The Lightning Wolf Chronicles (Evelyn and Nadia) novel Chapter 113

Chapter 113: You Are More Powerful Than You Realize

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Evelyn’s POV

Aria and I spent hours clearing space in the basement. After sweeping away cobwebs and moving dusty crates, I gave the floor one final check to make sure nothing would interfere with the ritual.

“This better be good enough,” Aria said, wiping dust from her hands. “I don’t get why we’re doing this in a creepy basement instead of upstairs like normal

people. Shouldn’t a marking ceremony be more… I don’t know, dignified?”

“Maybe magic works better underground,” I said. “Or she just needs privacy. As long as we get marked, I don’t really care where it happens.

We bundled up and headed outside to the witch’s car. The vehicle was packed with bulging canvas bags that smelled like herbs and several heavy plastic

containers.

“Think all this stuff is just for the ritual?” Aria asked as we hauled the items toward the house.

Before I could answer, I felt the hair on my neck stand up. I spun around to find the witch standing right behind us, her face expressionless. Neither of us

had heard her approach.

“Good,” she nodded at our startled reactions. “Don’t be surprised. I used a spell of stillness. Your senses cannot detect me.”

Aria’s voice filled my head. She sounds like she walked straight out of a fantasy move.

Maybe we should just ask her directly, I replied, though I bet she can hear us anyway

“Very perceptive,” the witch said, looking straight at me. “You’re both special, and both crucial. Conrad will guard the entrance while we work. The spell will leave you weakened and vulnerable. Even without the elders’ formalities, this process takes time.”

She never told us her name. Instead, she silently handed us items from her containers, directing us to place them in specific spots around the basement. She constantly checked a copper compass and old parchment, ensuring everything was positioned exactly right.

Soon the basement was filled with candles of various sizes and colors. Some looked handmade with plant fragments and crystals embedded in the wax. Some were clearly used before, while others were brand new.

Following her instructions, we drew a perfect circle on the floor using grayish-white powder that smelled like minerals and herbs. In the center, she placed a copper tripod holding a black stone bowl already burning with incense that released bluish-purple smoke.

Every corner held natural items: black soil, uniquely shaped stones, vibrant orange-red flowers, dried herbs, and colorful crystals. After three hours of careful arrangement, she finally announced, “The preparations are complete.”

With a wave of her hand, all the candles lit simultaneously. I couldn’t help wonding why she hadn’t used magic for the entire setup instead of making us do it manually.

‘I could have used magic, child,’ she said, reading my thoughts again. “But people never value what comes easily. You must understand these items purposes to truly comprehend their power. Enter the circle now.”

We stepped inside, exchanging nervous glances. She d only instructed us to wear lack training clothes and tie up our hair.

The witch approached the edge of the circle and waved her hand. A bright flame suddenly ignited in the stone bowl between us. I forced myself not to step back in surprise.

She began chanting in a deep, ancient tone. Though I couldn’t understand the words, I felt their power. The flames gradually shifted from gold to deep

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Chapter 113: You Are More Powerful Than You Realize

green, casting an eerie light throughout the basement.

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“Tonight,” she declared, we welcome these warriors into the ranks of the Sentinel. To mark their loyalty, we bestow upon them the royal Sentinel imprint.?

The flames turned deep blue as she continued chanting. From within her robe, s produced a long silver instrument etched with complex runes and placed it in the fire.

“Do you pledge allegiance to the Sentinels regardless of what hardships you face dedicating your strength?” she asked.

‘I do, we answered together without hesitation.

“Do you pledge to place the pack’s safety above yourselves, protecting all members of the kingdom with all your might?”

‘I do.”

The basement air grew heavy with smoke and a strange electric feeling, like the stillness before lightning strikes.

‘Do you pledge to uphold the dignity and honor of Alpha King and Luna Queen?”

“I do.”

“Do you pledge to sacrifice your own lives if necessary to protect those who are weak and helpless?”

‘I do.”

The flame turned deep violet, casting a mysterious glow across our faces.

“You will be bestowed a high honor, with the responsibility and power to guard the royal pack. Do you swear with your lives to maintain pure minds during the marking?”

‘I do.”

‘Kneel, extend your right arms, palms up.”

She approached the center of the circle, retrieved the instrument from the purple flame, and walked to Aria first. Chanting softly, she grasped Aria’s wrist and pressed the hot metal against her skin. I heard the hiss of burning flesh and aw silvery-white smoke rise. Aria remained silent except for a sharp

breath, but tears fell silently down her cheeks.

The witch returned the instrument to the fire, which immediately turned brillian silver-white. From an intricate wooden box, she removed several vials and

colored powders. She chanted something that sounded more like a song while sprinkling shimmering substance on Aria’s marked skin.

After treating Aria, she turned to me. Aria’s gaze seemed distant, almost tranceli. The smell of burnt skin made my stomach turn, and I worried I might slip into a panic attack like when I first arrived at the training center. I reminded myself this wasn’t Acacia’s torture but a necessary step to becoming stronger. I’d survived worse, and I wasn’t alone – Aria and Conrad were nearby.

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