Melissa’s POVThings between Dennis and myself had changed since I discovered the prophecy and his hidden knowledge. The trust that previously bound us together seemed to be slipping away, replaced by a nagging unease. As I passed inside the packhouse, I attempted to shake off the turmoil in my heart, but it persisted like a shadow."Melissa." Dennis' voice interrupted my thoughts. I turned to see him standing by the door, his expression tense. "We need to talk."I crossed my arms and kept my tone steady. "About what, Dennis?"His eyes were filled with frustration. "You've been avoiding me since our conversation about the prophecy. I'm trying to protect you, yet you're acting as if I betrayed you."Because you did! "The words came out sharper than I had intended. "You concealed something very vital from me, Dennis. How can I trust you now?"Dennis clenched his jaw and took a step closer. "I did not tell you because I believed it was the greatest way to keep you safe. I did not want yo
Melissa’s POVI entered the common room in the eerily calm morning. There stood Lucas, pacing, looking at the door like he was waiting for someone."Lucas?" I frowned as I asked. "What's happening?"His expression was filled with worry as he turned to face me. Dennis is gone, Melissa. He departed early this morning to face Raven."What?" My heart was pounding when I gasped. "He went by himself. He is aware that it is a trap.Lucas shook his head and remarked, "I suppose his pride prevented him from returning." "He is directly putting himself in danger."Damon heard us and came in at that very moment. Then we can stop wasting time. Before he kills himself, let's leave.I swallowed my dread and nodded. "Leave now."We hurried outside, running across the woodland in the chilly early air. Every stride I took made my heart race. I didn't want to consider the consequences of not getting to him in time.Dennis and Raven were heatedly arguing when we discovered them in a clearing. Dennis was
THE GATHERING STORMMelissa’s POVEveryone in the pack was busy getting ready for what seemed like an impending onslaught. Nobody in our zone was anxious or apprehensive after Raven's warning. As Dennis organized soldiers and ensured our defences were in place, he was in full command mode. I felt a fresh wave of devotion to him as I saw him leading with such vigour and determination. However, I sensed that recognizable pull in my heart as my eyes strayed to Damon.Dennis called, "Melissa," jolting me out of my reverie. "You must be here for me. The defences along the eastern border are being planned.I nodded as I approached him, attempting to ignore the conflicting feelings that were roiling within me. Dennis gave me a more subdued than normal look as he looked over at me."Willn't you stay close?" His tone was more vulnerable than I had anticipated when he asked.I smiled reassuringly and said, "I will." "We have this in common."With a seemingly relieved nod, he returned to his wor
Melissa’s POVTension permeated the pack's atmosphere. Guards patrolled the boundaries, keeping an eye out for any indication of Raven's rogues, while warriors honed their weapons. However, I was more focused on Damon than on the preparations.He had his knapsack draped over his shoulder when I discovered him on the forest's edge. His jaw was clenched, his expression fixed."Are you going to leave?" My voice cracked a little as I asked.With sadness in his blue eyes, he looked at me. "I can't remain here, Melissa. Not in this manner. Observing you with him. He gave a headshake. "It's excessive."With shaking hands, I took a step closer. "Please, Damon. Don't leave. You must be here for me. You are needed by the pack.He turned his head away and chuckled bitterly. "Do you? Or do you simply want me to be there as a fallback, someone you can turn to when Dennis gets too difficult?"That is untrue!" My chest tightened as I insisted. "Damon, you are significant to me. I'd rather not lose y
Melissa’s POVAs everyone milled around the area, getting ready for the impending combat, the tension in the pack was palpable. Sentences were positioned at the borders, and weapons were sharpened. Even with the preparations, there was still a sense of apprehension.With duty weighing heavily on my heart, I stood in the middle. This was no ordinary altercation. Everything could be decided in the battle.Lucas stated steadily, "Melissa, we're ready." I was given a border map by him. "Dennis is guarding the northern edge, and Damon and his group are based here."I remarked, looking at the map, "Good." "Tell them to stay where they are. Don't interact if you see Raven. Let me deal with him.Lucas paused. "Are you certain? He's dangerous."I'm sure," I cut in, my tone steely. Raven is more than simply a threat. He is sly. I must confront him head-on if we are to prevail.Reluctantly, Lucas nodded and left.Dennis stepped forward, his face solemn. "You don't have to do this by yourself, Me
Melissa’s POVNow that there was quietness on the battlefield, it wasn't reassuring. It weighted an impending storm. As the first rays of morning peaked through the clouds, I stood at the edge of the clearing, gazing at the horizon. The pack started reassembling, but their eyes were tired and their actions slow.Damon's voice broke through my mental fog and said, "Melissa." He came over to me with his customary assurance mixed with worry. "We must get together and speak to everyone. You must speak with them.I swallowed hard and nodded. Raven's remarks were still causing my head to spin. You'll ruin them all. I was plagued by his voice, and his final admission about my past made my chest turn like a knife.With their faces etched with terror and fatigue, the pack formed a semicircle. I inhaled deeply before moving forward."We've won this battle," I said, maintaining my composure despite my internal conflict. The war hasn't ended, though. We must remain alert and unified.There were w
