Melissa’s POVDarkness appeared to fill the forest. Shadows from each tree writhed and twisted like living things. As the shadow creatures surrounded us, the rival alpha's laughter reverberated and his eyes shone with might.He remarked in a harsh, derisive voice, "You can't win." "You are to blame for this."Feeling the warmth of the relic fight with the icy force of the Void, I tightened my hold on it. I stared at the alpha, his presence a menace, and my heart pounded.Fear knotted in my stomach, but I responded, "You don't scare me." "I'll stop the Void and you."The alpha snarled, "You're already losing control, little wolf." "That artefact is your curse, not your ally."I hardly had time to duck as he pounced at me more quickly than I had anticipated. I had just been standing there when his claws swept the air. I had to lift the item as the shadows surged, and its brightness momentarily pushed them back.Melissa, be careful! Behind me, Kael's voice yelled.A shadow thing leapt to
Melissa’s POVWhen I emerged from my tent, the atmosphere was tense. The sound of snarling wolves and distant howls broke the still, peaceful night. As the shadows approached our area, their ominous shapes melding into the woods like nightmares, my heart sank."Elissa!" As he ran at me, his face white but resolute, Damon's voice cried out urgently. "The shadows are coming at you! The energy of the relic has lured them here!I clenched my fists around the relic, its strange warmth flowing through my hands. With shame gnawing at my chest, I muttered, "This is my fault."Damon firmly stated, "Now is not the time to assign blame." "We must keep the pack safe.""What is the number?" My voice trembled as I asked."Too many," Damon said sombrely. However, we'll repel them. We usually do.The pack warriors gathered behind him; their eyes fearful but steadfast in their devotion. Liora was in the lead, her claws outstretched, her eyes keen."You need to stay back, Melissa," she urged in a tone
Melissa’s POVDarkness. It seemed to go on forever and suffocate everywhere I looked. I could not feel the air in my lungs or the ground beneath my feet. The piercing, derisive voice of the Void reverberated all around me."Melissa, you're wasting your strength," it mockingly said. "As soon as you touched the artefact, you were mine.""No! I yelled as I spun around in the void, looking for anything. "You are not going to prevail!""You've already lost," the voice said with a laugh that chilled me. Examine your surroundings. Only I remain; nothing of you remains.I balled my fists to conjure the light I once sensed so effortlessly. However, nothing appeared. I felt… hollow like the Void’s words were true.Then, out of the corner of my eye, a faint flicker appeared. A soft, golden light, barely visible. I turned toward it, hope surging in my chest.“There!” I thought, running toward it.But as I moved, the blackness drew in tighter. The Void’s laughing became louder, each word dripping
Melissa’s POVMy hands were shaking as golden light crackled over my fingertips as I stood in the centre of the clearing. It seemed like I was trying to hold onto a hurricane as I tried to concentrate on managing the energy."Melissa, maintain your composure," Liora stated in a steady but anxious tone. Her hands were blazing dimly with defensive magic as she stood a few feet away."I'm making an effort! I yelled, my anger rising within me. I was overcome by the energy coursing through me, and the ominous murmurs of the Void continued to haunt me.From the edge of the clearing, Damon urged, "You can do this." The only thing keeping me rooted was his steady, serene gaze.I inhaled deeply and closed my eyes. "Pay attention. "You have control over it," I told myself in a whisper.I held my hands out in front of me, attempting to release the energy in a continuous flow. It worked for a while. The scene was illuminated by a soft beam of golden light that blasted out.However, a sudden surge
Melissa’s POVThe pack council room was packed with tension. The air felt heavy, and the typical camaraderie among the pack members had grown frigid. Everyone sat around the long oak table, their faces furrowed with worry. Damon stood at the head, his demeanour gloomy yet controlled.I sat close to Liora, who was flipping through her notes with strained brows. She didn’t speak, but I could tell she was trying to piece together something worrisome.“We can’t keep fighting in the dark like this,” Damon said, his powerful voice breaking through the silence. “The shadows know our every move. It’s as if they’re one step ahead of us.”“Because they are,” Kael mumbled, his fists stiffening. “Someone’s feeding them information. Someone from inside the pack.”Gasps and murmurs raced through the room.“Kael,” Liora began carefully, “those are serious accusations. Are you sure?"Kael's mouth clenched. "Enough to be sure. They always counter us when we plot an ambush. Every location we believe to
Melissa’s POVMarcus and I were seated opposite each other in the chilly, poorly lighted jail. His face looked pale, with traces of terror and remorse, and his hands were chained. Behind me, Damon stood with his arms folded and a stern expression on his face.I spoke calmly but firmly, "Marcus, you owe us the truth." "You'll tell us everything you know about the Void's plan if you want any chance of redemption."Marcus paused, his gaze flitting from Damon to me. "It's not that easy," he whispered, his voice trembling."It is," Damon stated in a cold tone. "You turned on your pack. You must now assist us in stopping this or else you will be held accountable.Marcus nodded after taking a deep breath. "All right," he muttered. "I'll share what I know with you."With my light blazing dimly around me, I leaned forward and said, "Start talking."Marcus inhaled deeply. "Melissa, the Void does not wish to destroy you. It desires to become one with you. It believes that your light is the ideal
Melissa’s POVTension was in the air as I stood in the middle of the pack's meeting room. I saw a mixture of fear and resolve on the faces in front of me. They looked to me for support because these were my people, my family.I inhaled deeply before moving forward. "Everyone," I said, maintaining my composure in the face of my emotional storm, "we are up against a war unlike any we have ever faced. Despite being driven to the brink by the Void, we remain upright. And we are invincible as long as we remain united.The crowd echoed with a murmur. A few nodded, determination stiffening their faces. Others held on to one another, leaning on their loved ones for support."We have experienced loss," I added, raising my voice. "We have experienced suffering. However, we have also triumphed. We have risen stronger each time the Void has attempted to shatter us. Nothing will be different this time.Damon moved to stand next to me, his presence like a constant flame amidst the confusion. With a
Melissa’s POVThe atmosphere surrounding the Void was chilly and heavy as if all hope and warmth had been sucked out. I held the relic in my shaking hands as I stood at its brink. There was a slight pulse across its surface as if it could sense the danger.The pack gathered in uncomfortable quiet behind me. None of them dared to speak, but their anxious gazes pierced my back. They were all aware of what I was going to do.Elena begged, "Melissa, you don't have to do this," her voice cracking.My heart felt like it was breaking, but I forced a tiny grin as I turned to face her and the others. "Yes, Elena, I do. There's Damon. And none of us will live if I don't put an end to the Void right away.Marcus, Damon's beta, came forward. Raw terror had taken the place of his normally composed manner. "There must be another way, Melissa. Let's engage in combat!"Holding the artefact closer, I shook my head. "This is not your battle. I'm wanted by the Void. I've always been the one.Elena's eye
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