Melissa POV
With heavy footsteps, I made my way back to the Moonvalley Packhouse. I felt distinct from everything around me. The wind felt harsher across my skin, and the trees were taller. Every scent was more potent, every sound more distinct. My senses were more awake than they had ever been. "What's going on with me? I muttered to myself, uncomfortable. I could hear the voices inside the packhouse before I even got close to the door. What should have been far-off murmurs turned into open discussions. I could even distinguish the distinct, powerful smell of each member of the group. Bewildered by the rush of feelings, I stopped at the door. Was this a result of the biting rogue? Was I evolving? I tried to relax myself by pressing my hand to my chest as my heart raced. "What about Melissa? I was startled by a voice and turned to see Lily standing close by, her worried expression on her face. "Are you alright? You observe... distinct," she remarked, scrutinizing me with narrowed eyes. "I'm not sure," I said. "I sense a change. Everything has changed since the rogue attacked me. My senses seem to have been sharpened, and I detect... more robust.” Lily arched an eyebrow. More robust? That is peculiar. Perhaps you ought to speak with the elderly. They may be aware of what is happening. I agreed, but I had a feeling that this was more complicated than the elders could have explained. I had to solve it for myself at first. I moved through the packhouse's hallways, attempting to go unnoticed. Coming back here after all that had transpired at the ceremony seemed weird. Even though Dennis's rejection still hurt like an open wound, I forced myself to move past it. I heard two voices as I was walking by the meeting room: Dennis's and one that I instantly knew to be Raven, his beta. Despite the silence between them, I could hear everything they were saying thanks to my newly developed senses. Dennis stated, "Raven, you need to watch her," in a stern voice. "It is not acceptable for her to impede our plans." "Alpha, don't worry," Raven answered. "She is feeble. She won't cause any issues. I froze, paying close attention. Were they referring to me? Dennis went on, "She doesn't know yet." However, we must keep her close to us. We must prevent her from learning the truth. What's the truth? Heart pounding, I softly murmured the words. Raven gave a sinister laugh. "She won't live long enough to use it if she does." I tried to digest what I had just heard by leaning my back against the wall. They had a project in mind that would involve me. It also sounded risky. I was standing in front of Dennis's office a few hours later. It was more than I could handle. I needed to speak with him. With a little tremble in my palms, I tapped on the door. It was not long before I heard his voice. "Enter now." I opened the door and took a step inside. Dennis was seated behind his desk, staring at me with his cold blue eyes. Tension heated the air between us for a minute. He said, "Melissa," in a clipped tone. "What are you hoping to achieve?" To center myself, I inhaled deeply. "I'm looking for clarification. Why did you turn me down?" Dennis narrowed his eyes and sat back in his chair. "I have informed you. You're not strong. Instead of dragging me down, I need a Luna who would stand by my side. Though his words hurt, I didn't back down. "You don't have my trust." Dennis arched an eyebrow and smiled slightly. Why do you believe I'm lying?" I fixed my gaze on him, attempting to decipher his expression, but his face remained unreadable. "I heard you conversing with Raven. You mentioned that you must keep me near. That I am unable to learn the truth. Dennis, what truth?" Something sparked in his eyes for a moment that I couldn't quite place. It was neither harshness nor rage. Something was the case. More tender. But suddenly, in the same instant, his icy mask was back on. "You misinterpreted," he stated firmly. Melissa, you mean nothing to me. Avoid overanalyzing it. Though my heart tightened, I didn't give up. Why are you still so impacted by the mate bond if I'm nothing? Dennis, I can sense it. It's unavoidable, no matter how much you try to push me away. His jaw tensed, and I thought I caught a glimpse of pain in his eyes for a split second. However, he shook his head swiftly. "You're incorrect," he murmured. "I don't care about this bond at all." I felt offended and irritated, so I tightened my fists. "You're deceiving yourself," It seems like you have no idea what you're doing." I turned and walked out of the room, not waiting for an answer, my mind spinning with uncertainty and rage. I was called to the pack elders' quarters later that evening. I was nervous as I wondered what this was all about and made my way down the dimly illuminated hallway. Seldom would the elders summon anyone unless something significant was going on. Elder Marcus was waiting for me when I got there, his stern, unreadable face wrinkled. He motioned for me to settle in. "Melissa," he said gradually, his voice measured and quiet. "You don't know certain things about your history or your ancestry." I blinked, startled. "My ancestry? By what do you mean?" Elder Marcus looked around the other elders and then resumed his speech. "The demise of your parents was not an accident. They were a part of something