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 rumours were already spreading before I even went into the conference chamber. All heads turned to me as I pushed open the heavy wooden doors. I could feel the weight of their looks and the oppressive tension in the room.Someone whispered, "She's here."My legs felt heavy, but I forced myself to move forward. With his steady and comforting presence, Damon was at my side. However, he was powerless to stop what was about to happen.Gregor, an elder wolf, came forward. His eyes were as hard as stone, and his arm was bandaged from the training mishap. "Melissa," he stated in a firm, loud voice. "We must speak."I nodded and swallowed hard. "All right."Gregor started by saying, "You've guided us through some difficult times." But this—this is something else. The episode from yesterday demonstrated your loss of control. You pose a threat to us.A wave of murmuring went across the room, and I felt my heart drop.I trembled as I said, "I didn't mean to hurt anyone." "I'm e
Melissa’s POVThe clearing's air felt heavy as if the entire world had paused to listen. With their eyes focused on the unfamiliar man in front of them, the pack formed a tense circle. The presence of the messenger sent by the Void was poisonous.It was only partially human. Its eyes were two black pits that appeared to stare straight through me, and its grey skin was pulled taut over jagged bones. Its voice, like a serpent creeping into my ears, was frigid as it spoke.The emissary's tiny lips curled into a sort of smile as it said, "I come with an offer." "Your bundle is of no interest to the Void. It solely looks for the girl.A shiver went through my body. Everyone was aware of "the girl."Melissa? Gregor stepped forward and inquired, his voice a little shaky.The emissary turned to face me with a hollow expression and murmured, "Yes." The Void will spare the rest of you if you give her up. The army of the Void will destroy everything if you don't resist.There was a ripple of mur
Melissa’s POVThere was an uncanny silence in the air, and it felt heavy. I was in a huge, barren wilderness when I opened my eyes. Dark clouds swirled in the sky above, and shadows writhed across the ground like restless spirits. Soft yet icy whispers flooded the air, their words seeping into my brain like poison."Where am I? My voice sounded faint and unsure as I whispered.A voice in my head growled, "You know where you are."I tightened my fists and stepped forward unsteadily. Every step I took felt like I was slipping more into the Void's hold as the ground beneath my feet moved like sand. Images of my darkest memories suddenly flashed before my eyes.When I was little, I witnessed my father abandoning me.When my initial training failed, I heard the group laugh cruelly.Then I caught a glimpse of Damon's face. I couldn't hear what he was saying, but he was shouting."Stop it! I covered my ears and shouted. The murmurs, mocking me, became louder.Melissa, you're weak," the Void'
Melissa’s POVThe black version of me moved closer, and I stood motionless, my chest heaving. Her voice was as cutting as a sword, and her eyes glowed with hate.With a sarcastic tone, she said, "Melissa, you can't run from me." "I am all that you are. Everything you have attempted to conceal.I ignored my hands' trembling and tightened my fists. "I'm not you. The Void made you into a warped reflection in order to shatter me.The sound of her laughter chilled me to the bone. Do you tell yourself that? Melissa, you have to face it. You've always been scared and weak. You have failed the people you care about because of this.I didn't let her realize that her remarks touched a nerve. Despite the storm inside of me, I answered, "You're wrong. I'm not weak." I've overcome every obstacle, and I'll do the same to you.She grinned, reflecting my own disobedience. She opened her arms wide and said, "Then show me." "Show me you're not the frightened young girl I see standing in front of me."S
Melissa’s POVIn the Void's realm, the air was oppressive, a mixture of ash and a bitter substance that stuck to my lungs. The ground beneath my feet wasn't firm; instead, it moved with every step I took, seemingly alive. All around me, shadows loomed, their forms bending and twisting as though they were observing me.I froze as I turned a corner in the never-ending darkness. Damon was standing there, hardly discernible in the gloom.His voice was tight with relief as he yelled out, "Melissa!" His boots crunched on the unfamiliar, shifting surface as he ran toward me."Damon!" I sprinted to meet him after gasping. When he finally got to me, he drew me into his arms and held me firmly.His voice trembled as he murmured, "You're okay." "I believed—I believed I had lost you."My chest ached with the weight of all that had transpired, so I held on to him. With my voice muffled against his shoulder, I murmured, "I'm here." "I'm all right. For the time being."Elissa!" I turned to see Liora
Melissa’s POVI was going downhill. As the emptiness drew me closer, the surroundings became a haze of shadows and blackness. As my heart raced in my chest, I made frantic attempts to hold on to anything in order to prevent myself from falling."Elissa!" Like a lifeline, Damon's voice broke through the confusion.He was leaning over the brink of the collapsing bridge with his hand out when I looked up. "Grasp my hand!"Like cold claws, the Void's grasp on my flesh was unrelenting. I grabbed for him, my fingertips grazing his, my arms hurting."I'm running out of patience!" With a quivering voice, I yelled."You can, indeed!" Damon snarled. His fingers closed around my wrist as he extended his reach deeper. "I've got you. You dare not let go.As soon as his fingers touched mine, the pressure drawing me down grew stronger. The Void itself seemed unwilling to let me leave."It's too strong, Damon!" I sobbed as I felt my hold loosen."I will not let you leave!" His voice was full of resol
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