Melissa’s POVExcept for the steady hum of resolve in the air and the repetitive hammering of fists against targets, the training grounds were silent. I watched from the corner as the pack put in endless effort to get ready for the impending conflict. However, I was more focused on the decision that was hanging over me like a threatening storm cloud than I was on the training.The artefact weighed heavily on my mind. Even though I had already decided to give myself up, my willpower weakened every time I saw Damon's face. How could I abandon him? Get rid of them all?However, if I didn't"Hey, Melissa! My rambling thoughts were interrupted by Damon's voice.I glanced up in time to see him approaching me with a worried expression on his face. "Are you alright? You've been there for a long time.I forced a little smile and lied, "I'm fine."His eyes narrowed. "No, you're not. That look is familiar to me. What are you thinking about?"I paused. It would only get worse if I told him about
Melissa’s POV The silence in the woodland was so eerie that it made my skin crawl. Through the silent darkness, every twig crack beneath our feet reverberated louder than it should have. With my heart racing in my chest, I firmly grasped the dagger's hilt. "Dennis couldn't have gone very far," Damon stated in a firm yet quiet voice. "Remain vigilant. He is dangerous because he is desperate. I looked around the dark woods and nodded. Dennis's treachery still ached like a new cut. I wanted to stop him before he could do more harm, but I also needed answers. One of the pack members, James, who was going directly in front of us, snarled, "We shouldn't have trusted him." "Pay attention, James," Damon snapped. "We must locate him, not blame him." The air was heavy with tension. Dennis had known us for years, and we all sensed it, even if nobody wanted to express it. Who else could have secrets if he could betray us? The air became colder and the shadows appeared to stretch and twist s
Melissa’s POVThe first sensation I experienced was the oppressive weight of the air weighing down on me. I tried to open my eyes, but the darkness was too great. Not only was it black, but the shadows seemed to be alive, moving and writhing. With my head whirling, I forced myself to stand."Hey? I yelled, my voice hardly audible above the deafening quiet.No answer. The air was filled with the sound of faint murmurs. At first, they were faint, nearly inaudible, but as they got stronger, they could be heard everywhere."You lack sufficient strength.""You'll let them all down.""You are not needed by Damon."I gripped my head tightly as the sounds pierced my thoughts. "Stop it! I yelled, but all the whispers did was laugh, cruelly and icily.Although my legs felt like Jello, I made myself stand. The earth under me was a moving, unending vacuum with grey and black swirling together, unlike anything I had ever seen. Only the strange glow of the vigils on my arms was visible; there was n
Melissa’s POVThe Void's swirling, dark air seemed like an unseen weight pressing against my chest. With each second that went by, the hideous shape in front of us grew bigger, its dark limbs extending and contorting, its crimson eyes blazing at Dennis and me.I summoned my symbol powers and clenched my shaking palms together. "Stay behind me, Dennis. This creature won't let us leave without a struggle.With a determined yet pallid face, Dennis took a stride forward. "No, Melissa. You were pulled into this quagmire by me. I'm the one who should remain behind.The Void's voice echoed around us, trembling the ground beneath our feet before I could argue.Little one, do you dare to disobey me? Do you believe your weak abilities can equal my anger?"The creature lunged. Instinctively, I lifted my hands, letting my symbol emit a flash of golden light. My legs wobbled at the strain of the attack, yet the Void shrieked its form recoiling."Hey, Melissa! Are you all right? Dennis took hold of
Melissa’s POVI could hardly feel the coldness of the morning air against my flesh. The odd, luminous vigils that now totally covered my arms made them hurt. Dark, shifting shadows that pulsed and swirled replaced the golden light that had once seemed to be a part of me.The pack stood in a half circle around me, their expressions a mixture of terror and relief. Even though I could feel their eyes on me, I was unable to look them in the eyes.Damon stepped forward and said, "Melissa." Although he spoke calmly, I could see that his jaw was tense. "How are you feeling?"I opened my mouth to respond, but the words stuck in my throat. As I looked at the bruises on my skin, my hands shook and my chest constricted."I'm not sure," I muttered in a tremulous voice. Something isn't right. Damon, I feel it within myself. I am no longer myself.With his sharp gaze fixed on mine, Damon knelt before me. Melissa, you're still who you are. Whatever it is, we will solve it. I will not allow it to tak
Melissa’s POVI faced Kael as I stood in the clearing. The chill of the night was still in the air, and the morning sun was hardly warm. Kael was a powerful presence, and his piercing golden eyes never left mine."Focus, Melissa," Kael stated in a strong, forceful voice. "The vigils are like fire. If you let them, they will burn everything in their path, including you."Gazing down at my arms, I inhaled deeply. The faint glow of the vigils suggested that they were living things, only waiting for the proper opportunity to take over.With a trembling voice, I questioned, "How do I control something that’s inside me, pushing so hard to break free?"Kael approached and delicately tapped my temple with one finger. "By mastering your mind. The vigils feed on your fear and anger. They are the Void's way of breaking you."I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded. Damon was standing close by with his arms folded and leaning against a tree. His sharp eyes never left me, and for some reason,
Melissa’s POVI watched the pack members spar and get ready while standing close to the training grounds in the tense morning air. Damon's stern yet reassuring voice echoed across the area as he gave commands."Keep your stances low! Focus on your target!" he said. "We can’t afford mistakes when the Void comes."My abilities were still too erratic to completely support their endeavours, but I made an effort to assist where I could by bringing supplies and saying encouraging things. The faint glow of the vigils on my arms served as a continual reminder of the conflict that was simmering inside of me.I looked at Damon, and he nodded a little, comfortingly. He used it to remind me that he was present and that we were all in this together.Making the Pack StrongerOne of the younger wolves was fighting to keep his shield stable as his sparring partner attacked, so I went up to him.I knelt next to him and told him to "keep your grip firm." "Imagine the shield is an extension of your arm.