Melissa’s POVAlthough the morning air was clear, there was a lot of tension between us. Dennis and Damon were waiting for me to lead the way at the forest's edge. With solemn expressions, they were both armed.Damon stated firmly, "You don't have to do this."I gave a headshake. "Yes, I do." We cannot afford to ignore the temple if it has the answers we seek.Dennis gave Damon a stern look while crossing his arms. And you believe it's a good idea to go without backup? She isn't travelling alone.With a chilly tone, Damon answered, "I didn't say she was."I stepped in between them and yelled, "Enough." We're squandering time. Let's leave.Ahead, the dark, ominous jungle loomed. The weight of my mother's journal, which was safely inside my bag, served as a continual reminder of the danger.Damon fell into stride next to me as we ventured farther into the woods. "Melissa, I still think this is a trap," he said. Raven desires that you go there."I acknowledge that," I said. "However, I m
Melissa’s POVWith its small halls carved into the stone, the temple appeared darker the further we went within. Our route was illuminated only by the dim glow of the engravings on the walls. Dennis led the way with a torch, while Damon strolled quietly next to me."This location feels... Dennis whispered, "Alive," his voice echoing off the old walls.I held the journal in my palm and nodded. "It seems to be observing us."A crystal hovered over a pedestal in the middle of the larger room we entered. A gentle, golden light surged through it, sending shivers down my spine."Is that it? With a quiet voice, Damon inquired."It must be," I murmured, taking a step forward.The air became heavy, practically humming with power as I got closer to the crystal. The crystal's brightness appeared to brighten in response to my presence.Damon cautioned Melissa to exercise caution.Dennis gave a nod. "Yeah, we could blow this place up if we touch that thing."I turned to look at them again. "I must
Melissa’s POVThe weight of Damon's words pressed against my chest as I sat across from him in the moonlight.He had remarked, "You were never meant to forget," and now it felt like my whole world was falling apart.My body shook as I tried to take it all in, and I put my arms around myself. "What do you mean my past was rewritten?" My voice was scarcely steady as I whispered.Damon's golden eyes grew softer, but beneath them was a sadness I couldn't imagine. "Someone—something—wiped out your memory, Melissa. Everything you once knew, including your life and past, was taken from you.With a searing ache developing between my temples, I shook my head. "That isn't rational. For as long as I can remember, I have resided here. I lead a typical existence.Damon's jaw tightened. "No, you don’t." His tone was stern but compassionate. "This world isn't as real as you believe it to be. It was designed to prevent you from recalling the reality.I felt sick to my stomach. "Why? "Who would do thi
Melissa’s POVThe beginning of the dream was always the same.The earth was wet underfoot as I ran barefoot. As the wind howled through the gloomy forest, the moon shined brightly above me, giving the trees a silver sheen.I didn't feel scared.No, I was pursuing someone or anything.I felt a chill go through me as a loud growl rumbled through the trees. Not out of fear, but out of eagerness, my heartbeat accelerated. That sound was familiar to me. I couldn't identify it, yet it spoke to something deep inside of me.Then I caught sight of him.At the edge of a clearing, a huge black wolf stood with golden eyes that glowed in the darkness.My breath caught.Those eyes...I had previously seen them.With my heart thumping as though it were trying to escape my chest, I stepped forward. The wolf stood motionless, waiting, watching me—Then everything fell apart.The trees were only shadows as they twisted and became blurry. The wolf disappeared, and I was falling—Right into the dark.I g
Melissa’s POVThe sound of singing birds awakened me.My skin was touched by the warm air.The air was heavy with the aroma of flowers.I sat up slowly.Under a clear blue sky, I lay on a verdant meadow.It was all quiet.However, something felt off.I scowled as I looked about.Where had I gone?Had I not been... somewhere?Had I not been battling?My heart was squeezed against a faint aching.However, nothing came to mind when I tried to recall why.Nothing except emptiness.I inhaled deeply.Perhaps it was only a dream.I might have been dreaming.I forced myself to stand up and took a look around.I could see a small village beyond the grass.Red-roofed houses.Stores with wooden signs.People are grinning and laughing as they go down the streets.It felt... typical.As though this was how things had always been.Like there had never been any damage.With an oddly rapid heartbeat, I set off toward the settlement.I had no idea where I was heading.However, I felt that I was suppos
