Melissa’s POVI was encircled by the darkness, which closed in around me. The voice of the Void reverberated in my head, chilly and smooth."You cannot win, Melissa. Your friends will die, and your world will crumble, but I can save all of them. All you must do is say yes. Surrender to me, and I will grant them safety."It was as if the entire world was weighing on my shoulders, causing my chest to feel heavy. I paused for a second. Is it speaking the truth? Would everyone be saved by surrendering?"No," I said with greater force, "No! You’re lying. You don’t want to save anyone. You just want to control me, to take everything I am."The icy, ruthless laughter of the Void echoed. "You think you’re strong, little wolf? Your defiance will destroy you. Remember my words when they scream for you to save them, and you cannot."I inhaled deeply and closed my eyes. "I won’t let you win. Not now, not ever."I gasped and startled up as the dreamscape broke. Immediately, Damon was by my side, p
Melissa’s POVAs we stood in the darkened room, the atmosphere was heavy with anxiety, the Void's presence weighing down on us like a heavy blanket. The marks it had seared into my skin were shining faintly as my hands shook and I clutched the celestial blade.An old map was etched into the stone floor, and Kael leaned over it. "This is it," he stated in a steady yet quiet voice. "The anchor is at the heart of the Void. If we destroy it, we destroy the Void for good."Liora paced. "But it won’t just let us walk in and do that," she said. Nervous energy flicked at her tail. "The shadow creatures will swarm us the moment we make a move."Damon was standing next to me, staring at the sword I was holding. "We’ll keep them off you, Melissa. Kael, Liora, and I will hold the line. Your only focus is the anchor."Despite the tightness in my chest from terror, I nodded. The words "I… I don’t know if I can do this," I said, hardly raising my voice above a whisper.With his hands firmly grasping
Melissa’s POVAs the Void spoke, the room grew dimmer, the shadows writhing and curling. Its voice, a mixture of serenity and venom, crept into my head and whispered secrets I didn't want to hear."Melissa," the Void whispered in a remarkably quiet voice. "Are you acquainted with your parents? Should I reveal their reality to you?My fingers were white as I held the celestial blade tightly. I yelled, "You're telling lies." "They wouldn’t have anything to do with you."The sound of the Void's laughter reverberated through the atmosphere like a menacing tune. "Oh, my beloved wolf, you are no longer protected by denial. Allow me to educate you.The surrounding air glistened before I could move, creating pictures so realistic they seemed real. I saw my parents standing in front of a darkened altar, their familiar faces furrowed with concern. My mother's voice was shaking as she gripped my father's hand.My mother pleaded, "Please," her voice cracking. "Preserve our pack. Preserve our peop
Melissa’s POVI could hear the Void laughing louder than before. I could hear my parents' gentle, begging voices all around me. These sensations were brutally genuine.Once more, my mother's warm and comforting voice said, "Melissa, sweetie." "You've shown such strength. Simply let go. I swear, we'll be together.I closed my eyes tightly, my fingers whitened from holding on to the celestial blade. Every statement made my heart hurt, but something wasn't quite right.I shook my head and whispered, "You're not real." "You're not real."My father's forceful but gentle voice retorted, "But we are." "Have you not missed us?" We have always kept an eye on you.I stumbled, my chest constricted. "Why didn't you stop this if you were watching? Why didn't you spare me this suffering?"The closer the Void leaned, the brighter its crimson eyes shone. "Because, little wolf, they couldn't." Now they are a part of me. Do you not see? You could stop this suffering by joining them.With the sound of a
Melissa’s POVThe earth beneath us shook furiously, and fractures appeared all over the floor like spiderwebs. There was a loud crash as stones started to fall from the ceiling all around us. As I became aware that the entire chamber was collapsing, my heart began to race."Go! Damon grabbed my arm and dragged me forward as he yelled.The eerie screams of the shadow creatures reverberated throughout the crumbling chamber. Their claws slashed at anything in their path as they swarmed from all directions.Kael whirled around, slicing through an attacking beast with his blade. "They're overrunning us! He shouted as he retreated in our direction."I understand! As I tightened my hold on the celestial sword, I called back. The weapon's brightness had dimmed, as though even it was having trouble keeping up.Liora's face was white with fatigue as she shot arrows quickly. "We must leave this place! Right now!"However, overpowering the commotion surrounding us, the Void's voice bellowed once
Melissa’s POVI had the impression that I was weightless and floating in a sea of silver mist. Even though my body hurt, it felt distant, like a dim recollection. I looked about, attempting to figure out what was going on. The mist whirled around me, chilly and gentle but somehow reassuring."Where am I?" My voice echoed through the infinite emptiness as I whispered.In the distance, a soft light emerged, getting closer and stronger. As it got closer, I could see a figure glorious and glowing. Like the shine of the moon on a chilly, lonely night, her presence infused the room with warmth and sadness.The person said, "Melissa," in a quiet but firm voice. "At a crossroads, you are."My heart was racing as I gazed at her. "Who are you?"With piercing yet compassionate silver eyes, she answered, "I am the Moon Goddess." "Child, you have shown courage in your fight. However, your trip is far from over.I inhaled deeply as my thoughts raced. "What brings me here? What took place?With a hi
