Melissa’s POVThe silence was unsettling, and the air was heavy. Even though I couldn't see what was going on, I could sense that something sinister and off was going on.Even though I hadn't returned to reality yet, I could sense Damon and the pack's fear because of my strong bond with them.Damon's voice echoed faintly in my head, "It's happening again." There was urgency in his voice. "The shadows have returned."I felt a chill go through me. Darkness? The creatures of the Void? I believed I had halted them.I could only observe from my position in the transitional area. The moonlight illuminated the tense faces of the pack as they gathered in the forest. I could see Damon was struggling to keep his composure as he stood in the middle, his broad shoulders squared."Everyone, stay close," Damon ordered. His voice was strong, but I knew him well enough to hear the fracture in his resolve.Kael, ever the dutiful Beta, stepped beside him. “They’re stronger this time,” he replied solemn
Melissa’s POVWhen I opened my eyes, I saw that I was standing in an odd, warped environment. There was an unearthly glow in the air, and it felt heavy. Although it appeared to be a dream, it felt more genuine than it was. Vibrant shards of my memories warm times spent with Damon, my pack, and the serene woodland I had called home filled half of it. Whispers of the Void and whirling shadows filled the other half, which was oppressively cold."What is this location? I whispered, circling back and forth to try to make sense of everything.A voice slithered into my ear, smooth and almost calming. "Melissa, this is where your worlds collide.""Who's there? With a quivering voice, I demanded. With caution, I took a step forward, my feet digging a little into the unfamiliar, throbbing ground.The dark, knowing voice laughed. "You are familiar with me. The Void is me. Nevertheless, I am you. I'm the strength to put things right, the power you've always wanted. Allow me to assist you."No," I
Melisa’s POVA faint golden light flickered behind my eyelids as I slowly woke up. My head throbbed, and my body felt heavier than stone."Hey, Melissa! She’s waking up!” Damon’s voice rang out, full of relief and urgency.I opened my eyes to find Damon, Liora, and Kael crouched beside me. The entire pack was crowded around, their faces furrowed with worry. Damon’s hand was warm against mine, grounding me in the moment.“Where am I?” I croaked, my throat dry.“You’re safe,” Damon murmured, his piercing blue eyes scrutinizing my face. “You fainted after the battle with the shadows.”Before I could reply, a tremendous surge of wind blew across the camp. It wasn’t natural, this wind carried it with a sensation of strength that made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end.The air shimmered, and a figure began to appear in front of us, enveloped in a gentle silver light. The pack collectively gasped, sinking to their knees.“It’s her,” Liora whispered. “The Moon Goddess.”I scrambled
Melisa’s POVWhen we left at daybreak, the air was clear but heavy, with the sun just beginning to peek through the thick fog that held onto the woodland. I felt as though the weight of the Void itself was bearing down on me with every stride.Damon shouted from the front, his voice tight and cautious, "Stay close." "The forest is not as dead as it looks."With his sword resting on his shoulder, Kael snorted behind me. One way to describe it is "alive." I'd describe it as hostile.Liora strolled alongside me, her gaze sweeping the area. "Something feels off here. It appears the Void had permeated the actual land.With a knot in my stomach, I nodded. The woodland wasn't the only area. With every step I took, I could sense the Void's presence intensifying, its murmurs becoming more intrusive and persistent.It whispered in my brain, "You're putting them in danger." Now turn around, Melissa. Save them the suffering.I gave a strong shake of my head, attempting to ignore the voice. I whis
Melisa’s POVEven more horrific than the tales had told was the cursed mountain range. Above us, jagged peaks rose into the sky and vanished behind dense, black clouds that whirled furiously. Whispers that seemed to come out of nowhere were carried by a chilly wind that howled through the rocky terrain.I encircled myself with my arms, attempting to ignore the cold and the unsettling noises. I replied, my voice scarcely heard over the wind, "This place feels alive."Damon said, approaching me, "It's not alive." "The Void is deceiving you."Liora narrowed her eyes toward the sky. "Those aren't natural clouds. Their purpose is to keep us at bay.Lightning flashed across the sky as if on cue, striking the earth perilously near us. I stumbled, barely catching myself as the ground rocked."This isn't possible!" Kael yelled. "How are we going to overcome this?"Despite my heart racing in my chest, I firmly stated, "We have to keep going." "This is the temple. I sense it.Damon's forehead wa
Melissa’s POVExcept for the slight buzz of power coming from the broken mirrors, the room was quiet. I was motionless as I gazed at the shadowy figure that had materialized from the biggest piece. Her face and posture were identical to mine, but her eyes were icy, dark pits.With an uncanny calmness, the figure remarked, "Melissa, you can't flee from me." "The part of you that you act as though doesn't exist is me.""That is untrue," I replied, my voice shaking. "You're merely another Void trick."The sound of her laughter chilled me to the bone. "Oh, Melissa. You are aware that's untrue. I embody all your doubts, fears, and vulnerabilities. I'm stronger than you realize, too.I clenched my hands, hoping that the light within me would drive the terror away. "You don't scare me."She narrowed her dark eyes. The room changed as she held up her palm and said, "Then prove it." Shadows whirled around us as the ground underneath me shook and broke. Scenes from my past, experiences I had at
Melissa’s POVI sat in the darkened study in the pack's safe home, the relic on the wooden table in front of me. Now it glowed dimly, a gentle golden light that beat like a heartbeat. But each time it flashed, it stirred something inside me, a strangely familiar and scary draw toward the Void.I gazed at the piece while my hands shook a little. Damon crossed his arms and stood beside the doorway. I could feel the worry and frustration in his eyes.With a harsh voice, he remarked, "You haven't stopped looking at that thing since we got back.""It's significant," I answered, keeping my gaze fixed on the artefact. "Damon, I feel it. Something about it—something I must comprehend.With a groan, Damon moved in closer. "You should get some rest. Melissa, you've been through hell. That thing…” His face darkened as he pointed to the artefact. It's interfering with your mental state. I see it.His comments made me wince, but I kept my eyes fixed on his. I murmured, "It's not playing tricks on
Melissa’s POVAs Kael and I made our way more into the rival alpha's domain, the trees became more tangled and darker. It felt like the shadows were closing in on us, preparing to attack, and every step was heavier. I strengthened my hold on the relic. Its words grew more intense as its dim brightness hardly broke through the shadows.Kael crouched low and scanning the terrain ahead, he said, "We're getting close." "However, something seems off."With my eyes darting around the ominous woodland, I muttered back, "I feel it too." There was something strange in the air, and I could feel it.I followed Kael's signal, and we slipped through the undergrowth. Just ahead stood the village of the opposing pack, almost discernible through the trees. I could hear the faint murmur of voices and the flickering of distant torches."Do you believe they are aware of our presence? I asked in a hardly audible whisper.Kael gave a headshake. "Not yet, but we must go cautiously. We risk being caught if
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