Chapter 82

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That feeling that you get when you feel eyes on you even though you can't see them; that's what this felt like

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That feeling that you get when you feel eyes on you even though you can't see them; that's what this felt like. I could feel his presence before I saw him, knowing exactly where he was and how long it would take me to see him. Like the tension in a rubber band, the attraction of magnets, I felt the need, the pull to get closer.

My steps descending the stairs became faster, making me stumble over my dress, having to catch the railing for support. It did give me a small panic but my steps didn't slow. Hold of up my dress in one hand, the other keeping me steady by holding the railing, I continued to descend the stair case.

By the time I reached the bottom, my ankles had been twisted several times and I debated keeping the heels on. In a quick decision, I took a few seconds to slip them off, holding them by the heels on my fingertips. Taking another step forward, the wooden floors cold beneath my bare feet, I was stopped by a hand on my shoulder.

"Wait, Malia." The voice was soft but tense, just as the hand was on my shoulder.

"What? What's wrong?" I asked as I saw the worried look on Janina's face.

"Nothing's wrong, Sweetie. There was just something I forgot to tell you about the ceremony." She paused for a bit, worrying me. "You can't touch him."

"What do you mean I can't touch him?" My stomach sank. "Is he okay?"

"He's fine, he's fine." She assured me, rubbing my arms. "It's just part of the ceremony."

"I don't understand." I had already suffered three days without being able to see him and now they expect me not to touch him the instant I see him? Do they just want me to suffer?

"I know it seems unfair, even a bit ridiculous but that is how our ceremony has been performed for centuries. These tasks are supposed to show patience and control between the bonded. The longing during separation and what the male brings back to the female is supposed to show the importance of each other to the Moon Goddess. They are supposed to honor the Moon Goddess for matching them together without being overtaken with lust. It is also  for the Goddess to ensure that her match has no faults."

"I don't think I can contain myself when I see him." I admitted.

"Yes you will. She assured me. "It's hard but I know you will manage."

"I just miss him. He scared me."

"I think the men always fine pleasure in going after things that could possible kill them. Now, are you that you are ready to do this?  Once you start, you can't go back. It must be completed."

"I'm sure."

"Do you remember the last part of the ritual I told you about? I know you guys haven't mated and you don't have to do anything like that but it might be a bit awkward for you."

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