Untouchable by Marii Solaria

Chapter 73 – You Must Fight

“This kind of war, you gotta believe in what you’re fighting for.” – John Wayne

Neron

Our feet kicked up some pond water, six different ripples encircling our ankles. It was peaceful. I’ve long stopped crying, the itchiness in my throat a distant remembrance of my breakdown. Mom’s breathing echoed softly between us as held one of my hands in hers while Nuria rested her head on my shoulder. I still can’t believe this is happening. I’ve done nothing to deserve this, but here I am, staring at the tangible presences my lost family.

Why couldn’t we have stayed this way? Why did they have to die?

“Don’t give up, Nero.” Nuria whispered, her fingers brushing against the flower petals. I realized what she meant, but it didn’t lesson the doubt swimming in my head. “You can still save her.”

of

“Can I?” I exhaled, glimpsing at my reflection in the pool. My eyes are red and puffy. “Nuria, Kiya wants to kill me because I hurt her. I want to save her, but I can’t ignore the possibility that…I might not be able to. What if I can’t?”

“What ifs are dangerous, my precious.” Mom squeezed my hand, pushing some strands of my hair behind my ear. Her thumb caressed my cheek. “But, you’re right. You hurt that darling and it stuck with her for years, but it wasn’t just you. Everyone, whether they directly harmed her or turned the blind eye, are also responsible…. including your father.” Hurt laced in her last words. I looked into her eyes and saw an amalgamation of pain and shame. Coming to terms that your mate abused a child couldn’t be an easy

thing to deal with.

Kiya used to refer to my mom as her aunt because she was close with her family. Mom loved her like she was her own. Maybe how Mom feels now is what Kiya felt every time she saw me for the first time. I squeezed her hand to let her know that I’m still here, but I wonder. Did Mom see everything? How else would she have known? I glanced at Nuria to see the same amalgamation in her eyes. “Your father and you used Nuria and I as scapegoats for the abuse. Who Lady Sanguine is today directly results from that. You’ve done wrong, and it is your job to make it right.”

I nodded. Lady Sanguine didn’t appear on a whim; Zircon Moon, collectively, created a weapon of our own destruction and she won’t stop until we’re all gone. “I know Mom, and I’m so sorry. I missed you and Nuria so much, and then Dad started talking and

“Shh.” Mom held a finger on my lips to shush me. Then, she leaned in and pressed a firm kiss on my forehead. “You were suffering, I know. But abuse is never justifiable. You cannot erase pain by causing pain to another.”

“Everyone knows Kiya isn’t responsible for what happened to Mom and I.” Nuria huffed, kicking her feet up. “She never was, and we never blamed her. Dad just hates her. It’s not even about losing us anymore!”

“However,” Mom intercepted. “The difference between you and your father, Neron, is that you’re learning from your mistakes. Not many people can do that.”

“Are you ashamed of–me, Mom?” I inquired, anxious. “Are you, Nuria? Kiya was your best friend.”

1/5

Not was, She is my best friend.” She corrected with a glower. “At first, I was deeply ashamed of you. I was furious, Selene showed us everything–the least painful parts, I suppose. You do not know how much I wanted to march out of heaven and strangle the shit out of you.”

“Nuria.”

She gulped. “Sorry, Mommy. What I meant to say is yes, I was ashamed, but not anymore, Neron.”

to be. I can’t love it anymore. But it is not your responsibility

I retorted, grinding my teeth. It doesn’t matter than neither of them are ashamed; I have enough of it to last a lifetime “I’m her mate! It is my job to protect her, and I failed, back then and now! All I wanted was Dad’s love, and I hurt her to get it, and it turned out to be a load of bullshit. He never cared about me and look at the consequences! It’s because of me she killed herself and its because of me that Osiris has her. And now, she wants me

right?” Nuria asked.

do. So

you need to fight, Neron. Fight harder than you’ve ever done before. Your mate bond with Kiya went through hell and back, but its still there. Your love for her has to shine through this time. Losing her to another who wants her purely for her power, is not an option!”

do I

tell you how to reach to

added. “The question

into who Lady Sanguine is today; a manifestation of Kiya’s anger and hatred toward all who wronged her. But when I held her, she had every opportunity to kill me. My throat was exposed for her blade to take what it wanted, but she didn’t. Instead, I saw the real Kiya drowning

of hurting her. Ever. I’ll carry that sin until

save Kiya? I don’t know.

who can save her? I don’t know

will try. The future is uncertain, and danger continues to make its presence

lose her, Mom.” I confided, pain pulsing in my veins once again. “She has to come back, for her

73 – You

family’s sake.”

and yours too. Don’t forget about yourself!” Nuria added, giving

long tresses with a loving smile. “Whatever you do and whatever

right Mom?” Nuria shot a wink at Mom, who rolled her eyes and lightly. kicked her feet in the water. My sister giggled

what that’s all

doubted my abilities and competence to be a leader, and I doubted myself. If my father didn’t believe in me, why should I?

leave. A spasm of loneliness entered my heart, tugging at my heartstrings. I grabbed onto their hands for dear life like a child frightened of being left alone. I just got them back. A

Mom and Nuria have for me. When I wake up, I’ll be alone again and they’ll be in their graves.

myself, and with my palms pressed together, I quietly thanked my Moon Goddess for blessing me with

so different if they were still

this moment while

the women I

after being in white for so long. The moon was fully shining through my window, casting a silvered glow

tears I’ve unknowingly shed in my slumber. My sniffles echoed through the hushed air, and loneliness took its place as my partner once more. The dream was so

again. Tears pricked my eyes, but I hastily wiped them away with my hands, sniffling. My world fell into that familiar chill once more. But Mom and Nuria left me with

You Man

“Hoo?”

the strip of moonlight on my desk, her gold eyes

a wave of relief. The owl disappeared after the attack and I was so worried something might have happened, but I’m glad

her.

as soft as a pillow.

1…” I sighed. “I miss my mother and Nuria, a lot. But, oddly enough, your presence makes us for it. You’ve made my life less lonely