Melissa’s POVWhen I left the pack house, the temperature was lower than usual. Whispers appeared to infiltrate my head along with the unnatural chill of the wind. In the back of my mind, my wolf growled softly but steadily as she stirred nervously.Her words, "Something isn't right,"Silently, I nodded as the region began to feel the weight of the unease."Melissa!" Emily rushed toward me, her breathing laboured and her face white. "You need to see this."I went to the training fields after her. The once-vibrant area where wolves trained and sparred had devolved into a chaotic spectacle. A strange fog clung to the ground, the grass was wilting, and trees were charred.I questioned sharply, "What happened here?"Damon came over, his face serious. "The Void’s energy is leaking through the crack. It’s infecting the land, Melissa. And it’s not just here."A spine-tingling howl resounded from the trees as if at the same moment. A wolf, its eyes flashing an odd green and its fur matted, st
Melissa’s POVTension permeated the air. The dark figure of The Void's servant towered over us, standing still. It was difficult to breathe because of the weighty energy that radiated from him as if it were pressing against my chest.The servant's voice was smooth and uncannily serene as he remarked, "Melissa, you don't understand the gift you've been given." He fixed his bright eyes on mine. "You're not supposed to battle The Void. It is supposed to be ruled by you.I took a step forward without flinching. "You're incorrect," I firmly stated. "I don't share your darkness. I will never accompany you.A disconcerting smile grew across the servant's face as he cocked his head. You already have, though. Do you not sense it? The shadow inside of you? It is becoming more powerful every day.My wolf was stirring uneasily inside me as I clenched my hands. He said something that both she and I didn't like.Melissa and her group belong here! Damon snarled and moved to stand next to me.The ser
Melissa’s POVI felt waves of pain as the mark on my arm burnt once more. I looked down at the blazing symbol and winced. The harsh, unnatural edges of the sign were carved into my skin. I could feel it every time it pulsed, like an unseen thread drawing me nearer to something horrible and gloomy.Hey Melissa, what is it? Damon inquired in a worried tone. He was standing next to me, staring at the mark.With a trembling voice, I responded, "I don't know, Damon." Things are getting worse. Sometimes the ache is intolerable.I gritted my teeth to endure the piercing pain. For a minute, my eyesight became blurry as the mark seemed to hum with an odd energy. For a moment, I could see monsters from The Void, their eyes blazing red, moving in the corners of my consciousness.With his hand on my shoulder, Damon moved closer and asked, "What's happening?"To dispel the visions, I shook my head. "It’s like… like something’s calling me from within it. The Void, maybe."Dennis had been pacing clo
Melissa’s POVThe jungle towered over us like a pitch-black, never-ending tunnel. The branches of tall trees entwined to block out most of the light as they extended into the sky. Every sound made my heart race, even as my boots crunched on the dried leaves on the woodland floor. The faint pulse of the sigil on my arm served as a continual reminder of the curse I was carrying. Dennis followed a little behind, murmuring to himself about maps and old predictions, while Damon strolled next to me, his keen eyes searching the darkness.Damon pointed to a dim trail that wound through the trees and remarked, "We're close." "But we must remain vigilant.""Remain vigilant? I gave him a suspicious look. "Do you believe that the creatures of The Void are pursuing us?"Damon gave a sombre nod. They didn't stop. To them, the mark on your arm is like a beacon.I took a deep breath. Fantastic. Exactly what I required.Then, out of the darkness, came a deep growl. My breath caught in my throat as I f
Melissa’s POVUnease permeated the air around the packhouse, making it feel heavier than usual. My heart thumped in my chest as I walked to the council room. I had seen the sidelong glances and heard the whispers. I was tormented by the betrayal I had heard, but I had to face the traitor before the rifts in our togetherness deepened.The place was quiet as I walked in. One of our reliable spies, Marcus, caught my attention. His eyes darted anxiously, and he stood stiffly. Dennis and Damon stood on either side of me, providing comfort but unable to quell the storm that was building within me."Marcus," I said in a calm yet icy tone. "We must speak."His shoulders sagged as he gulped forcefully. "I, Melissa..."I stepped closer and interrupted, saying, "Don't." "You were heard. I heard everything. You were addressing The Void's servant. You have deceived us.The room echoed with gasps. Marcus looked away, his hands shaking. He muttered, "I didn't mean for it to go this far." They put my
Melissa’s POVThere was a lot of bustle in the packhouse. Wolves frantically prepared for what appeared to be an insurmountable battle. Strategies were whispered, weapons honed. But the air was heavy with tension, like fog.My mark, that damned symbol, pulsed faintly beneath my skin as I stood in the middle of it all. With every second that went by, it felt heavier, as if it were living and becoming stronger. I tried to concentrate, but my mind was racing. There was not much time left.I saw him gathering a group of fighters by the training grounds and cried out, "Damon." "We need to rally everyone," he said, turning as his face softened upon seeing me. Right now.As firm as a rock in a storm, he strolled in my direction. "Melissa, we are making every effort. However, morale is low.I gave a sad nod. "I understand. We can't give up, though. Not right now.Dennis showed up with a dusty old book in his hands before he could reply. “I think I found something you need to see, Melissa,” he
