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 POVNow that I was back in the pack's domain, I could sense the tension building everywhere. There was a pervasive sense of dread in the air that would not leave. Despite his wounds, Damon's face was peaceful and pallid as he lay on a mattress. I cleaned the gash on his side with care while kneeling next to him.I tried to maintain my composure as I said, "You should have been more careful."Damon flinched but forced a tiny smile. "You have Dennis's voice."I tensed at the sound of his name. "Well, perhaps Dennis is right. You nearly lost your life back there.Dennis burst into the room, his face black with annoyance, before Damon could reply."Melissa," he angrily said. "We must speak."I looked from Dennis to Damon and back again. Is it possible to wait? Damon is still—"No," Dennis cut in, his tone icy. "It cannot."I got up reluctantly and followed him into the corridor. Dennis turned to me, wrath flaring in his eyes.He insisted, "What is this, Melissa?" "You rush to Da
Melissa’s POVIn the dim darkness, the trees in front of us seemed dark and unwelcoming. As I guided the party farther into the forest, my heart raced. The weight of what we were undertaking overshadowed Damon's normally confident demeanour as he strolled beside me. The others trailed closely after, walking carefully.Damon indicated thin tracks in the soil and stated, "We're getting close." "They're new."I nodded while firmly holding my dagger's hilt. My chest constricted with anxiety, and each stride felt heavier.Dennis. He couldn't have deceived us, could he?One of the scouts cried out, "Melissa." "This way."I rushed over to kneel next to him. He had discovered a tiny, well-kept path that led to a cabin that had been abandoned."This was not previously present," the scout stated.Damon scowled. "It appears that someone has been using it as a gathering place."I inhaled deeply. "Let's go. Remain silent and near.The cabin appeared a dilapidated, dark building that seemed to have
Melissa’s POVThe chilly night air was heavy with unsaid words, and the clearing was tight. Dennis's face was praying as he gazed at me. Damon was still snarling close by, staring at Dennis. Torn between confusion, anxiety, and wrath, my heart was racing."You must comprehend," Dennis urged urgently. "This goes beyond Raven and the pack. Something much worse is on the horizon. Melissa, something connected to you."What are you discussing? " I crossed my arms and ordered, "Stop using riddles and start giving explanations!"With a pale face in the moonlight, Dennis nodded. "Something ancient is a shadow being. We refer to it as "The Void." It is a force that thrives on power, particularly like yours.I blinked as I tried to take in what he had said. "Feeds on me? Even so, what does that mean?""The prophecy," said Dennis. It's not only about your ancestry bringing the pack together or breaking them up. You are the kind of person the Void has been waiting for aeons. You will become the k
Melissa’s POVAs I stood confronting Raven, the air was heavy with tension. His expression was unreadable as his piercing eyes met mine. I could feel the pack's eyes on me as they awaited my choice, and Damon growled softly next to me.I inhaled deeply while speaking steadily but doubtfully. "All right. A ceasefire. However, only until The Void is halted and the weapon is destroyed.A sneer formed on Raven's lips. "Good decision, Melissa. You'd see reason, I knew.With his hands clenched, Damon took a step forward. "You won't live to regret anything you try at all."Raven, obviously displeased by Damon's warning, raised an eyebrow. "Calm down, puppy. I am not here to play games; I am here to help.Behind me, the pack burst into whispers, their voices piercing with incredulity and rage.Thorne, one of the elders, said, "Melissa." "You're siding with our adversary? Given what he has done, how can we have faith in him?"With a heavy heart, I turned to face them. "I have no faith in him.
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
Melissa’s POV"Damon!" I shook him as I yelled.He was chilly. He breathed shallowly.“Remain with me—no, no, no!” Even when I applied pressure to his wound, his blood continued to flow.He hardly moved his chest. He fluttered his lashes.The world seemed to be sliding away from me.My voice broke as I said quietly, "You must wake up." "You said you would."Damon made a feeble attempt at a smile. "I'm exhausted, Melissa."I shook my head, "No." "You are not allowed to feel fatigued. You cannot abandon me.I gave him all of my energy in an attempt to heal him.My hands sparkled with golden light. However—It wasn't functioning.The injury persisted.His complexion became paler.I was in a panic.I made another attempt, pushing harder and using all of my remaining strength.Nothing."No," I said.In the wreckage of the temple came a slow laugh.The Harbinger watched from the shadows. Unmoved.With ease, he stated, "He cannot exist in this world." "His destiny has already been decided."
Melissa’s POVAll around us, darkness swirled. With their hollow eyes shining dimly and their whispers filling the air, the lost souls emerged from the emptiness.I clenched my chest, attempting to ignore the unsettling whispers. Every syllable sent shivers down my spine like ice."I lost... I forgot. Doomed.Damon gripped his blade more tightly. "Remain close, Melissa."Like a tide of hopelessness, the lost souls glided toward us rather than walking. Their spectral hands grabbed for my flesh, and as soon as they made contact, memories that weren't mine exploded in my head.The scream of a lady.A fighter going down on his knees.It was an already lost war.I gasped and staggered back.Damon took hold of my wrist. "Hey, Melissa! What's the matter?With blurred eyesight, I gripped his arm. "These souls—they're more than just spirits." I trembled when I spoke. They resembled us. Warriors from earlier cycles.Damon tightened his jaw. "Then they didn't succeed."The closest lost soul scre