Melissa’s POVWith my body weightless and my heart hurting, I drifted into an odd, quiet emptiness. Through the darkness, I sensed a faint sound, like Damon's voice echoing toward me. It pulled at me, making me feel both sad and hopeful."She is still here! His voice was thunderous.I could feel his resolve, his refusal to accept the impossible, even in this limitless emptiness.As though they reverberated into the emptiness where I was imprisoned, I could feel the vibrations of the pack's anxious conversation back in the real world. Damon's voice rose once more, ferocious and uncompromising."I'm not going to let her go! He yelled.I wanted to yell back, Damon, I'm here! Keep searching for me! However, the silence of this location drowned out my voice.Next was Liora's voice, which was composed but hesitant. "Damon, we have no idea how to get in touch with her, even if she is still alive. The Void is difficult to break free from.Damon said sharply, "That doesn't matter to me." "Some
Melisa’s POVI was standing in an area I hadn't been in years, and the air was icy and abrasive. It was the house I grew up in, the walls familiar but warped, like a dream I just vaguely remember. When I realized where I was, my heart began to race."No," I said, taking a step back. "Not this. Anything else than this.The shadows grew deeper as the room twisted. All of a sudden, I was not alone. My parents' features were a mix of regret and rage as they stood in front of me.My mother said, "Melissa," in a quiet but aloof voice. "You left us behind. When we most needed you, you were gone."What? I shook my head and mumbled. "That is untrue! You sided with those who harmed me, which is betrayal!"With a stern gaze, my father took a step forward. And you took off running. You ignored your family rather than dealing with the hurt.My eyes filled with tears as their words struck a deep chord. A part of me understood that what they said was true, even if I wanted to yell and dispute. I had
Melissa’s POVThe earth underneath me trembled. Once full of stars, the sky had become a whirling mass of red and black. I had never seen anything like the full form of the Void, which loomed over us. It was a shapeless shadow that seemed to extend across the sky, a hideous, writhing monster with sharp teeth and flashing crimson eyes.Damon gripped my hand more tightly. "This thing is destruction, Melissa."I took a deep breath. Then we put an end to it. Together.Waves of darkness broke against the shield of our combined force as the Void shouted. With the help of our light, Damon and I managed to push back.Behind us, in formation, the pack channeled the force of the rite by raising their hands. The air was filled with golden symbols that glowed brighter as they infused us with their vitality.Even though he was tired, Eldric's voice was loud and clear. "Hey, Melissa! Make use of the power! Attack its very center!I concentrated as the energy rushed through me. In my palms, a golden
Melissa’s POVFrom within Damon and me, a golden, bright light burst forth. It pushed the darkness aside as it rushed outward. The Void flinched for the first time.I gasped as I sensed our strength entwined, our spirits united. My brightness became Damon's, and his power became mine. We were invincible together.The Void screamed, its dark shape contorting. "Not possible! You can't disobey me!Damon grinned. "It appears that we just did."As the darkness faded, the pack behind us cheered, their spirits rising. Hope flashed for a minute.The Void, however, altered its strategy.Rather than attacking us, it turned to our fighters. The gang stumbled abruptly as a dark pulse sped across the air. Their eyes grew wide with agony.I let out a gasp. "What's going on?"Eldric clutched his skull and yelled. "Our link is being attacked by the Void! It is cutting off our relationship with one another!Damon's face grew serious. "No. It is attempting to separate us from the group.I felt the conn
Melissa’s POVThere was anarchy on the battlefield. Everything in their path was devoured by the shadows that slithered across the earth. The sky was now a whirling pit of blackness.Grasping the shimmering relic tightly, I could feel its warmth pulsing in time with my beating. I understood what needed to be done; the truth had become ingrained in my chest.The Void inside my light needed to be sealed.I glanced at Damon, my fingers shaking. I uttered, hardly raising my voice above a whisper, "I know how to stop it."Damon scowled. "What are you talking about, Melissa?"I inhaled deeply. "I must cage the Void inside of me to put an end to this. I can control it if I unite with my light. However, I will not be able to return.His gaze grew gloomy. "No. Not at all.I took a step toward him and touched his chest. "I can do this, Damon. I must complete this task.With a solid yet desperate grip, he took hold of my shoulders. "You're not giving up anything. I will not allow you to.My eyes
Melissa’s POVThe ground underneath us trembled with a thunderous roar. As the sky grew completely dark, I staggered, barely maintaining my equilibrium. Our planet was completely infiltrated by the Void.As they slithered across the terrain, shadowy tendrils ate everything in their path. Before the onslaught started, the trees withered, the air became dense with a suffocating gloom, and an unsettling hush descended upon the pack's area.First came the creatures. Monstrous, twisted forms sprang from the darkness, staring at us with luminous red eyes."Keep the pack safe!" Damon's voice echoed, firm and powerful.The beasts persisted despite the efforts of our troops. Growls, cries of agony, and claws slamming into teeth reverberated throughout the night. I made a feeble attempt to call forth my light.Panic rising, I muttered, "No... not now."I lifted my fists and pushed energy out. One of the things recoiled when a little flash of light touched it, but the exertion left me exhausted.
