Mira’s POV
The next evening came too quickly. As the sun sank beneath the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, my heart thudded in my chest. It was time for the second part of the ritual. I wasn’t sure if I was ready for it, but I knew there was no turning back now.
Killian came to my room just as I had finished putting on my clothes. He leaned against the doorway, his black eyes watching me carefully.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
I nodded, though my hands trembled slightly as I pushed my plate away. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”
“You don’t have to do this alone, you know,” he said softly, walking toward me. “I’m here.”
His words helped ease the tightness in my chest. “I know. And I’m grateful.”
We left without saying much to my dad or the others. I didn’t want to risk them asking questions. The drive to the witch’s cottage was quiet again, the silence filled with unspoken fears and doubts. Killian reached over to take my hand, his thumb brushing soothing circles over my skin.
“You did amazing last night,” he said after a while. “You faced your fears and came out stronger. You’ll do the same tonight.”
I glanced at him, trying to draw strength from his unwavering confidence in me. “What if this part is harder?” “It probably will be,” he admitted, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. “But you’re stronger than you think, Mira. And your wolf is with you every step of the way.”
His words settled over me like a warm blanket, offering a flicker of hope.
When we reached the witch’s cottage, she was already waiting for us at the door. Her silver hair glowed in the moonlight, and her piercing gaze landed on me.
“You returned,” she said, her voice calm yet commanding. “Good. That means you’re ready for the next trial.” I swallowed hard and nodded. “What do I have to do tonight?”
The witch stepped aside, motioning for us to enter. The room was dimly lit, the scent of herbs and candles stronger than before. On the table, the items we had brought the night before were still there, untouched. “Tonight’s trial will test your body,” the witch said as she closed the door behind us. “It will push you to your physical limits. Strength, endurance, and resilience are what you will need to succeed.”
Killian frowned, his protective instincts flaring. “What exactly will she have to do?”
The witch’s gaze flicked to him. “She will face a series of physical challenges designed to awaken the connection between her body and her wolf. These challenges are not meant to harm her but to push her beyond what she believes she can endure.”
I felt a lump form in my throat. “And if I fail?”
The witch’s eyes softened, just barely. “Then the ritual ends here. But I don’t think you will fail, Mira. Your wolf is strong, and so are you.”
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< Chapter 71
+8 Points >
Killian’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t argue. Instead, he turned to me, his voice low and steady. “Mira, if this gets to be too much, you stop. Promise me.”
“I promise,” I said, though we both knew I wouldn’t stop unless I absolutely had to.
The witch motioned for me to step forward. “Are you ready to begin?”
I hesitated for a moment, my heart pounding in my chest. Then I nodded, drawing in a deep breath. “I’m ready.
The witch led me to the center of the room, where a circle had been drawn with intricate symbols. She handed me a small vial containing a shimmering liquid.
“Drink this,” she instructed. “It will heighten your senses and strengthen the bond between you and your wolf.”
I took the vial, my fingers trembling. Killian stepped closer, his presence a steadying force. “You’ve got this,”
he whispered.
I nodded and drank the liquid. It was warm and slightly bitter, sliding down my throat like honey. Almost immediately, I felt a surge of energy ripple through me. My senses sharpened–the crackle of the fire sounded louder, the scent of herbs more potent, and I could feel my wolf stirring inside me.
“What now?” I asked.
The witch began to chant, her voice low and melodic. The symbols around me started to glow faintly, and the air grew heavy with power.
“You will be tested in three stages,” she said. “The first will challenge your speed, the second your strength, and the third your endurance.”
Before I could ask what that meant, the ground beneath me seemed to shift. I blinked, and suddenly, I wasn’t in the cottage anymore. I stood in a vast, open field under a starless sky.
“What is this?” I asked aloud, my voice echoing.
“It’s part of the ritual,” my wolf said, her voice clear in my mind. “We’re still in the witch’s magic. Stay focused.
”
The first challenge began without warning. A series of obstacles appeared before me–trees with low–hanging branches, rivers with strong currents, and rocky cliffs.
“Run,” my wolf urged.
I didn’t hesitate. I took off, my legs pumping as I dodged branches and leapt over fallen logs. The wind rushed past me, and for a moment, it felt exhilarating. But the obstacles grew harder. The river was freezing and nearly pulled me under, the cliffs were steep and jagged, and my muscles burned with every step. “You can do this, Mira,” my wolf said, her voice steady. “Keep going.”
I pushed through the pain, my breaths coming in sharp gasps. When I finally reached the end of the field, the world shifted again.
The second challenge was a test of strength. I stood in a clearing surrounded by heavy boulders. A deep voice echoed around me.
“Move the stones,” it commanded.
I hesitated, looking at the massive rocks. “How am I supposed to do that?”
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< Chapter 71
“Trust your strength,” my wolf said.
+6 Pords>
I stepped forward, gripping the first boulder with trembling hands. It was heavier than anything I’d ever lifted, but I gritted my teeth and pushed. Slowly, it began to move.
One by one, I moved the boulders, each one harder than the last. My arms and legs ached, and sweat dripped down my face.
“You’re stronger than you think,” Killian’s voice echoed in my mind, a memory from earlier.
With a final burst of effort, I pushed the last boulder into place. My body screamed in protest, but I didn’t
stop.
The third challenge came almost immediately. I found myself running again, but this time, I carried a heavy weight on my back. The terrain was rough, and my legs felt like lead.
“You can do this,” my wolf said, her voice a constant source of encouragement.
“I don’t know if I can,” I admitted, my voice breaking.
“Yes, you can,” she insisted. “You’ve come this far. Don’t stop now.”
I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to keep going. Every step was agony, but I refused to give up.
When I finally crossed the finish line, the world shifted again. I was back in the cottage, collapsing onto the
floor.
Killian was at my side in an instant, his hands on my shoulders. “Mira! Are you okay?”
“I… I think so,” I said, my voice weak.
The witch smiled, her expression approving. “You have passed the second test. Rest now, Mira. The final stage will test your spirit. It will be the hardest of all.”
Killian helped me to my feet, his arms steadying me as I leaned against him. “You were incredible,” he said
softly.
“I don’t feel incredible,” I murmured, my body trembling with exhaustion.
He chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “You should. You have come so far, Mira. I’m proud of
you.”
His words warmed my heart, and for the first time, I allowed myself to believe that maybe, just maybe, I could
do this.
As I rested in Killian’s arms, I couldn’t help but wonder what the final test would bring. But for now, I focused on the small victory of having made it through another night.
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