Melissa’s POV The silence in the woodland was so eerie that it made my skin crawl. Through the silent darkness, every twig crack beneath our feet reverberated louder than it should have. With my heart racing in my chest, I firmly grasped the dagger's hilt. "Dennis couldn't have gone very far," Damon stated in a firm yet quiet voice. "Remain vigilant. He is dangerous because he is desperate. I looked around the dark woods and nodded. Dennis's treachery still ached like a new cut. I wanted to stop him before he could do more harm, but I also needed answers. One of the pack members, James, who was going directly in front of us, snarled, "We shouldn't have trusted him." "Pay attention, James," Damon snapped. "We must locate him, not blame him." The air was heavy with tension. Dennis had known us for years, and we all sensed it, even if nobody wanted to express it. Who else could have secrets if he could betray us? The air became colder and the shadows appeared to stretch and twist s
Melissa’s POVThe first sensation I experienced was the oppressive weight of the air weighing down on me. I tried to open my eyes, but the darkness was too great. Not only was it black, but the shadows seemed to be alive, moving and writhing. With my head whirling, I forced myself to stand."Hey? I yelled, my voice hardly audible above the deafening quiet.No answer. The air was filled with the sound of faint murmurs. At first, they were faint, nearly inaudible, but as they got stronger, they could be heard everywhere."You lack sufficient strength.""You'll let them all down.""You are not needed by Damon."I gripped my head tightly as the sounds pierced my thoughts. "Stop it! I yelled, but all the whispers did was laugh, cruelly and icily.Although my legs felt like Jello, I made myself stand. The earth under me was a moving, unending vacuum with grey and black swirling together, unlike anything I had ever seen. Only the strange glow of the vigils on my arms was visible; there was n
Melissa’s POVThe Void's swirling, dark air seemed like an unseen weight pressing against my chest. With each second that went by, the hideous shape in front of us grew bigger, its dark limbs extending and contorting, its crimson eyes blazing at Dennis and me.I summoned my symbol powers and clenched my shaking palms together. "Stay behind me, Dennis. This creature won't let us leave without a struggle.With a determined yet pallid face, Dennis took a stride forward. "No, Melissa. You were pulled into this quagmire by me. I'm the one who should remain behind.The Void's voice echoed around us, trembling the ground beneath our feet before I could argue.Little one, do you dare to disobey me? Do you believe your weak abilities can equal my anger?"The creature lunged. Instinctively, I lifted my hands, letting my symbol emit a flash of golden light. My legs wobbled at the strain of the attack, yet the Void shrieked its form recoiling."Hey, Melissa! Are you all right? Dennis took hold of
Melissa’s POVI could hardly feel the coldness of the morning air against my flesh. The odd, luminous vigils that now totally covered my arms made them hurt. Dark, shifting shadows that pulsed and swirled replaced the golden light that had once seemed to be a part of me.The pack stood in a half circle around me, their expressions a mixture of terror and relief. Even though I could feel their eyes on me, I was unable to look them in the eyes.Damon stepped forward and said, "Melissa." Although he spoke calmly, I could see that his jaw was tense. "How are you feeling?"I opened my mouth to respond, but the words stuck in my throat. As I looked at the bruises on my skin, my hands shook and my chest constricted."I'm not sure," I muttered in a tremulous voice. Something isn't right. Damon, I feel it within myself. I am no longer myself.With his sharp gaze fixed on mine, Damon knelt before me. Melissa, you're still who you are. Whatever it is, we will solve it. I will not allow it to tak
Melissa’s POVI faced Kael as I stood in the clearing. The chill of the night was still in the air, and the morning sun was hardly warm. Kael was a powerful presence, and his piercing golden eyes never left mine."Focus, Melissa," Kael stated in a strong, forceful voice. "The vigils are like fire. If you let them, they will burn everything in their path, including you."Gazing down at my arms, I inhaled deeply. The faint glow of the vigils suggested that they were living things, only waiting for the proper opportunity to take over.With a trembling voice, I questioned, "How do I control something that’s inside me, pushing so hard to break free?"Kael approached and delicately tapped my temple with one finger. "By mastering your mind. The vigils feed on your fear and anger. They are the Void's way of breaking you."I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded. Damon was standing close by with his arms folded and leaning against a tree. His sharp eyes never left me, and for some reason,
Melissa’s POVI watched the pack members spar and get ready while standing close to the training grounds in the tense morning air. Damon's stern yet reassuring voice echoed across the area as he gave commands."Keep your stances low! Focus on your target!" he said. "We can’t afford mistakes when the Void comes."My abilities were still too erratic to completely support their endeavours, but I made an effort to assist where I could by bringing supplies and saying encouraging things. The faint glow of the vigils on my arms served as a continual reminder of the conflict that was simmering inside of me.I looked at Damon, and he nodded a little, comfortingly. He used it to remind me that he was present and that we were all in this together.Making the Pack StrongerOne of the younger wolves was fighting to keep his shield stable as his sparring partner attacked, so I went up to him.I knelt next to him and told him to "keep your grip firm." "Imagine the shield is an extension of your arm.
