didn’t want to relive the intimate details of their escape but understand the importance of it. We shared looks, some of hope and some of anxiety. But, in the end,

and white wisps of magic emitted from her palms and sunk into the skin on the couple’s shoulders. The surrounding area sunk in temperature as the spell progressed and Phoebe’s magic buzzed through the air, urging us to huddle for warmth. Between Nadia and Lucien was shaking, sweating, and soft cursing,

forests for

blocked the sun.