Chapter 164: Primal Ritual
**Vincent**
We gather around Avery, our hands clasped tightly, forming a circle of unity. The Primal Flame roared to life, and it now flickers in the center, its ethereal light casting dancing shadows on the ancient stone walls of the chamber. The storm outside rages on, mirroring the tempest of emotions within us. Avery stands tall, her eyes glowing with determination, her red and blonde hair cascading like a fiery waterfall down her back. She is the heart of our group, the catalyst for the ritual that will bind us together in ways we can’t yet fully comprehend. I find myself drawn to her even more. Her inner strength, which I had once sought for myself, is what pulls me to her the most. It is no longer because I want to possess it; it is because I admire it. That strength of hers is what saw the good in me. It saw the man that eons of darkness concealed. She set me free, and not for selfish gain either. She set me free out of love…love the very word I swore I would never say or feel. I love her, and I am coming to love this group…this family.
“Are we ready?” Avery’s voice is steady, but I hear the tremor beneath it, the weight of what we’re about to undertake. We all nod, our resolve unspoken but palpable. Cassius’s piercing blue eyes meet mine, and I see the same fear and excitement reflected there. Clint’s hand tightens around mine, his grip reassuring. Conner stands beside him, his usual reserve replaced by a quiet intensity. James looms behind Avery, his regal presence a silent promise of protection. Donn smirks, his void-like eyes glinting with mischief, as if he knows something we don’t. And then there’s me, standing at the edge of the circle, my tattoos glowing faintly as if sensing the magic about to unfold. Avery, she is the one who makes all of this possible, yet if I told her, she would doubt. Once we reach Altima, I will rid her of all doubt.
The ritual begins with a chant, an ancient incantation passed down through generations of dragon shifters. Avery’s voice leads the way, her words clear and commanding. I wonder if she knows why the ancient language so easily flows from her lips? I know, but she isn’t ready to hear it. The air around us hums with energy, the Primal Flame growing brighter with each verse. I feel the power coursing through me, a mix of exhilaration and trepidation. This is more than a ritual; it’s a surrender, a merging of souls, a polyamorous union that will forge an unbreakable bond between us.
As the chant reaches its climax, the flame erupts into a blinding light, and I feel myself being pulled into its core. My senses blur as I’m enveloped by a whirlwind of emotions, memories, and desires. I see glimpses of Avery’s past—her rise to the throne, her struggles, her triumphs. I feel Cassius’s fierce protectiveness, Clint’s unwavering loyalty, and Conner’s quiet strength. James’s dominance and his need to prove himself, and Donn’s dark charm wash over me, and for a moment, I’m lost in the tapestry of our shared experiences.
But something feels wrong. Amidst the chaos of emotions, a darkness stirs, a malevolent presence that threatens to consume Avery. It’s as if the ritual has awakened a dormant force, one that seeks to possess her, to use her as a vessel for its nefarious purposes. Panic surges through me as I realize the danger. Avery’s eyes widen, her body trembling as she fights against the unseen force. “Help me!” Her voice is a desperate plea, barely audible over the roaring storm.
Without hesitation, we rally around her, our combined powers surging forward to protect her. Cassius steps forward, his fire dragon magic flaring as he channels his strength into Avery. Clint follows suit, his golden aura enveloping her like a shield. Conner’s water magic flows around her, soothing and calming the turmoil within. James’s regal presence commands the darkness to retreat, while Donn’s reaper abilities seek to sever the connection between Avery and the malevolent force.
I step forward, my tattoos blazing with light as I draw upon the ancient magic within me. I reach out to Avery, my hands hovering over her body as I pour my energy into her, trying to anchor her to the present, to us. The darkness fights back, tendrils of shadow lashing out at me, but I refuse to let go. Avery’s eyes meet mine, and in that moment, I see the depth of her fear, her trust, her love. It’s a connection unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, and it fuels my determination to save her.
The struggle is intense, a battle of wills and magic. The chamber shakes, the Primal Flame flickering dangerously as the darkness threatens to consume us all. But we hold fast, our bond strengthening with every passing moment. Slowly, the darkness begins to recede, its hold on Avery weakening. She gasps, her body slumping against me as the force finally releases its grip.
Exhausted but victorious, we collapse in a heap, our breaths coming in ragged gasps. The Primal Flame settles into a steady glow, its light warm and comforting. Avery’s head rests on my shoulder, her hand clutching mine tightly. I can feel the others around us, their presence a reminder of the strength we possess when we stand together.
“We did it,” Cassius murmurs, his voice filled with awe.
Clint laughs, a sound of relief and triumph. “Barely.”
Conner places a hand on Avery’s back, his touch gentle. “You’re safe now.”
James steps forward, his green eyes scanning the group. “We’re stronger than ever. But this is only the beginning.”
Donn smirks, his usual sarcasm returning. “Well, that was fun. Can we do it again?”
I glare at him. “Is now really the time, old friend?” He replies with a smirk and a shrug.
Avery lifts her head, her eyes meeting each of ours in turn. “We’re not done yet. Altima Island awaits, and with it, answers. But for now…” She pauses, her gaze lingering on me. “For now, we rest.”
As dawn breaks, we leave, our steps heavy but our hearts light. The storm has passed, the sky clearing to reveal a brilliant sunrise. We’ve faced the darkness together, and though we’re unsure of what lies ahead, one thing is certain: we’re stronger as a group, bound by a love and loyalty that transcends words.
Altima Island beckons, its mysteries waiting to be unraveled. But for now, we walk as one, our bond unbreakable, our future uncertain but full of possibility. And as we disappear into the horizon, I can’t help but wonder what other challenges await us—and whether we’ll be ready to face them.
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