Melissa’s POVAs I stood by the forest's edge, my mind whirling with uncertainty and resolve, the early sun broke through the heavy clouds. Behind me, I could practically feel the tension between Damon and Kael as their voices rose and fell like a far-off storm. Although I knew I couldn't make this choice lightly, I had already decided in my heart."I'm doing it," I stated firmly as I turned to look at Kael and Damon.Damon's face instantly became serious. "No, Melissa. We discussed this. It is too risky!Kael's voice sounded calm, yet his golden eyes narrowed a little. Damon, she is the only one capable of doing this. Her vigils attract the Void. The trap won't function without her.As though his presence alone could thwart the plot, Damon moved in front of me, his towering frame protecting me from Kael. "What you think will work, Kael doesn't matter to me. Melissa's life isn't a means to an end!I gently said, "Damon," as I extended my hand to touch his arm. He winced but did not re
Melissa’s POVEvery breath felt sharp and heavy, and the air was heavy with stress. The ancient relics were humming with an odd hum, and the trap Kael had created was blazing faintly. My sigils were burning hot against my skin as I stood in the middle, pulsing brighter than before. Even though my heart was racing, I was too scared to show it. I had everyone's trust.With a harsh voice, Kael yelled, "Stay in position!" while repositioning an artefact. "We can’t afford any mistakes."Damon's fists were clenched as he paced restlessly on the circle's edge. "We pull her out if it's failing," he snarled, gazing at Kael.Kael retorted, "If you do that, you'll ruin everything." "Are you in favour of releasing the Void?""I want Melissa to live! Damon retorted. My gut twisted as his voice reverberated around the clearing."Stop it, you two! With my voice failing, I yelled. In answer, the sigils flashed, sending a ripple of energy outward. The abrupt power surge interrupted their argument, cau
Melissa’s POVThe Storm Pack was no longer the same.There was no unity where there had been disagreement. There was strength where there had been dread.I watched the pack as they passed through the village from the balcony of the Alpha's estate. The area was bathed in a golden glow as the sun was just starting to rise. The smell of fresh bread wafted from the kitchens, young pups played by the river, and wolves trained in the fields.There was peace for the first time in a long time.There was a knock behind me."Come in," I said quietly.Damon entered, his piercing golden eyes silently laughing at me. Arms crossed, he leaned against the doorway. "You've spent a lot of time lately gazing at the sunrise."I turned to him and grinned. "Now it feels different. More vivid.He approached me and put an arm around my waist. For that reason, it is. Melissa, you made all the difference.I leaned against him and let out a deep exhale. "Everything was altered by us."Although I still felt the
Melissa’s POVThe conflict was over.The noises of warfare had long filled the battlefield, but now it was oddly quiet. The storm had passed as though it had also been vanquished, and the sky had cleared. But the weight of loss weighed heavily on my chest, and the smell of blood was still there.Dennis had left.The newly turned ground was wet underfoot as I stood at his grave. He was buried by the pack near the top of Storm Pack's property, where the forest's aroma wafted into the air. It was a place for Alphas, for warriors.In the end, for a leader who had saved himself.Tobias firmly touched my shoulder. "The pack shares your grief," he muttered.I gave a nod but remained silent.Behind me, the soldiers stood with their heads bowed in reverence. Some of them had recently sustained wounds and were still wearing bandages from the fight. Although the wounds of war will never truly heal, none were more painful than losing our Alpha.Jacob, the youthful, doomed warrior, appeared in a l
Melissa’s POVAs the storm raged above us, the sky was painted in rich tones of black and red. Although there was silence on the battlefield, the strong smell of magic and blood permeated the air.With her dark cloak flapping in the wind, Raven stood in the middle of the mayhem. Around her, the shadows twisted strangely, as though they were alive. She gazed at me, her eyes blazing with hate.She growled, "You won't stop me this time."I stood with Dennis and Damon, our bodies tight. Although we were weakened by the previous combat, we were still intact.With a firm voice, I said, "We end this now, Raven."She gave a chilly laugh. "Are you still not understanding? Retaliation was never the only goal here. I'll mould the werewolf race to fit my vision. You are all weak and holding onto an outdated system that ought to be abolished.With the Moon Goddess's might still blazing within me, I took a step forward and said, "You're incorrect. Destroying is not what strength is all about. It's
Melissa’s POVThe nightmare had only just begun, but the struggle was finished.Breathing heavily caused my chest to rise and fall as I stood in the middle of the battlefield. The bodies of fallen roguess were strewn all over the area, and the air was heavy with the smell of blood. However, there was a problem.Incorrect.I heard a low, guttural growl that made my ears perk up. When I turned abruptly, I saw Jacob, one of our troops, shivering fiercely. Once a familiar shade of brown, his eyes had turned completely black.Jacob? I moved ahead with caution.His body gave a strange jerk. His breathing became laboured. Then he suddenly launched an attack.With horrifying strength, he sprang at a fighter nearby, sending them to the ground. Like a mad beast, Jacob ripped into his packmate, causing the pack to gasp in fear."No! I shifted in midair as I sprinted at him. The injured warrior was knocked off his feet when my wolf struck his side.Jacob gave me a growl, no, a snarl. Something in
Melissa’s POVThe air was heavy with the smell of conflict, and the battlefield was covered in blood. The night was filled with the snarls of the rogues as they circled us like vultures. However, Raven captured my interest.Her dark eyes gleamed with twisted glee as she stood erect, her black cloak blowing in the breeze."Melissa, do you still not understand?" Her voice was like ice as she spoke.I balled my fists up. "Do you understand?"She tilted her head and grinned. "That I'm to blame for everything you've gone through."A shiver went down my back. "What?"She walked ahead slowly, enjoying the moment. "Selena was merely a pawn." Is Dennis turning you down? I did it. The roguess? My troops. The pack's turmoil? Everything was planned.Behind me, the warriors let out gasps. Dennis tensed up as well.My heart was racing as I swallowed hard. "Why?"Raven's face grew serious. Because mine was damaged by yours. as your lineage ought to have terminated years ago. A snarl curved her lips.
