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 air around me crackled with dark energy as the Void’s voice slithered into my mind.“See your legacy, Melissa. Witness the truth your bloodline has hidden for generations.”Before I could react, my vision blurred, and the world around me shifted. I stood in an ancient clearing surrounded by towering trees, their twisted branches clawing at the sky. Shadows flickered like living things, and in the centre of the clearing, two figures knelt before a swirling black vortex.One of them, a woman with the same fiery hair as mine, clutched a small child to her chest.“Please,” she begged, her voice trembling. “Spare my pack. I’ll give you anything.”The vortex’s voice bellowed, dark and booming. “Anything, you say? Then I will claim your bloodline. Your descendants will carry my mark and fulfil my purpose.”“No!” I cried, but my voice was drowned out by the woman’s cries as she bowed in acquiescence.The Void pushed forward, surrounding the lady and her child in tendrils of
Melissa’s POV“Kael, we need to talk. Now!” I snapped, storming toward him.Kael looked up from the circle of sigils he had been studying, his face calm but his eyes heavy with unspoken words. “What is it, Melissa?”“What is it?” I said, my voice rising. “You knew, didn’t you? You knew something about my family and the Void. You knew this curse was tied to my bloodline, and you didn’t tell me!”He groaned, massaging the back of his neck. “Melissa, I didn’t know for sure. I had suspicions, yes, but I didn’t want to burden you with something I couldn’t prove.”“Suspicions?!” My voice shook with rage. “You let me walk into this blind! You let me believe these sigils were just marks of power when all along they were a curse, binding me to that... that thing!”Kael walked nearer, his demeanour softening. “I was trying to protect you. You’ve already been through so much, Melissa. I didn’t want to add to your pain unless I was certain.”I took a step back, folding my arms tightly over my che
Melissa’s POVWith my arms folded tightly across my chest, I stood close to the meeting room. The air was nearly oppressively tense. I didn't want another surprise after everything that transpired last night. However, Kael had precisely that in mind for us.As he entered the hall with a woman by his side, Kael declared, "She's here to help."I had never seen a stranger like this before. Tall and slender, she had piercing green eyes that seemed to be able to see every secret we were keeping. She had short black hair, and the pack shift felt uneasy around her because of the danger she exuded.“This is Liora, everyone,” Kael added. Despite being a rogue wolf, she is knowledgeable about the Void that we are not. She is, in my opinion, the secret to beating it."A rebel? From the rear of the room, someone whispered."We cannot rely on her!” another voice called out.“She’s here to help,” Kael continued, his tone stern. “We don’t have the luxury of turning away allies right now.”Liora step
Melissa’s POVI sat on the edge of my bed and gazed at the moonlit sky outside my window. I had a heavy heart, but I was determined. Even though the ritual was risky, it was my best chance to free myself and everyone I cared about from the Void's hold.I was startled by a gentle knock on my door. Liora was sneaking inside, her dark cloak blending with the darkness, when I turned around.I said in a low voice so no one could hear, "You came."With her sharp green eyes meeting mine, she answered, "I don't have much time." "You must realize what is at stake if we are to proceed."With a dry throat, I nodded. "Explain the ritual to me."Liora, whose voice was hardly more than a whisper, came across the room and sat across from me. “The ritual requires an artefact powerful amulet hidden deep within the Forbidden Woods. It’s the only thing that can sever the Void’s connection to you. But retrieving it won’t be easy.”“The Forbidden Woods…” I shivered at the name. Everyone in the pack knew i
Melissa’s POVThe red eyes of the shadows glowed like embers as they raced toward us. They surrounded us, their claws tearing at the air, and their growls sent chills down my spine.“Behind you, Melissa! I whirled just in time to avoid a creature's strike as Damon's voice erupted. I tightened my hold on the shimmering amulet, feeling its warmth pulse in my hand, my heart racing.As a wolf, Kael growled and lunged toward the closest shadow. The thing dissipated into mist and reformed seconds after his claws ripped through it."They simply never stop coming! Damon yelled as he swung his blade in broad arcs to block another wave.Liora shouted, "Keep moving!" in a steady, crisp voice. They cannot ensnare us here! She moved quickly and precisely as she stabbed one of the beasts with her blade.But despite our best efforts, the shadows persisted. They went on and on."To your left, Kael!It was already too late when I screamed. He was attacked by a shadow that scoured his side with its claw
Melissa’s POVWith the amulet glowing dimly in my hands, I sat on the edge of my bed. I was still troubled by the vision from earlier—the power, the darkness, the warped me. I kept worrying that this artefact—the very item we had put our lives in danger to recover—might prove to be my downfall.I was startled out of my reverie by a gentle knock on my door. Melissa? Damon spoke in a soft but tentative tone.I said, my voice just above a whisper, "Come in."With an anxious look on his face, he entered. You haven't said anything since we returned. What's happening?"I looked down at the amulet and hesitated. "I noticed something, Damon. I got a glimpse of the future when I touched this. A terrible future.”His brow furrowed, and he sat beside me. “What kind of vision?"I took a deep breath. “I saw myself… consumed by the Void. It was like I wasn’t me anymore. I was… something else. Something dark.”Damon reached out and placed a hand over mine, steadying me. “Melissa, it was just a visio
Melissa’s POVThe first thing I noticed when I woke up was the silence. It wasn’t the calm, peaceful sort. No, it felt thick, and tense, like the air was holding its breath. I blinked, peering up at the wooden beams of the ceiling. My body felt strange—light and heavy all at once.Melissa?” Damon’s voice broke through my haze. I turned my head to see him seated next to me, his face pallid and tight with worry.“I’m… I’m fine,” I whispered, though I wasn’t sure whether it was true. I pulled myself up, but a rush of disorientation made me falter. Damon was there in an instant, steadying me.“You collapsed during the ritual,” he added, his voice low. "Everyone was scared of you."I spoke slowly as if I were dragging my words through molasses, "I had to finish it."Damon looked at my face for a moment before answering. "You seem different in some way.""What are you saying?"Kael and Liora showed up at the doorway before he could respond. Kael seemed suspicious, his eyes narrowing as he g
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