Melissa’s POVEldric stood in the middle of the circle, his voice rising in an old chant, and the air crackled with energy. With their hands clasped together and their eyes closed in intense concentration, the pack encircled him. A glistening gap that glowed dimly like a tear, in reality, itself started to form in front of them.My breathing was labored, and I gripped my chest. Weaker than ever, my Celestial Flame dimmed. I was exhausted from the battle.Damon stood next to me, his teeth clenched. "We need to move now, Melissa."A dreadful scream reverberated throughout the domain of the Void. The twisted forms of the shadows writhed in rage as they slithered closer.The voice of the Void bellowed. "You believe you can get away from me?"A wave of darkness smashed upon us, and I flinched. With his claws cutting through the closest shadow creatures, Damon jumped in front of me. "I'm sick of these things!" he snarled.Eldric's gaze flickered. "Avoid them! The rift is still unstable.My
Melissa’s POVThe heavy, oppressive darkness whirled about me. The golden glow of the Celestial Flame flickered like a candle in the wind as I held it tightly in my hands.The Void was different. It had developed shape and was no longer only a collection of shadows. A massive, purely dark figure with empty eyes blazing with insatiable desire loomed before me."Madela, you are nothing." The voice of the Void thundered like a tempest. "Every light bearer before you has been eaten by me. You'll tumble just like everyone else.I forced my fear down with a firm gulp. "How many you've taken doesn't matter to me. I am the one who ends it.The Void chuckled. "What a dumb girl. What has existed for all eternity cannot be stopped.The shadows surrounding us contorted into shrieking faces as it lifted its enormous arms—souls imprisoned in its never-ending hunger. My heart tightened. If I failed, would I end up like this?No.I lifted the Celestial Flame while clenching my teeth. The murky cloud
Melissa’s POVI had the impression that the ground was neither solid nor airy. Above, the sky shifted between angry crimson and deep darkness, twisting in strange ways. Here, time seemed to be fractured, with seconds seeming to drag into hours.All around me, a chilly voice said."Hey Melissa, welcome home."I balled my fists up. "My home is not here."I experienced glimpses of a future in which I stood alone on a throne of darkness while the shadows grew darker and created shifting images. Everything around me was destroyed by fire.Additionally, II was the Void now.Staring back at me was a picture of my face, twisted in the gloom."Fate is beyond your control," the Void said.I gave a headshake. "This isn't real."The vision shifted. Damon was kneeling in front of me, broken. His previously vibrant eyes were now lifeless.The Void went on, "You will ruin everyone you care about." "It is unavoidable.""No!" With my light flashing, I yelled. "I decide my destiny!"I felt the darknes
Melissa’s POVIn my palms, the relic pulsed, its illumination alternating between eerie darkness and golden light. From within came a whisper, a voice old and powerful."Child of light, you're looking for solutions. I am the truth.I took a deep breath. "Tell me."The world around me abruptly changed when the air changed. I found myself in a wide area of whirling shadows and dim light instead of the battlefield. The relic glowed like a fallen star, floating before me.Once more, the voice spoke. "I am more than just a tool of authority. I am a piece of the Void's very center that was left over from the first fight, which took place ages ago.I gasped. "A… a piece of the Void?""Yes. I was made as a test, a means of determining whether mankind was deserving of existence outside the realm of the Void.I gave a headshake. "That isn't rational. Why would something that may be utilized against the Void be left behind?"Because the cycle needs to finish. You must put me back in the core of
Melissa’s POVI could still hear Damon's cry. I glanced at the place where the shadows had pulled him into the abyss, my hands shaking. Something inside of me stirred, even though my heart hurt and the pain was intolerable.A fire, no, a warmth, flared in my chest. My light wasn't the only one. Something deeper, something more powerful.Then from the item beside me came a hushed voice."The Celestial Flame is being reawakened by you."I let out a gasp. “The Celestial Flame?"The voice hummed quietly. “A power your ancestors never reached. A light that may burn away even the deepest darkness.”Like flickering flames, a golden radiance rose from my fingertips. It was fire, not just light. My veins throbbed with heat, more intense than I had ever experienced.I balled my fists up. "I will use this if it can help me defeat the Void."The voice faltered. "The Flame is not so easy to wield. You have to go through a soul trial to manage it.I scowled. "A trial?""You have to face your demons