Melissa’s POVI was unable to sense my body.It was all spinning together, light and dark.Then suddenly—I stood.Damon was at my side.Above us, Aetherion hung, his golden radiance blinding.Our surroundings were collapsing.Aetherion declared, "This is over." Like a hurricane, his voice reverberated. "Your life is over now."I turned to face Damon.Determination blazed in his eyes.He made a move for my hand.Something inside of me stirred as our fingers connected.An emotion.One of the memories.Every life we have already led.The previous cycles.Our lost love.The fights we had engaged in.All of them remained within us.Energy surged through my veins, and I gasped.Damon's hold became more firm.He sensed it, too.Aetherion called forth golden light with his raised palm."Fate is unavoidable."Damon took a step forward."Observe us."The first to strike was Aetherion.A golden fire blazed in our direction.I raised my hands, and all of a sudden—A shield developed.Not me.Fro
Melissa’s POVPower crackled in the air.I was immobile.I was having trouble breathing.Aetherion, the entity, was in front of us.He seemed unreal, like he was something incomprehensible, as his figure alternated between dazzling brightness and unending shade.His voice reverberated in the atmosphere."Everything must go in its intended direction."My heart was thumping in my chest."No," I said.Aetherion looked across to me.His eyes were power-filled emptiness.He remarked, "You have broken the cycle." "You have disregarded destiny. This is not acceptable.Damon was standing next to me, his fists clenched.Damon stated, "We didn't break the cycle." "We're working to make it better."Aetherion's head cocked.It was crushing to be around him.As if the entire cosmos were bearing down on us.He declared, "The cycle is not broken." "The cycle never ends. It is unchangeable.I gave a headshake."That isn't accurate," I stated. "We've witnessed it. We have experienced it. This is a jai
Melissa’s POVI was surrounded by a time-frozen environment.Trapped between the past and present, the royal room flashed.My former self was still standing there, observing me with icy, amber eyes.Damon gripped my hand.He said quietly, "Melissa, you must make a decision." "Should we maintain what we have or break the cycle?"I experienced heartache.I might lose Damon if I choose to end the cycle.Everything is gone, including our love and memories.But history would continue to repeat itself if we didn't.More suffering. More loss.Forever.My eyes welled up with tears.I said, "I don't want to lose you."Damon lightly touched my cheek."But you also don't want this curse to last."I balled my fists up.It was unfair.For what reason did love have to cost so much?I looked back at myself."You made the wrong decision," I said quietly, trembling. "I refuse to."My former self grinned."Then, let's test your strength."From her hands, a golden surge of power sprang forth.I let out
Melissa’s POVI felt the weight of the truth like a mountain.This cycle had begun with me.Everything: the suffering, the loss, the never-ending cycle of fate—I was solely to blame.My hands were shivering as I sat on the chilly stone floor.Damon had not returned.I was by myself thinking.And I heard the voice of my former self."You are unable to change who you are."No.That was not acceptable to me.I needed to figure out how to shatter this.However, how?I felt my heart thumping and gripped my chest."What should I do?" I said.A sorrowful, quiet voice answered."You have to make a decision."I pivoted.In front of me was the oracle.Time itself weighed heavily on her beautiful blue eyes, and her long silver hair flowed like water.I took a deep breath. "What do you choose?"She took a step forward."You have to rewrite the past to break the cycle," she stated.I scowled. "Rewrite?"She gave a nod."You have to take back what you did."My thoughts were racing as I blinked.Wa
Melissa’s POVDarkness.Then—A gentle wind.Slowly, I opened my eyes.Everything around me had changed.I was no longer in the temple.I was in a magnificent hall that was higher than anything I had ever seen. Overhead, I could see golden chandeliers glimmering across the marble floors. Strange symbols were engraved on tall pillars that lined the walls.I lowered my look to myself.My outfit was heavy, with gold embroidery and luxurious silk.My fingertips were coated in jewels.I wasn't myself.I let out a gasp. "Where am I?"Behind me came a strong voice."My Queen."I whirled—and stopped.Damon was standing there.However, he was... unique.He wore a platinum clip to secure his longer hair. His eyes were colder and darker. He was dressed in an armour-lined robe of gold and black that shone in the candlelight.Unreadable, he looked at me.I got a chill from something about him.He stepped closer and said, "Melissa," with ease. "Are you ill?"I stepped back. "I..."What should I hav
Melissa’s POVThere was silence in the air.I was having trouble breathing.Damon's golden eyes were dimly gleaming as he stood in front of me.He remained still.He merely looked.Through me, not at me.I took a measured stride forward. "Damon?"No answer.His fingers twitched as if he were struggling with something inside of him, and his body tightened.Then all of a sudden—His body gave a powerful jerk.His breath came in rough gasps as he gripped his chest.Deep within him sounded a rumbling growl.I hurried over to join him. "Damon, what is going on?"His jaw was so clinched that it appeared painful when he shook his head.“I—” He gulped and clutched my arm as if it were a lifeline. It's excessive. I have no control over it.I could feel the heat rising beneath his fingers.He got burns on his skin.Despite my wince, I didn't back down.I begged, "You have to fight it."His breath became laboured. "I don't know who I am anymore, Melissa."Fear took hold of my chest."You're Damo