far bigger that had an impact on Storm Packs and Moonvalley. I took a deep breath and felt a shiver go down my back. "What?" What do you mean?" "Your lineage is connected to a historical lineage," Elder Marcus stated solemnly. "One with extraordinary strength. A force capable of tipping the equilibrium between the packs. My heart pounded. However... I'm not sure I get it. What connection does this have to me?" Another elder raised his voice and said, "Your rejection might have been a part of a prophecy." "A forecast? I repeated, my thoughts racing. Which prophecy?" Marcus the Elder nodded. An ancient legend describes a wolf that will balance the rival packs a wolf born of both light and gloom. We think that wolf is you. I looked in shock at him. "Me? However, how? I am... Just Melissa here. I'm not powerful, I'm not "You underestimate your strength," Elder Marcus cut you off. It's possible that the rogue's attack set off a reaction in you that roused a previously dormant power in your blood. Shaking my head, I attempted to make sense of everything. But if this is the case, why would Dennis reject me? How come he wouldn't want me to be his mate?" With solemn looks, the elders looked at each other once more. Elder Marcus mutely remarked, "There are forces at work here that go beyond personal feelings." Dennis's denial might have been a component of a bigger scheme. However, we're not sure who is in charge. A vivid vision flashed before my eyes, stopping me from asking additional inquiries. I clutched my head and moaned as the images flashed through my thoughts. Standing at the edge of a pitch-black forest, I noticed my parents. Their eyes were filled with fear, and I could see the emblems of the Moonvalley Pack and the Storm Pack, two rival packs, behind them. I was stunned and left speechless as the vision vanished as fast as it had been. "What about Melissa? Elder Marcus questioned, his expression showing concern. "I... I sounded nervous as I murmured, "I saw something." "I looked at my parents. As well as the two packets. Something is there. Things I must ascertain.” With glum expressions, the elders nodded. "Melissa, it looks like your journey is just getting started." I got up, my head spinning from all I had just discovered. It was all too much to take in—the vision, the prophecy, and the rejection. One thought kept coming to me as I walked out of the elders' rooms. What if all I had been told about my past was false? The vision of my parents’ death lingered in my mind, along with the symbols of the two warring packs. What had they been hiding from me all this time?Melissa POVI was consumed by thoughts of what the elders had shared with me. The demise of my parents wasn't an accident. There was only one person I could ask for more information, and that someone was Lucas. He was the one who understood more about my parents than anyone else, and he had always supported me.He was reclining against a tree on the forest's edge when I discovered him, his expression thoughtful. He gave me a half-smile that didn't quite reach his eyes as I approached."Melissa," he whispered as he moved in closer. "What is happening? You observe... concerned.I bit my lip, not knowing where to begin. I have a question for you, Lucas. It concerns my parents.Lucas's eyebrows immediately furrowed as his expression shifted. "Your folks? Why this time?""I learned something from the elders... something that is illogical. They claimed that my parents were embroiled in a risky situation. Are you familiar with that?"Lucas paused, glancing at the floor before responding. "Yo
Melissa POVThe two packs were becoming more and more tense. Even in the absence of conflict, every day seemed like a struggle. But it was Raven that was causing me trouble. I was unable to continue to ignore his tactics since they were getting more and more blatant.He was speaking to a bunch of wolves when I observed him strolling through the pack's area; his voice was believable and low. They nodded in agreement as though he—and not Dennis—was their leader, clearly ready to listen to him.Why do people want to follow him so badly? I murmured to myself as I observed from a distance."Because he poses a threat," a well-known voice replied from behind me.I looked around and saw Lucas approaching me. He looked serious, more serious than usual. He came to a stop beside me and looked over at Raven.I have been investigating him, Melissa. I believe he is connected to a negative activity. Incredibly awful.I scowled. "What are you trying to say?"Lucas gently continued, "I've been looking
Melissa POVThe air was calm and frigid in the early morning. Something was off; I had a queasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. There had been rumors of an impending attack for days, which had made the pack anxious. But nobody anticipated it happening so quickly.Abruptly, I heard someone shout in the distance. With my pulse pounding, I ran toward the sound. Dennis was standing close to the forest's edge, his face blanched with astonishment and his chest heaving. His arm was covered in blood, but it wasn't his."What took place? Breathlessly, I rushed to his side and asked.Dennis clenched his jaw, rage blazing in his eyes. "Raven... He attempted to kill me.My heart fell. "Are you serious?"Dennis whispered, "Serious as death," as he wiped the blood from his arm. "I got duped by one of my men. An ambush occurred. I would not be alive if I hadn't been faster.I looked around to see if there were any more warning indications. But it was silent for the moment. Far too silent."He refu
