Melissa’s POVThe clearing's air felt heavy as if the entire world had paused to listen. With their eyes focused on the unfamiliar man in front of them, the pack formed a tense circle. The presence of the messenger sent by the Void was poisonous.It was only partially human. Its eyes were two black pits that appeared to stare straight through me, and its grey skin was pulled taut over jagged bones. Its voice, like a serpent creeping into my ears, was frigid as it spoke.The emissary's tiny lips curled into a sort of smile as it said, "I come with an offer." "Your bundle is of no interest to the Void. It solely looks for the girl.A shiver went through my body. Everyone was aware of "the girl."Melissa? Gregor stepped forward and inquired, his voice a little shaky.The emissary turned to face me with a hollow expression and murmured, "Yes." The Void will spare the rest of you if you give her up. The army of the Void will destroy everything if you don't resist.There was a ripple of mur
Melissa’s POVThere was an uncanny silence in the air, and it felt heavy. I was in a huge, barren wilderness when I opened my eyes. Dark clouds swirled in the sky above, and shadows writhed across the ground like restless spirits. Soft yet icy whispers flooded the air, their words seeping into my brain like poison."Where am I? My voice sounded faint and unsure as I whispered.A voice in my head growled, "You know where you are."I tightened my fists and stepped forward unsteadily. Every step I took felt like I was slipping more into the Void's hold as the ground beneath my feet moved like sand. Images of my darkest memories suddenly flashed before my eyes.When I was little, I witnessed my father abandoning me.When my initial training failed, I heard the group laugh cruelly.Then I caught a glimpse of Damon's face. I couldn't hear what he was saying, but he was shouting."Stop it! I covered my ears and shouted. The murmurs, mocking me, became louder.Melissa, you're weak," the Void'
Melissa’s POVThe black version of me moved closer, and I stood motionless, my chest heaving. Her voice was as cutting as a sword, and her eyes glowed with hate.With a sarcastic tone, she said, "Melissa, you can't run from me." "I am all that you are. Everything you have attempted to conceal.I ignored my hands' trembling and tightened my fists. "I'm not you. The Void made you into a warped reflection in order to shatter me.The sound of her laughter chilled me to the bone. Do you tell yourself that? Melissa, you have to face it. You've always been scared and weak. You have failed the people you care about because of this.I didn't let her realize that her remarks touched a nerve. Despite the storm inside of me, I answered, "You're wrong. I'm not weak." I've overcome every obstacle, and I'll do the same to you.She grinned, reflecting my own disobedience. She opened her arms wide and said, "Then show me." "Show me you're not the frightened young girl I see standing in front of me."S
Melissa’s POVIn the Void's realm, the air was oppressive, a mixture of ash and a bitter substance that stuck to my lungs. The ground beneath my feet wasn't firm; instead, it moved with every step I took, seemingly alive. All around me, shadows loomed, their forms bending and twisting as though they were observing me.I froze as I turned a corner in the never-ending darkness. Damon was standing there, hardly discernible in the gloom.His voice was tight with relief as he yelled out, "Melissa!" His boots crunched on the unfamiliar, shifting surface as he ran toward me."Damon!" I sprinted to meet him after gasping. When he finally got to me, he drew me into his arms and held me firmly.His voice trembled as he murmured, "You're okay." "I believed—I believed I had lost you."My chest ached with the weight of all that had transpired, so I held on to him. With my voice muffled against his shoulder, I murmured, "I'm here." "I'm all right. For the time being."Elissa!" I turned to see Liora
Melissa’s POVI was going downhill. As the emptiness drew me closer, the surroundings became a haze of shadows and blackness. As my heart raced in my chest, I made frantic attempts to hold on to anything in order to prevent myself from falling."Elissa!" Like a lifeline, Damon's voice broke through the confusion.He was leaning over the brink of the collapsing bridge with his hand out when I looked up. "Grasp my hand!"Like cold claws, the Void's grasp on my flesh was unrelenting. I grabbed for him, my fingertips grazing his, my arms hurting."I'm running out of patience!" With a quivering voice, I yelled."You can, indeed!" Damon snarled. His fingers closed around my wrist as he extended his reach deeper. "I've got you. You dare not let go.As soon as his fingers touched mine, the pressure drawing me down grew stronger. The Void itself seemed unwilling to let me leave."It's too strong, Damon!" I sobbed as I felt my hold loosen."I will not let you leave!" His voice was full of resol
Melissa’s POVThe chamber was enormous, impossible to imagine in its vastness. Along the tall walls, shadows moved in strange and unexpected ways. The anchor of the Void hung in midair in the middle of the chamber. A bright crystal that pulsed with a rhythmic intensity, like though it were alive, was not what I had anticipated.I stepped forward gingerly while keeping my eyes on the crystal. "That's all," I muttered. "The anchor of the Void."Standing next to me, Damon narrowed his eyes and looked around the room. He mumbled, "And look at what's guarding it," pointing to the future.I froze, following his stare. Grotesque and twisted, shadow creatures prowled around the crystal. As like they already felt our presence, their bright crimson eyes were staring at us.Kael coldly remarked, "They're everywhere," as his palm clenched around his sword's hilt. "And it appears that they won't let us waltz in."Damon's voice was steady yet tight as he stated, "We'll have to fight them." "There i
Melisa’s POVI opened my eyes to find myself outside the chamber. Rather, I was at a location that felt... unbelievable. The stars were so close that I felt like I could touch them in the swirling silver and blue sky. The earth was firm enough to walk on, but it shimmered like water beneath my feet."Where am I?My voice echoed in the vast expanse as I whispered.From behind me, a gentle, melodious voice replied, "Child, you are in a space between realms."I froze, spinning around. In front of me was a glowing person whose presence was both reassuring and overwhelming. With her moon-like eyes and flowing silver hair, she was breathtakingly gorgeous. She exuded strength and warmth."The Moon Goddess," I exhaled, nearly collapsing."Yes, Melissa," she uttered softly, her voice a calming tune. "You've gone through a lot to get here."I stepped forward unsteadily. "What brings me here? Am I? Dead?"The deity gave a little smile. You are near the edge, yet you are not dead. You have been ma
Melissa’s POVI was encircled by the darkness, which closed in around me. The voice of the Void reverberated in my head, chilly and smooth."You cannot win, Melissa. Your friends will die, and your world will crumble, but I can save all of them. All you must do is say yes. Surrender to me, and I will grant them safety."It was as if the entire world was weighing on my shoulders, causing my chest to feel heavy. I paused for a second. Is it speaking the truth? Would everyone be saved by surrendering?"No," I said with greater force, "No! You’re lying. You don’t want to save anyone. You just want to control me, to take everything I am."The icy, ruthless laughter of the Void echoed. "You think you’re strong, little wolf? Your defiance will destroy you. Remember my words when they scream for you to save them, and you cannot."I inhaled deeply and closed my eyes. "I won’t let you win. Not now, not ever."I gasped and startled up as the dreamscape broke. Immediately, Damon was by my side, p
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