Chapter 68
Mira’s POV
Killian and I walked up to the witch’s small cottage, the tension between us as thick as the forest air. The house looked the same as I remembered it–old and weathered, with vines crawling up its stone walls. My stomach twisted with nerves. The last time I had been here, I had learnt so many things about my past.
Killian knocked on the door, his knuckles rapping against the wood. We waited in silence, the sound of birds chirping in the distance doing little to calm my racing heart.
After a few moments, the door creaked open, and the witch stood before us, her dark eyes sharp but kind. Her long, flowing robes and silver hair gave her an ageless quality, as though she had seen more lifetimes than I could comprehend.
“Mira,” she said, a smile spreading across her face. “You’re alive and well. I’m so glad.”
I nodded, unsure of what to say. Her presence was both comforting and unnerving.
Killian stepped forward. “I didn’t get the chance to thank you properly for helping us save Mira the other day. If it weren’t for you-”
The witch raised a hand, cutting him off gently. “There’s no need for thanks, Killian. I only did what was necessary. I don’t usually get involved in pack matters, but Mira’s situation was… unique.”
She stepped aside and gestured for us to come in. “Come, sit. We have much to discuss.”
We entered the cottage, the familiar scent of herbs and magic filling the air. The room was small but cozy, with shelves lined with jars and books. A single table sat in the center, surrounded by mismatched chairs. “Have a seat,” the witch said, motioning to the chairs.
Killian and I sat down, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of urgency. I wanted answers, and I wanted them
now.
Killian broke the silence. “We have a big problem.”
The witch nodded, her expression serious. “Yes, I know. Aaron is still alive.”
I stiffened at her words. “What? How? Killian stabbed him with the dagger you gave him!”
She turned her gaze to Killian. “You didn’t pierce his heart properly. That’s why he didn’t die.”
Killian’s jaw tightened. “I aimed for his heart. I was sure I got him.”
The witch shook her head. “With someone like Aaron, precision is everything. If the dagger doesn’t strike the heart exactly, it won’t work. He’s protected by the curse of immortality, which makes him harder to kill.”
Killian ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident on his face. “This is impossible. Do we have to face him again and hope for a better strike?”
I swallowed hard, my hands clenched in my lap. “There has to be another way. I can’t keep running from him. We need to finish this.”
The witch’s gaze softened as she looked at me. “You’re right, Mira. But the answer doesn’t lie with Killian’s dagger alone. It lies with you.”
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My heart skipped a beat. “Me?”
48 Points>
She nodded. “You have power, Mira. Power that has been dormant for too long. The other day, I told you about the ritual to awaken it. That ritual is the key to defeating Aaron. Without it, you won’t stand a chance”
I straightened in my chair, determination coursing through me. “Then I want to complete it. As soon as possible. I need to be strong enough to fight him.”
Killian reached for my hand. His grip was warm. “You won’t fight him alone, Mira. I’ll be by your side, no
matter what.”
I looked at him, my chest tightening. He was loyal to me, and while it comforted me, I couldn’t shake the fear of losing him. He was a good friend and I could not put him in danger.
The witch cleared her throat, drawing our attention back to her. “The ritual isn’t simple, Mira. It’s long and complex, and it will test you in ways you can’t imagine. But if you’re willing, I’ll start the preparations.”
I nodded. “I’m ready. Just tell me what I need to do.”
The witch rose from her chair and began pacing the room, her hands clasped behind her back. “First, you’ll need to gather a few items. These are crucial for the ritual to work.”
She listed them off. “You’ll need the petals of a midnight bloom, a rare flower that only grows deep in the forest. You’ll also need a vial of your own blood, a symbol of your connection to your wolf. Lastly, you’ll need a shard of obsidian, which will act as a conduit for the magic.”
I nodded, committing each item to memory. “Where do I find the midnight bloom?”
The witch smiled faintly. “There’s a clearing deep in the forest, past the eastern border. It’s hidden well, but if you follow your instincts, you’ll find it. The next auspicious day for the ritual is in two nights, so you’ll need to be ready by then.”
I glanced at Killian, who looked less than thrilled. “We’ll go together,” he said firmly.
The witch didn’t object, though her gaze lingered on him for a moment. “Very well. Once you have the flower, bring it here. That’s when the ritual will truly begin.”
“What happens during the ritual?” I asked, my voice quieter now.
The witch’s expression grew serious. “The ritual will take three days and three nights to complete. Each day represents a different trial–one of mind, body, and spirit. You’ll face your fears, confront your past, and unlock the bond between you and your wolf. It will be painful, Mira, and there is no guarantee you’ll succeed. But if you do, your power will awaken fully.”
I swallowed hard, the weight of her words sinking in. “And if I don’t succeed?”
She met my gaze, her voice gentle but firm. “Then, you will never be able to get rid of Aaron.”
The room fell silent, the gravity of the situation pressing down on me.
Killian broke the silence, his voice steady. “She’ll succeed. I’ll make sure of it.”
The witch’s lips curled into a small smile. “Then we’ll begin tomorrow. Prepare yourselves, both of you. This will be unlike anything you have ever faced.”
I nodded, my heart pounding. The path ahead was daunting, but I couldn’t back down. For my pack, for my dad, and for myself, I had to see this through.
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