Melissa POVIt was a chilly and tense night. As Lucas and I stood in the clearing and stared forward at the dark jungle, my heart was pounding. Dennis was being held captive somewhere in Raven's fortress, and it was up to us to free him. But my mind was racing as we got ready for the task.My emotions were jumbled. My partner Dennis, the one I was meant to be with. He was extremely proud and difficult to approach. Then there was Damon, who was always there for me, encouraging and teasingly revealing emotions I wasn't sure I was ready to deal with. Lucas, too... the constant, dependable presence that, until recently, I hadn't even realized was there for me. Regarding each of them, how did I feel? I was tormented by the uncertainty."Are you prepared for this? Damon interrupted, jolting me out of my reverie.I swallowed my doubt and nodded. Indeed. Dennis has to be saved.Lucas nodded comfortingly at me from his position to my left. "We'll manage to free him. Raven won't recognize what
Melissa’s POVI felt the weight of Raven's message bear down on me as I clutched his note in my palm. As I explained the contents of the letter to Damon and Lucas, they stood beside me, their faces tight.I muttered, my fingers shaking, "He said... my lineage holds a secret that could destroy both packs."Damon's hand extended to rest on my shoulder as his eyes grew softer. "We'll work this out, Melissa. I will not allow you to suffer any harm. But first, we need answers.Lucas looked intently as he nodded. Perhaps it's time to research your ancestry. You don't have any knowledge of your forefathers, do you?Slowly, I shook my head. "No, all I know is fragments. My parents never talked about much. However, we must find out the truth if Raven's claims are accurate.I could feel the warmth of Damon's confidence as his hold tightened. Then, collectively, let's find out. We'll find whatever is hidden.I gazed at them both, with a peculiar mixture of appreciation and perplexity. Their enco
Melissa’s POVThe library echoed with the growls of the rogue wolves as they continued to close in. As my hands began to glow golden once more, my only thought was to keep my friends safe.As Dennis had said, I tried to focus and channel the energy by closing my eyes. Gradually, I visualized a wall erecting around us, a shield of defence that would deter the outlaws. The light intensified, and all of a sudden, I sensed an invisible wall of power pulsing outward.The wolves yelled in astonishment as they were flung backwards after running into it. As the shield held firm for a few while, I gasped and felt a wave of tiredness sweep over me. However, the light around my hands quickly faded as my knees gave way and I staggered.I was caught by Damon, who had worried eyes. "How are you, Melissa?"I was so exhausted that I could hardly stand. I gripped his arm and muttered, "I... I think so." "However, using my power drains me so much."Looking around, Lucas saw the outlaws fleeing. However
Melissa’s POVThe woodland was silent, with shadows reaching between the trees and the only sound being my heartbeat pounding in my ears. I took a deep breath and tried to stabilize myself. I was here alone to meet Raven. I wanted answers I needed them but I was afraid of what he might say.Then I saw him. Raven emerged from behind a tree, his eyes flashing in the dark light. His smile was piercing and unnerving, sending shivers down my spine."Melissa," he said, his tone low and silky. "I knew you'd come.""I came for answers, Raven. Nothing else," I answered, attempting to maintain my tone.Raven chuckled and tilted his head. "Oh, I'll give you answers... but you may not like them."I gulped, but my gaze remained on his. "Then start talking."He took a step closer, staring at me with weird intensity. "You come from a line of powerful wolves, Melissa. Your ancestors weren't ordinary, they could alter the destiny of entire packs. They could bring prosperity... or destroy everything."
Melissa’s POVBack at the packhouse, I collected Dennis, Damon, and Lucas in a meeting room. The hush was oppressive as if everyone knew something enormous was approaching. I took a big breath and looked at each of them."Raven told me something strange," I said. "Before he left, he said I didn't know the real enemy."Dennis lifted his eyebrow. "That's Raven attempting to scare you, Melissa. "He wants you confused and afraid."I shake my head. "No, Dennis." This felt odd. He wasn't simply attempting to intimidate me. It was as if he knew something we didn't.Damon clenched his jaw as he gazed at Dennis. "Maybe Melissa is right. We should not disregard a warning simply because it originated from Raven."Dennis scoffed and crossed his arms. "So, what?" We start hunting for an enemy who may not even exist. Raven is the enemy, and he's only trying to play with your head, Melissa.Frustration rose within me. "Why don't you believe me, Dennis?" "You're always trying to dismiss things as if
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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