Melissa’s POVAs I stood by the forest's edge, my mind whirling with uncertainty and resolve, the early sun broke through the heavy clouds. Behind me, I could practically feel the tension between Damon and Kael as their voices rose and fell like a far-off storm. Although I knew I couldn't make this choice lightly, I had already decided in my heart."I'm doing it," I stated firmly as I turned to look at Kael and Damon.Damon's face instantly became serious. "No, Melissa. We discussed this. It is too risky!Kael's voice sounded calm, yet his golden eyes narrowed a little. Damon, she is the only one capable of doing this. Her vigils attract the Void. The trap won't function without her.As though his presence alone could thwart the plot, Damon moved in front of me, his towering frame protecting me from Kael. "What you think will work, Kael doesn't matter to me. Melissa's life isn't a means to an end!I gently said, "Damon," as I extended my hand to touch his arm. He winced but did not re
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
Melissa’s POVA chilly, stinging wind slapped my skin, and I struggled for breath. I opened my eyes and discovered that I was on firm ground. Grass. Trees. The scent of rain. We had returned."Damon?" With my heart racing, I turned to my side.He moaned and sat up next to me. "I'm here," he said. There was a spark of bewilderment in his silver eyes. "Are we... home?"I took a look around. As we left it, the city appeared in the distance. However, something seemed... strange.I said, "We should go," and got to my feet. Despite my trembling legs, I pushed forward. "We need to see if—"Damon took hold of my wrist. "I'm Melissa. There's a problem."I understood his meaning perfectly. The air had a new feel. Less heavy? More substantial? I was unable to tell.We made it swiftly to the city gates, but my breath caught when we entered.It was too quiet on the streets. The colors were brighter, and the stores appeared more recent. Nobody glanced at us as they passed us.Damon tensed up next t
Melissa’s POVMy surroundings became hazy, fluctuating between darkness and brightness. As though the realm itself breathed around us, the air seemed heavy.And my mother was in front of me.It was so unbelievable to me. "You... Have you visited here? All this time?Both sadness and warmth were in her eyes when they met mine. "Yes, my kid. I have kept an eye on you from a distance.My throat constricted. "Why? Why didn't you return?With a sigh, she took a step forward. "Because I was unable to."Damon, standing next to me, stiff. "What do you mean?"She ignored me, lost in the infinite emptiness of this world. "Melissa, this is a prison. A place of the forgotten. There is no way out once you're inside.A shiver went down my back. "So, how have we arrived here?"She faced me once again. "Because you are unique."I scowled. "In a different way?"She lowered her voice. "You weren't supposed to go down the same route as your predecessors. You were supposed to make all the difference.I g
Melissa’s POVI felt weightless as soon as the portal engulfed us.Everything blurred as cold air rushed past me. Even though we didn't move at all, it felt like we were falling.I firmly grasped Damon's hand. "Where are we heading?"His resolute golden eyes locked with mine. "I won't let go, wherever it may be."Light burst around us before I could reply.We were jerked forward by a sudden pull and hit soft ground with a hard thud.I sat up, gasping. Something I couldn't identify was heavy and thick in the air. Beside me, Damon moaned and rubbed his head."Are you alright?" I inquired.He nodded, pushing himself up. “Yeah. But where the hell are we?”I took a look around.The sky was a deep shade of violet, streaked with gold. Strange silver trees surrounded us, their foliage shimmering softly. A tranquil river flowed close, reflecting the glittering sky.It was beautiful. But… incorrect.Everything was too still. Too perfect.I took a swallow. “This place… it feels…”Damon’s gaze cl
Melissa’s POVAs he held the sword over Damon's heart, Astrael's golden eyes shone. Thick and oppressive, the dark energy flowed all about us. My hands were shaking, and I was breathing quickly and shallowly."Make a decision, Melissa." Even though his voice was gentle, I shuddered at the malice in it. "Watch your beloved perish, or be my queen."Damon's face contorted in agony as he fought against the magic that restrained him. "Don't—" says Melissa.My eyes were burning with tears. I yelled with all my strength to save him. However, I was aware that allowing Astrael to win would result in my permanent loss of identity.I balled my fists up. No.With a louder voice than I had anticipated, I declared, "I won't let you control me."Astrael's forehead raised. "Is that correct?"As he brought the sword closer to Damon's chest, the air crackled. "Then, I hope you're ready to face the repercussions.""No!" Something snapped inside me as I screamed.Deep within my spirit, a powerful wave of