(Alnilam)

Strangely Ezran is the first one to arrive after me. I have left Saiph behind to bring my brothers while I make arrangements.

Everything we need for the ritual is here with me.

A silver dagger.

Five white candles.

Dargazian Salt (special salt mined from the mines of Dargaza, known to have magical properties, like protection and healing.)

"Do you need a hand?" He asks, unpeeling himself from the old Oakwood tree he has been leaning against.

The tree has to be the oldest tree in this forest and we use it for inspiration and oaths.

"Yes, help me draw a large circle with the salt."

Picking up one of the salt bags, I toss it towards him. Without any effort, he catches it. Tearing it from the side he bends down and begins to pour out the salt, completing the circle with me. 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

We work quietly, my heart does prickles with jealousy knowing he is also mated to Amaia.

The wind picks up and the lantern I have hung on the tree branch waves back and forth. The animals howl in the distance, and the autumn smells fill the air around us.

Once done, I mark the constellation of Orion, inside the circle we have drawn, marking the stars with smaller circles.

Ezran moves outside and just stands at the edge watching me work.

Completing the markings, I stand up when I hear Alnitak’s voice. He is always the loudest.

"There you are," he excitedly calls out, rushing forward.

"You are late." I glare at him, knowing he is the one who always makes Mintaka get late too. He just shrugs his big shoulders.

His gaze finds Ezran standing at the edge and some of that enthusiasm dies. But I don’t have time for their shenanigans.

"How is Amaia?" I ask Mintaka.

"Tired and sleeping. You may need to have a private session with her tomorrow," Mintaka says with some underlying meaning. I give him a single nod and don’t press further.

"Yeah, we tired her out," Alnitak edgily says, his gaze focusing on Ezran, trying to get a rise from him.

Ezran has a dark, sinister smile but it’s those eyes that fill others with dread. Though he refuses to engage in a conversation with Alnitak, knowing he is trying to ragebait him.

"That’s enough. Take your positions, according to your names," I order them, seeing Saiph and Mintaka just behind them.

Everyone exchanges awkward glances before taking their positions, except Ezran.

"Stand in the place of Rigel," I say with my heart feeling a tinge.

Something hard coats Ezran’s face as he silently moves like a shadow and takes his spot.

My brothers stand by my side while Saiph and Ezran stand in two connecting lines just like in the constellation.

I begin:

"We are here today because of yesterday’s events. Amaia saved our lives, and her secret got exposed; therefore, we will be taking this oath to ensure no one will spill it. Are we clear?"

"Yes," they all chorus together.

"Has everyone brought an item they hold dear?" I question, seeing that Alnitak is holding some kind of a jar.

"Sure did." He waves his jar at me, and others only reply with small yeses.

"Alright. I will be passing this silver dagger along. Make a cut to your right hand with it and dribble your blood on the object while swearing to protect Amaia and her secret."

I take out the silver dagger from its hilt attached to the belt on my waist.

Picking a lock of my hair, I use the dagger to make a deep cut on my palm. Sharp stinging pain erupts, which I ignore.

The red liquid squeezes out, and I clench my hand into a fist letting the blood dribble onto my hair.

"I am using my hair as an object to swear on. Not only do they protect her, but they will also continue to do so. Failure on my part and I will be ready to face the consequences related to my hair." I pause, everyone is watching me with slightly bewildered eyes.

"I pledge under the constellation of Orion to keep Amaia Zhāng safe." I complete my oath and pass the dagger to Mintaka.

Using it he makes the cut on his palm and lets out a controlled hiss.

Silver is lethal for werewolves and its wounds don’t heal like regular wounds. They take time.

He takes off his pendant and holds it in his other hand while dribbling his blood on its red crystal.

"I, Mintaka Orion, pledge to protect my mate Amaia Zhāng and never reveal her secret to anyone who is not part of this circle. Failing to do so and I will be ready for the consequences."

Mintaka completes his pledge and passes the dagger to Alnitak.

Alnitak repeats the same process and drops a few drops of his blood on the jar he has brought along.

"I, Alnitak Orion, the funniest and smartest werewolf..."

My annoyed gaze travels towards him and he sheepishly smiles before making the correct oath.

"I will protect my queen, my angel, my Lassie; Amaia Zhāng with everything I have. I will never expose her secret to anyone. In case of failure, I will accept the consequences of my actions. This jar is a gift from my mate so I will be devastated if something happens to it," he prays and picks up the jar, hugging it.

"Give the dagger to Saiph," I order him and he tosses it towards him.

The dagger embeds itself in the ground. Saiph bends down and snatches it out.

Using his thigh, he cleans the dagger and cuts open his flesh. His blood slowly seeps out and he grabs his scythe to let it smear the shiny, sharp blade.

"I, Saiph Zeik, pledge to never let any harm come to Amaia Zhāng and pledge to always protect her and her secret. This scythe will be the witness to my oath and will ensure I always fulfil it."

Saiph smears his blood on the blade and intently watches it. He then hands over the blade to Ezran and a tension runs through our group.

I am intrigued to see what personal object Ezran will be using.