A MINOR RITUAL

A MINOR RITUAL
Chapter 85

Alessia's pov

I'd never caught him nervous before. It seemed almost unreal experiencing that part of him. Although he tried keeping in check, he couldn't manage to stifle the sharp inhale he took in as he tried to speak while also avoiding my gaze.

“It demands a minor ritual process.’’ He let out. The least I expected him to say.

I couldn't help the loud scoff that fell off my lips, forcing his eyes up to meet mine in puzzlement.

“A minor ritual?’’ I emphasised on his use of the word ‘minor’. “You really think the process is a minor one, or you're just saying things to make me feel better?’’

“Wh-what do you….’’ He trailed off, his eyes widened instead in realisation and disbelief.
“You don't know about it already, do you?’’

“You don't need to lie to make me feel better. I'd rather you spelt out the whole danger involved to me instead.’’ I spat, leaving him to figure himself out and storming to my room.

I managed to navigate my morning routine through so much struggles with my thoughts and sickly emotions. That pounding headache from earlier seemed to have stirred some level of dizziness and nauseating feeling in my system.
I almost laid down to have a little rest when my tummy churned with ravenous hunger.

Well, now I had to face Cyril again!

“Oh, my Lady. I was just on my way to get you for breakfast.’’ Melanie appeared before me as I stepped out of my bedroom, looking more weighted than she used to be.

A thought crossed through my mind but I chose to ignore it. She probably just ate up in the last few months.

I regarded the beams on her bright face and a scoff forced it way out of my lips. Without a word, I walked past her ahead to the dinning room.

As expected, Cyril was already seated. But thankfully there was another presence, Alan. And….. some old lady?

“Greetings all.’’ I muttered hesitantly to which they all responded with distinct gestures but of course except Cyril.

“Is she the one?’’ The old lady asked, directing her question at Cyril in particular.

He responded with a positive nod, without any difficulty or hesitance.

My curiosity sparked. Was she his mother or something? The last I checked, he had never mentioned about having any parents. Or I probably never bothered to ask but he couldn't have had any all these while.

“I'll introduce you both properly after breakfast.’’ Cyril stated. He must have noticed my weird glances at the woman, hers not excluded.

Breakfast was served and we all ate in silence. Lance joined us at some point and I made sure to get details from him on how Adrian was doing, though it wasn't any good.

“Excuse me.’’ I stood, dropping the serviette I used in wiping my lips clean.

“If you're done…’’ Cyril stopped me before I could leave. “....wait at the living area for us. We'll join you when we are done.’’ He said.

I thought to put a call across to Thompson after the dispiriting reports I got from Lance concerning Adrian's countenance.

How long was this ritual upposed to take and when in the goddess’ sake were we going to start the process? Adrian needed me, and I needed to be there for him.

I eventually took out my phone and dialed Thompson. I listened to the line ring consistently with no response coming on. Twice.

“Go on. I'll join you.’’ Cyril’s voice interrupted the silent haze, forcing me to look over.

He had instructed Alan who was now on his way out.

He approached with the old lady behind him, his gaze anywhere else but on me. I dropped my phone, adjusted my posture properly while clearing my throat, aware of the impending situation coming up.

They took their seats, and Universe! My ears ache badly to hear about all that was going on.

“This is Aloha, the priestess of the kingdom. She is the one to handle the ritual process we talked about earlier today.’’ Cyril started out straightforwardly, turning to the lady while swatting his chin my way.

‘‘That's Alessia. My mate who you already know everything about. Do put her through on the requirements necessary for the process of the rituals. The next full moon is in a week's time as you know, I only want to see results then.’’ He concluded, standing up to leave already.

“I'll take care of it. You can trust me, my king.’’ Lady Aloha replied. Or shall I address her as Ma'am Aloha instead?

Smearing one last unexplainable look at me, Cyril headed out. Ma'am Aloha turned to me with a warm smile.

“How are you doing dear?’’

Her eye smile was beautiful, adorably complimenting her triangular face with old fatty cheeks on the sides. Her unequal lips are a thick shade of magenta, with clear porcelain-like skin even though it was now laced with age-related folds.

“Very well ma'am.’’ I returned her smile to the best I could muster, ignoring my actual sick feelings.

“You don't look too well. Is everything okay with you?’’ She was quick to observe.

“Um… It's just slight weakness, probably from the stress I had to deal with in the past days. Please ignore me, I'll be fine.” I added.

‘‘Well, do you think you're strong enough to take on the process for the rituals?’’ She asked again.

“Yes please. I want to get it done with.’’ I answered determinately.

“The king must have communicated the circumstances attached to the rituals with you..…’’

‘‘No, he hasn't.’’ I nearly interrupted.

‘‘Then at least you must know some certain things already, including your connection to the curse on our land.’’

‘‘If you mean my moon mark, then yes I do.’’ I answered.

“You must also know that it is your fate to restore the Lycan males of their suffering even though it means putting your life on the line.’’ She stated.

I was forced to a pause this time, drawing the hardest inhale of my life.

“What are the chances?’’ I asked, fists clenched beside my thighs.

“A ten out of fifty.’’ She blurted out, not a single sign of humour on her face.