The Ritual
Kael
After I told Brid what Salima had told me, she was pale. I could smell her fear, it was obvious. She was at risk of losing her soul to evil. And if witches were to take possession of her body, there would be nothing we could do after.
“Kael, I'm scared. I am terrified. It's even scarier than being locked in a cave full of ghosts. Ever since I woke up, I have wondered why I was alive and why I was resurrected. Now that you have answered this question, I wish I hadn't woken up. And what about Leaf? Will it come back to me, will she be OK?”
I clenched my fist, and ground my teeth, “Don't say that Brid, don't ever say it again. Your life is the most important thing to me. Alive, we can work it all out, but if you die, there's nothing I can do. Yes, I know you're scared and not knowing what will happen is terrifying. Brid, I will be with you and won't leave you for a second. Salima assures me that she'll take care of everything else. Nobody wants that power to be unleashed again because only tragedy and death await us.”
After a few seconds, Brid calmed down with my words, I bet that assured her. Because I had every intention of fulfilling them. I will not leave her side, and if necessary, we will die together.
At this stressful moment, finally, I remember something I smelled when I entered, immediately catching my attention as I reached our room. Amanda's scent was all over the bed, and the room. I warned her not to come in here for any reason, and seeing Brid in that state confirmed my suspicions. I socked my head, imagining what she came to tell her.
Brid is in a vulnerable state, and anything anyone says to her can lead to behaviour like the one I just saw. Before Amanda causes irreparable damage, I must get her out of my house. But before I do anything, have to find a way to stop the council from interfering with my life. If I have to cut off some heads, I will. This is going too far, they are directly interfering with my mate, and that must stop.
But for now, I have to cheer her up, she needs all the compassion and support possible.
“Brid, baby, guess what, we'll have company. You will need a shawl and a nice dress.” Brid immediately turned to me, but her face didn't show the emotion I expected.
“There's a little girl dying to see you, and I think she has a lot to tell you.” Her face lit up in a second, with her eyes widening in happiness.
“Mary and Han are coming?” She got out of bed and headed to the bathroom. I grinned, walked towards the bathroom, and from the door, I yelled, “Do you need help?”
“No, no, Kael, I would never be on time out if you come here.” I laughed out loud. She's right, I wouldn't let my mate out after a long time in there.
While she was getting ready, I went to the closet and took out her clothes. I chose a short-sleeved navy-blue dress. Knowing it was one of her favourites. I knew very well because I gave it to her one day when I wanted to surprise her.
Ten minutes later and Brid came out of the hot steam blushing. I was glad that she was recovering because still looking at her Instantly, the memory of her face struck me when I found her in the forest. All battered, weak, starving and alone. I squeezed my eyes shut, immediately getting rid of that vision.
Much of what happened to her was my fault, and it will weigh on my conscience for the rest of my life.
When she was ready, I took her hand and led her to the bed. Brid sat up, and I started drying her hair with another towel. When I finished, all her tangled hair fell onto her face. My mate is beautiful, how not to recognize it? I stared at her for a few seconds, until I saw Brid's mouth with a smile. “Kael. ”
“OK, OK,” I said, shaking my head.
I helped her dress and put her shoes on. We headed to the living room and waited there. Half an hour later, the doorbell rang. Brid got up quickly and grabbed her dress, fisting it. She was nervous. I walked towards the door and opened it.
“Brid, Brid.” The little girl wasted no time. She ran into where my mate was. Brid opened her arms and they hugged. I turned to Han, who was still standing in the doorway.
“Please come in. You're at home.”
Han held out his hand and I took it, returning the greeting, “Thank you, Kael.” He walked over to where Brid and Mary were. My mate released Mary and hugged Han with all her might. They finally broke the hug, and then, Han said, “Brid, you look beautiful. I see your mate is taking good care of you.”
Brid blushed when she heard it, but she never lost her smile.
“Yes, I feel better, and now that I have you guys with me, I'm happier. But tell me, do you like your new house? Is everything okay with you? You have to tell me, OK? If you need something, anything.”
“Stop woman, we are more than fine. Your mate has treated us like royalty. Just ask Mary, she hasn't stopped eating cupcakes all day.”
“Yes, Brid, plenty of cupcakes, all different colours and flavours. I will never stop eating them. They're my favourites.”
Brid touched Mary's head, stroking it. My mate has so much love to give. I am eagerly awaiting to have our pups. She has always shown great care for anyone who needed her.
“I'll leave you alone to catch up on what they've been doing.” I hugged Brid after walking over to her.
“Are you going to be alright, love?”
She smiled and grabbed my hand, the only thing she said to me was “Thank you.”
“Come on Brid, show me your house. I'll show you mine, and it's huge.” Mary took her hand and pulled her towards the door.
“Mary, slow down, be careful,” Han said to his little girl.
“Oh! Sorry Brid, I'll be more careful.”
“Ha, ha, ha, no problem, I'm happy you're here. Come on Han, Mary, I'll give you guys a tour, and then we can cook something delicious.”
Brid asked, “Kael, are you coming back for lunch? To have your plate prepared.” My mate always thinks of me.
“No baby, this time I have to deal with some essential concerns with Conrad. But I promise I won't be long.” She nodded and kissed me on my mouth.
“I'll see you in a while, love, don't let me wait.”
“What's behind that door over there? And that one? Do you have a pool? Because I do, and I swim every day. My Da says I'm going to turn into a fish. But I don't care, I want to be like you. If I'm not a Wolf, at least I'll be a fish.”
I laughed out loud. That girl is special. I'm glad they accepted my proposal and stay here because they will have everything. I will make sure their lives are happy because I owe them my mate's life.