Melissa’s POVThe air still carried the smell of blood. I didn't have time to think about what I had done, even though Selena's body was dead at my feet.The roguess were approaching.From the forest came a howl that was deep and bone-chilling. Another came after it. And yet another.The sound caused the pack to tighten and their ears to twitch. Warriors shifted on their feet, ready to fight, and reached for their weapons.Dennis moved to stand next to me and looked around the trees. He whispered, "They think we're weak." "They believe we'll fall apart now that Selena is gone."I gave a quick breath. "Then we prove they are mistaken."He was about to reply when the first rogues, a huge, scarred wolf with red eyes that glowed, emerged from the darkness.Then another.And yet another.They soon filled the area, their snarls tearing through the darkness.The soldiers of the Storm Pack prepared."Remain on the line!" Tobias yelled. "Avoid breaking formation!"My silver wolf was at the fro
Melissa’s POVWith their gaze fixed on me, the pack became silent. As I stood over Selena's quivering body, I exhaled in calm, controlled breaths. Even though she had already given in, it wasn't enough.I wasn't finished with her yet.With my silver wolf looming over her smaller, vanquished body, I took a step closer. My voice was piercing and authoritative. "Arise."Despite whimpering, Selena remained still. The soil beneath her was stained with blood that spilt from the wounds I had caused to her.I transformed back into a human and stood erect, my body still pulsing with strength. I responded icily, "This isn't over." "You took my spot. You planned to harm me. I was poisoned by you. I stepped forward, staring into her eyes. "You will now be held accountable for it."Selena's gaze flitted about, looking for assistance. However, none arrived. The pack was waiting and observing.Dennis was standing close by, his face unreadable. The elders and Tobias remained silent. Damon, with his a
Melissa’s POVLong shadows were formed across the battlefield by the full moon's strong light over the training grounds. With their faces stiff with expectancy, warriors formed a close circle. Two Alphas, each vicious and resolute, battling for the right to claim me was a conflict the pack had never witnessed before.Dennis straightened up, his tense muscles taut. He turned to confront Damon, his dark eyes blazing with rage. "This concludes tonight."Damon rolled his shoulders and grinned. "At last, we can agree on something."The elder, Tobias, moved forward and held up a hand. "The guidelines are straightforward. This is a struggle for power and control. No meddling. No pity. The victor asserts their entitlement to Melissa.I balled my fists up. I didn't want the decision to be made in this manner. Now, however, neither Damon nor Dennis would listen to me.Tobias took a quick look at both Alphas. "Are you prepared?"Dennis gave a rigid nod. Damon cracked his knuckles and grinned.“S
Melissa’s POVTension began to build as the sun had just begun to rise over the Storm Pack's territory. Whispering among themselves, warriors stood in groups. A few glanced in my direction, their eyes puzzled. Others were standing close to Selena, showing their allegiance.The group was dispersing.My fists were clenched as I stood at the training grounds. This was more than a fight, yet the challenge had been set. It was about who owned the pack, authority, and trust.Dennis stood with his arms folded in the middle. He scanned the assembled gathering with his piercing stare. "Today, we will resolve this," he declared. "Melissa asserted her legitimacy as Luna. Selena has also asserted it. The pack has to make a decision.With a sly smile, Selena moved forward. She flicked her hair and hissed, "The choice is obvious." Dennis, I've been by your side. While she was away, I took the lead.There were murmurs. While some warriors scowled, others nodded.An elder took a step forward. "Meliss