Melissa’s POVThe emblem on my arm burned like a flame beneath my flesh, and my entire body hurt as I stepped outside the packhouse. Since yesterday, the mark's eerie light had gotten brighter, telling everyone including myself that I was no longer just any wolf. But my concerns were more pressing now. At the brink of our frontiers, a stranger who claimed to be an ally stood.Despite my stomach churning, I said firmly, "Who are you, and what do you want?"Slowly and deliberately, the man took a step forward. His steel-sharp, calculating eyes glinted. "My name is Aelric," he introduced himself. "I’ve fought The Void before. I know what it wants and how to stop it."Damon protectively stepped in front of me and hissed, "You’ve fought The Void?" "How convenient. And you just happen to show up now?"Despite his wrath, Aelric's eyes shifted to Damon. "I’ve been watching. Waiting for the right moment. Now that Melissa has been marked, time is running out. If you don’t act, The Void will con
Melissa’s POVThe air was heavy with smoke, and I could hear my packmates howling. Like a never-ending flood of blackness, shadow creatures surrounded us, their crimson eyes blazing with rage. I felt the heat from the glowing symbol on my arm as I tightened my hands. It filled my veins with an unexplained intensity that pulsed like a heartbeat."We must immediately patch up the rifts! I shouted, trying to get my voice heard above the commotion.At my side, Damon slashed down a shadow beast that sprang at us, his blade gleaming. "We're outnumbered, Melissa. We will never prevail in this battle if that creature continues to cause divisions!"I looked toward the biggest gap, a whirling whirlpool of violet and black energy that hung in the air like a real-life wound. With each pulse, it spat out more shadow beings. Like it recognized the energy gushing out of that emptiness, my mark throbbed in response."We cannot give up," I firmly stated. "I believe I can close it if I can."Damon took
Melissa’s POVThe Storm Pack was no longer the same.There was no unity where there had been disagreement. There was strength where there had been dread.I watched the pack as they passed through the village from the balcony of the Alpha's estate. The area was bathed in a golden glow as the sun was just starting to rise. The smell of fresh bread wafted from the kitchens, young pups played by the river, and wolves trained in the fields.There was peace for the first time in a long time.There was a knock behind me."Come in," I said quietly.Damon entered, his piercing golden eyes silently laughing at me. Arms crossed, he leaned against the doorway. "You've spent a lot of time lately gazing at the sunrise."I turned to him and grinned. "Now it feels different. More vivid.He approached me and put an arm around my waist. For that reason, it is. Melissa, you made all the difference.I leaned against him and let out a deep exhale. "Everything was altered by us."Although I still felt the
Melissa’s POVThe conflict was over.The noises of warfare had long filled the battlefield, but now it was oddly quiet. The storm had passed as though it had also been vanquished, and the sky had cleared. But the weight of loss weighed heavily on my chest, and the smell of blood was still there.Dennis had left.The newly turned ground was wet underfoot as I stood at his grave. He was buried by the pack near the top of Storm Pack's property, where the forest's aroma wafted into the air. It was a place for Alphas, for warriors.In the end, for a leader who had saved himself.Tobias firmly touched my shoulder. "The pack shares your grief," he muttered.I gave a nod but remained silent.Behind me, the soldiers stood with their heads bowed in reverence. Some of them had recently sustained wounds and were still wearing bandages from the fight. Although the wounds of war will never truly heal, none were more painful than losing our Alpha.Jacob, the youthful, doomed warrior, appeared in a l
Melissa’s POVAs the storm raged above us, the sky was painted in rich tones of black and red. Although there was silence on the battlefield, the strong smell of magic and blood permeated the air.With her dark cloak flapping in the wind, Raven stood in the middle of the mayhem. Around her, the shadows twisted strangely, as though they were alive. She gazed at me, her eyes blazing with hate.She growled, "You won't stop me this time."I stood with Dennis and Damon, our bodies tight. Although we were weakened by the previous combat, we were still intact.With a firm voice, I said, "We end this now, Raven."She gave a chilly laugh. "Are you still not understanding? Retaliation was never the only goal here. I'll mould the werewolf race to fit my vision. You are all weak and holding onto an outdated system that ought to be abolished.With the Moon Goddess's might still blazing within me, I took a step forward and said, "You're incorrect. Destroying is not what strength is all about. It's
Melissa’s POVThe nightmare had only just begun, but the struggle was finished.Breathing heavily caused my chest to rise and fall as I stood in the middle of the battlefield. The bodies of fallen roguess were strewn all over the area, and the air was heavy with the smell of blood. However, there was a problem.Incorrect.I heard a low, guttural growl that made my ears perk up. When I turned abruptly, I saw Jacob, one of our troops, shivering fiercely. Once a familiar shade of brown, his eyes had turned completely black.Jacob? I moved ahead with caution.His body gave a strange jerk. His breathing became laboured. Then he suddenly launched an attack.With horrifying strength, he sprang at a fighter nearby, sending them to the ground. Like a mad beast, Jacob ripped into his packmate, causing the pack to gasp in fear."No! I shifted in midair as I sprinted at him. The injured warrior was knocked off his feet when my wolf struck his side.Jacob gave me a growl, no, a snarl. Something in
Melissa’s POVThe air was heavy with the smell of conflict, and the battlefield was covered in blood. The night was filled with the snarls of the rogues as they circled us like vultures. However, Raven captured my interest.Her dark eyes gleamed with twisted glee as she stood erect, her black cloak blowing in the breeze."Melissa, do you still not understand?" Her voice was like ice as she spoke.I balled my fists up. "Do you understand?"She tilted her head and grinned. "That I'm to blame for everything you've gone through."A shiver went down my back. "What?"She walked ahead slowly, enjoying the moment. "Selena was merely a pawn." Is Dennis turning you down? I did it. The roguess? My troops. The pack's turmoil? Everything was planned.Behind me, the warriors let out gasps. Dennis tensed up as well.My heart was racing as I swallowed hard. "Why?"Raven's face grew serious. Because mine was damaged by yours. as your lineage ought to have terminated years ago. A snarl curved her lips.
