Melissa’s POVWith my troop gathered behind me, I stood at the ceremonial location amid a tense atmosphere. Beneath my feet, the light circle of ancient symbols pulsed softly, reflecting the irregular beating of my heart. Whispering threats and promises, the dark energy whirled menacingly around us.The voice of The Void, chilly and deep like a winter wind, came to me then. "There is nothing to be afraid of, Melissa. I will relieve you of this weight if you embrace me. No foretelling. No effort. Just power.The image of me triumphantly standing free from anxieties and regulations flashed before my eyes. The temptation was nearly overwhelming for a time.The Void urged, "You don't have to fight anymore.""Hey, Melissa! Through the fog, Damon's voice could be heard. I turned to see his furious eyes as he stepped closer. "Avoid listening to it. Neither you nor the pack are important to that beast. All it wants is control.Dennis also moved forward. "Damon is correct. But… I also understa
Melissa’s POVEven though the morning air was clear, I didn't feel particularly renewed. Like the weight of my secret, a heavy feeling of anxiety hung over me. The symbol on my wrist served as a constant reminder of everything I had lost, including my link to my wolf."Melissa, the patrols reported back," Damon stated as he came up to me close to the exercises. His sharp eyes scanned mine, as though seeking the answers I wouldn't provide. "There's been movement along the northern border. Nothing conclusive, but it’s... strange."I nodded while maintaining a composed attitude. "We’ll increase the patrols. Strange doesn’t mean dangerous. Not yet."Damon's doubt was evident as he arched an eyebrow. "You’ve been distracted. Are you sure you’re okay to lead?"I had to keep my composure even though his inquiry felt like a dagger to my chest. "Of course. I’m fine, Damon. Just tired."Dennis came over, clipboard in hand, his normally calm manner tinged with worry. "Melissa, you missed the pac
Melissa’s POVI was startled awake by Lydia's scream, which cut through the silence of the healer's hut. She was sitting up in bed, her eyes wide with fear, when I hurried into the room.Lydia! I called as I moved in closer. "You're secure now. What took place?"Her eyes were frighteningly blank as she turned to face me. Melissa, I witnessed it. I witnessed the reality."The reality? I hesitantly questioned, looking at Damon, who had followed me in, with concern. "What's the truth?"She gripped the blanket hard and shook her head. "The Void still exists. It is observing us and awaiting its opportunity. You've only strengthened it, even though you believe you've halted it.Dennis moved to Lydia's side and softly murmured, "Calm down, Lydia." "You're worn out. You should get some rest."No! She yelled, raising her voice. "You're not getting it. It revealed to me the lineage, the falsehoods, and the darkness.I went cold. Bloodline? Which lineage?"Lydia pointed at me, her hands shaking.
Melissa’s POVAs the pack started their regular activities, there was a noticeable tension in the early air. Their gazes were on me, and I could feel them getting heavier with each one. Both they and I were aware that something was amiss.In the meeting room, Dennis and Damon were going through rogue movement notes and maps. I forced myself to concentrate and joined them."What have you discovered? I asked, maintaining a steady tone of voice despite the knot in my stomach.Damon's jaw clenched as he looked up. A renegade leader is active in the shadows. They're trying to revive The Void, but we don't yet have a name for it.Dennis added, indicating a location on the map. This is close to the border. This is where they are most active. This person, whoever they are, is organizing the rogues for a major cause.I balled my fists up. "We must prevent them from succeeding. Unwilling to complete the notion, I trailed off, "If The Void regains its strength."Damon gave a nod. For this reason
Melissa’s POVI turned the pages of my mother's journal for what seemed like the hundredth time while perched on the edge of my bed. Just as I remembered her aroma, the faded leather had a subtle lavender scent. But like pieces of a puzzle, I couldn't figure out, the words inside were aloof, enigmatic, and frigid.Then I sensed it, a faint ridge under a page. I ran my trembling fingers over the edge. Is it possible? I carefully pressed down on the ridge, and a secret chamber inside the diary slid open with a gentle click.There was a small, worn key and a folded piece of parchment inside. As I unfurled the map, which was dotted with ragged lines, strange symbols, and an X in the middle, my heart raced. Instructions were written in my mother's exquisite handwriting beneath the map:Find the Relic concealed in the Cave of Echoes to learn the truth about The Forgotten Bloodline. Only sincere people are allowed entry."What did you discover? I was surprised by Damon's voice.He was leanin
Melissa’s POVIt appears the cave's air had its heartbeat. Faint echoes bounced off the ragged walls with each step we took. The route was illuminated by the dim symbols on my wrist, but the whirling darkness surrounding us gave the impression that everything was either a nightmare or a dream."Watch your step," I said quietly. "We have no idea what awaits us within this space."Dennis boldly declared, "I'll go first," and took a step forward. "I'd rather set traps than allow you to be harmed if there are any.""That's brave of you," Damon said, remaining beside me, "but don't be careless. We won't be able to get through this cave easily if it is as old as it appears.A slight rumble began beneath our feet, as though the cave had heard what he had to say."What was that? Gripping Damon's arm, I muttered.Dennis stopped. "I believe we will soon find out."The ground suddenly moved, and jagged stone spears sprang up from the ground, just avoiding Dennis."Go! More spikes exploded all ar
Melissa’s POVAll around us, the blackness seemed to go on forever. I held on to Damon's hand, which grounded me in the space. I couldn't see Dennis, but I could hear his voice faintly."Hey, Melissa! Damon! You're where?""We're here! I yelled back, but the darkness seemed to drown out what I had to say.We left the cave abruptly as a dazzling light burst through the darkness. In a clearing with tall trees and their branches moving strangely despite the calm air, I stood by myself."Where am I? I turned around and said.Around me, the Guardian's booming voice rumbled. Melissa, this is your trial. You must confront your worst fears to demonstrate that you are deserving of the truth.I went cold. My worst anxieties? What was meant by that?The trees started to change before I could ask, their bark bending into faces, faces I knew. First to appear was my mother's face, with a severe and disapproving frown."You let me down," she remarked icily. "You let the pack down."I shook my head,
Melissa’s POVThe weight of the judgments that still needed to be taken seemed to be weighing down the air in the room. The mark on my wrist pulsed softly, as if alive, and I tightened my hands. Dennis and Damon were standing beside me, their eyes determined and worried.I said in a firm voice, "I'll do it.""No, Melissa! Damon yelled. "This danger is not necessary for you to take. We can figure out another method.I looked him in the eyes and said, "There isn't another way." "You listened to the guardian." I have to carry this responsibility. The pack might be gone forever if I don't come forward.Dennis took a step closer and shook his head. "You constantly give up yourself so easily. However, have you considered the costs this time?"“I have.” I took a big breath to regain my composure. But first comes the pack. It has always done so and always will.Cold and unflinching, the guardian's voice rumbled from the darkness. "You exhibit bravery, but you don't realize how dangerous you a
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