Having been to many funerals, this next part was always something that struck me deeply. It was the ritual of farewell where the body was consumed by witch’s fire, releasing the spirits into the air so they could continue their journey into the afterlife together. There were many different tales about what happens next, each pack and group adding their own slant, so I was curious to see how Vivien spun her tale.
“The mythology of the werewolf is one buried deeply in lore, and as such, has many interpretations. Stories shared of centuries after retelling often add to the truth, but never forget-there is always beauty and honor at the center.”
“My grandmother spoke of sitting at the knee of her mother and listening to the tale of the Lupus constellation.” Lifting her arm up to the side, Vivien gestured to a group of stars sparkling in the night sky. “Formed in the shape of a wolf, it is said they stand there as punishment for the grievous sins performed against the Greek god, Zeus. Retaliating in anger, the father of all werewolves, Lycaon, was banished to the heavens, forever to watch over his descendants.”
“Forever is a long time, an eternity of contemplation over the foolishness of pride-so my mother told me-and here is where my tale differs. After a millennia of observance, and having his heart filled with humility, Lycaon now stands as a constant sentinel. A reminder to others of the consequences of arrogance and hatred, an influence to countless generations seeking guidance, and the resting place for those who pass on.”
“The farewell ritual is the forgiving practice, passed on by a benevolent god to help each descendent find their rest with their ancestors. Where once they were cursed to wander the earth, denied entrance to the afterlife because of the sins of one, the witch’s fire was created to release and purify the dead, transporting them home.”
A chill pulsed through me, and a reverent awe hovered over the crowd. I heard familiar snippets threaded through Vivien’s heartfelt words, but this was by far the most profound retelling I’d experienced. Judging from the nodding of Mason’s head, he too was feeling the same, and he raised our entwined hands to his mouth to place a kiss on the back. I felt a smaller hand grab hold of my other, and I turned to see the shy smile of April. She was just as affected, and I offered her a reassuring squeeze.
Moving about the dais now, positioning herself behind Jasmine, Vivien used a nearby lantern to light a taper. Holding the flame to a bundle of sage and prepared herbs, she began to waft the smoking leaves up the length of Jasmine’s body. Chanting words too soft to hear, power began to build and rise, like the lulling of a wave, each one growing stronger and stronger into a swelling pitch.
The gentle breeze before us gradually picked up speed, raising the garments and hair of Vivien. The balls of light hovering in the air flared in intensity, but still she kept chanting, never losing focus. A different kind of electricity filled the air, one without the unique feel of Mason’s Alpha energy. Magic rippled and convulsed to the point where I began hearing the echo of gasps and exclamations behind me.
Suddenly, all the lights extinguished, plunging the garden into complete darkness. Even the moon seemed to hide its face, the stars fading to the point where the sky was like a black canvas-all but the Lupus constellation. Those stars shone brighter than anything I’d ever seen, as though they were alive and waiting.
A shimmer from the altar drew back my gaze and I let out an exalted sigh of surprise as I watched Jasmine’s body instantly ignite with the most wondrous hues of purple and blue flame. Higher and higher the blaze flickered and burned, twisting and turning as though each spark was dancing.
A look of absolute love shone from Vivien’s face as her hands began to move in intricate patterns, each gesture seemed effortless and filled with meaning. I couldn’t pull my eyes away from the sight and caught myself leaning forward in the attempt to catch every nuance.
Tears streaked down each face, my own eyes blurring before I rapidly brushed mine away, so captivated we were as we seemed to hold our breaths for what we knew was coming. Even prepared, I gasped as I watched a beam of the purest white light break out of Jasmine’s body, releasing two globes, which I knew were the spirits of the wolf and herself.
They seemed to glow and pulsate-one the prettiest of yellow and the other a deep forest green. I knew which one was Jasmine-the yellow, because I always felt she reminded me of the sun, life giving, a provider of warmth and always bestowing hope.
Gently, they drifted over the now empty vessel, twirling around each other as though they were excited in the newly found freedom they had. Fascinated, I watched the yellow globe, Jasmine, teeter towards us, almost hesitant, before floating over and frolicking between Mason and me. She was saying goodbye one last time. Letting us know she was happy and not to worry.
Mason stretched out his hand-palm up, and a cry erupted out of his tight frame as the delicate ball of spirit rested softly on his skin. A look of unadulterated reassurance crossed his face, his lips curling into a small smile before he nodded. Taking this as acceptance, Jasmine rejoined the green globe, and with one last dance around Vivien, they began to ascend up into the sky.
A familiar surge of energy pushed its way through the crowd as the Alpha issued the command to change. One by one, we stood and began, allowing our wolves to come forward and say their goodbyes.
I felt the solemn brush of my own wolf against my skin before she burst forth, bringing me to my hands and knees. All around me I could sense when each change was completed, Mason’s happening almost instantly. With one accord, as a soulful tribute, I joined my pack and howled.
The night air was filled with the distinct bays and croons of a heartsick family who promised to never forget and to always be vigilant. The pledge to seek justice blended in amidst the voices, an oath to live each day as a way to honor someone most beloved. The music was hauntingly beautiful, and I joined my wolf by adding my love to her serenade.
Somewhere in the symphony, a lone voice emerged as though the heavens had opened and an angel had descended. The simplicity of the strand added to the harmony of our wolves, and it was as if the air threatened to explode. The world seemed to tilt, as if unprepared for such majesty, and looking around, I was stunned to find the source.
Devlin. My dearest friend Devlin, standing aside from everyone. Blood red tears streaming down his cheeks as he opened his mouth and offered his own sincere homage. Who would’ve known something so profound could’ve come from the Enforcer.
Casting my gaze back, the orbs of spirits slowly becoming too hard to distinguish as they rose into the heavens, my wolf finally finished and joined the crowd in silence. A flash rang out, followed by an explosion of twinkling of lights signifying the arrival of Jasmine and her spirit companion. Two small stars, clustered together with others, twinkled fiercely before gradually diminishing. A moment later and the night sky began to take on its usual appearance-stars resurfaced and the moon returned to its place. Noise began to creep back in as the creatures and insects moved about. The ritual was over. Everything was ready to move on.
The witch’s fire died down, revealing the absence of Jasmine’s body, leaving only the unblemished shroud and flowers behind. One by one, the pack moved about. First passing by Vivien as a token of gratitude for her officiating, and then we each silently went our separate way to shift back into human form.
I followed closely behind Mason before heading back to the room together. We changed without speaking, occasionally stopping to touch one another as we dressed. There was no need for words; we wore our hearts clearly for the other to see. One quick kiss and we headed back out to the garden. It was time to celebrate the girl we both loved and show that even though the pain lingers, the Mystic Wolves would survive.
Chapter Fifteen
The atmosphere was definitely lighter as we emerged from the house. The gravity of the rite was tenderly placed aside for a more casual appearance, tables set out where the chairs had once been. Alongside the walkway, a delicious feast was in the process of being arranged by a small group of Vivien’s associates.
Whispering to Mason I’d return, I made my way through the tables, checking to see that everyone was alright and was getting enough to eat. We were a solemn bunch, talking softly amongst ourselves and the ritual was on everybody’s mind.
I lingered by some of the conversations, reaching out to touch those I spoke with, letting them know how grateful I was they were here. Soon, the reverent hush became lighter, as laughter broke out and as I caught