Melissa’s POVThe air still carried the smell of blood. I didn't have time to think about what I had done, even though Selena's body was dead at my feet.The roguess were approaching.From the forest came a howl that was deep and bone-chilling. Another came after it. And yet another.The sound caused the pack to tighten and their ears to twitch. Warriors shifted on their feet, ready to fight, and reached for their weapons.Dennis moved to stand next to me and looked around the trees. He whispered, "They think we're weak." "They believe we'll fall apart now that Selena is gone."I gave a quick breath. "Then we prove they are mistaken."He was about to reply when the first rogues, a huge, scarred wolf with red eyes that glowed, emerged from the darkness.Then another.And yet another.They soon filled the area, their snarls tearing through the darkness.The soldiers of the Storm Pack prepared."Remain on the line!" Tobias yelled. "Avoid breaking formation!"My silver wolf was at the fro
Melissa’s POVWith their gaze fixed on me, the pack became silent. As I stood over Selena's quivering body, I exhaled in calm, controlled breaths. Even though she had already given in, it wasn't enough.I wasn't finished with her yet.With my silver wolf looming over her smaller, vanquished body, I took a step closer. My voice was piercing and authoritative. "Arise."Despite whimpering, Selena remained still. The soil beneath her was stained with blood that spilt from the wounds I had caused to her.I transformed back into a human and stood erect, my body still pulsing with strength. I responded icily, "This isn't over." "You took my spot. You planned to harm me. I was poisoned by you. I stepped forward, staring into her eyes. "You will now be held accountable for it."Selena's gaze flitted about, looking for assistance. However, none arrived. The pack was waiting and observing.Dennis was standing close by, his face unreadable. The elders and Tobias remained silent. Damon, with his a
Melissa’s POVLong shadows were formed across the battlefield by the full moon's strong light over the training grounds. With their faces stiff with expectancy, warriors formed a close circle. Two Alphas, each vicious and resolute, battling for the right to claim me was a conflict the pack had never witnessed before.Dennis straightened up, his tense muscles taut. He turned to confront Damon, his dark eyes blazing with rage. "This concludes tonight."Damon rolled his shoulders and grinned. "At last, we can agree on something."The elder, Tobias, moved forward and held up a hand. "The guidelines are straightforward. This is a struggle for power and control. No meddling. No pity. The victor asserts their entitlement to Melissa.I balled my fists up. I didn't want the decision to be made in this manner. Now, however, neither Damon nor Dennis would listen to me.Tobias took a quick look at both Alphas. "Are you prepared?"Dennis gave a rigid nod. Damon cracked his knuckles and grinned.“S
Melissa’s POVTension began to build as the sun had just begun to rise over the Storm Pack's territory. Whispering among themselves, warriors stood in groups. A few glanced in my direction, their eyes puzzled. Others were standing close to Selena, showing their allegiance.The group was dispersing.My fists were clenched as I stood at the training grounds. This was more than a fight, yet the challenge had been set. It was about who owned the pack, authority, and trust.Dennis stood with his arms folded in the middle. He scanned the assembled gathering with his piercing stare. "Today, we will resolve this," he declared. "Melissa asserted her legitimacy as Luna. Selena has also asserted it. The pack has to make a decision.With a sly smile, Selena moved forward. She flicked her hair and hissed, "The choice is obvious." Dennis, I've been by your side. While she was away, I took the lead.There were murmurs. While some warriors scowled, others nodded.An elder took a step forward. "Meliss