Melissa POV
As I stood at the edge of the meadow, there was a flurry of apprehensive murmurs mixed with excitement. Everyone in the Moonvalley Pack looked forward to the yearly mating ceremony, but I found it to be an anxious occasion. I looked around the crowd, hoping to see someone I knew or feel some comfort, but my heart was thumping in my chest. I clasped my hands together and muttered to myself, "I can't believe this day is finally here." My buddy Lily nudged me and said, "Melissa, don't look so nervous. You'll be fine." Who knows? Perhaps you'll be matched with an incredible person. I attempted a smile, but deep down, I was knotted up with apprehension. Every wolf fantasized about being selected as a mate, but what would happen if my partner rejected me? What if I was turned down by them? I was afraid of the thought. I glanced around, taking in the other aspirants, and then my gaze fell upon Storm Pack Alpha Dennis Bruce. With only his presence, he commanded attention as he stood tall. With a sense of superiority, he surveyed the throng with his icy blue eyes. His dark hair played in the wind, giving him an even more menacing appearance. I swallowed. "Do you suppose he'll make love to someone today? Lily, noticing my attention, whispered. "I... I'm not sure," I stumbled. It didn't seem feasible to be paired with someone like Dennis. He was strong, and powerful, and exuded an aura that attracted others to him. But me, I was just Melissa Roger, a shy, quiet wolf who didn't often draw attention to herself. "All right! The matches are about to be announced! The gathering went hushed as the elder's voice roared. As the elder started listing the pairs, my heart raced. The fortunate wolves felt a rush of anticipation and optimism with every name shouted out. The elder yelled out, "Dennis Bruce," and everyone turned to look at him. Dennis was still, expressionless. "Plus... Melissa Roger." I blinked, startled. My mind kept repeating the phrase. Dennis was assigned to me? The Storm Pack's Alpha? Everything appeared to stop for a second. I felt the mating bond solidify, causing my breath to become stuck in my throat. I was drawn to him like I was being pulled by an unseen thread. My heart pounded with anticipation and anxiety simultaneously. With hope shining in my eyes, I glanced up at him. Dennis turned to face me, and we made eye contact. But what I got was a chilly shudder down my spine, not the warmth or connection I had anticipated. His eyes were distant, icy, and nearly irrational. I cautiously moved forward, waiting for him to say something, but the words that came out of his mouth broke my heart. Dennis continued, his voice cold and flat, "I reject you." How come? “With a sinking heart, I whispered. He said, "You heard me," louder so that everyone could hear. "I, Dennis Bruce, Storm Pack Alpha, decline to be my partner Melissa Roger." I felt hundreds of eyes on me, burning with astonishment and sympathy as the audience gasped. My entire body froze. My heart broke into a million pieces, and the world around me became hazy and unclear. "B-but why? I stumbled, speaking in a scarcely audible whisper. Dennis smirked. "Observe yourself. Weak, miserable, and not worthy to be my partner. Someone worthy of Luna, someone stronger, is what I deserve. Not you. His remarks cut like a blade through me. Tears were starting to form in my eyes, but I was determined not to let them fall. Not in this place. Not in front of all the people. I turned and ran without saying anything more. I had to flee, even though I had no idea where I was heading. I ran into the forest, tears clouding my vision, and the sounds of the muttering crowd faded behind me. Deep in the woods was where I finally found myself, but I had no idea how far I had run. I was surrounded by the comforting smell of earth and pine, but it didn't bring much solace. I broke down on the woodland floor, sobbing into my hands as my legs gave out. "How is this possible to happen? With a pounding heart from embarrassment and rejection, I muttered to myself. "Why me?" Dennis had discarded the bond without giving it much thought, even though it had seemed so strong and genuine. I had the impression that the rejection was weighing heavily on my chest and that I was having trouble breathing. A snarl sounded across the trees, startling me out of my reverie. My heart was racing when I looked up, but this time it was because of fear. A lone wolf emerged from the darkness; its eyes gleaming menacingly. It was bigger than I was, and it had a sneer on its face. My whole body went paralyzed. I lacked the strength to repel it. With its razor-sharp claws aimed at my neck, the rogue sprang for me. With almost no time to respond, I raised my arms in self-defense. I was forced to the ground by its weight, and I could feel its sharp claws tearing through my flesh. I let out a scream, attempting to ignore it, but it was too powerful. I knew I wasn't going to have much time left when I felt its hot breath on my neck. I was ready to give in when I saw a flash of fur and it tackled the rogue off me. My vision blurred as I struggled to comprehend what was occurring and gulped for air. The new wolf, bigger and more powerful than the old one, gave the rogue a fight I had never seen before. The rogue was vanquished and sent to the ground in a matter of moments. I blinked to attempt to get my vision back. The big wolf transformed back into a man, showing a man with intense green eyes and dark hair. "Who are you? I croaked, the pain weakening my voice. Beside me, the man knelt, his face expressionless. "My name is Damon," he uttered. "You're lucky that I arrived in time." The pain from my wounds shot through me, making me wince. Damon scowled as his gaze shifted to the wounds. His voice was firm but not cruel as he stated, "You shouldn't have been out here alone." My voice was unsteady as I murmured, "I... didn't expect this." "I was merely—" Rejected? With a little softening of his eyes, Damon concluded. "I am aware. I was told. My pupils expanded. "How do you...?" Damon stood up and extended his hand to me, saying, "I know more than you think, Melissa." "Your rejection isn't solely a result of your weakness. Greater factors are at work. I scowled as I attempted to interpret what he had said. "What are you trying to say?" Damon looked around, his face tight. "Be careful; I don't have time to explain anything right now. There are entities in the Storm Pack and Moonvalley that desire for you to fail. A shiver went down my spine. However, why me?" When Damon's gaze locked with mine, I briefly sensed something: worry? Sadness? "You'll learn the truth in due time. But remain hidden for the time being. Things are going to get risky soon. I was left alone and perplexed when Damon changed back into his wolf form and vanished into the forest before I had a chance to ask any more questions. My arm started to hurt badly as I tried to make sense of it all. I gasped as I peered down. The rogue's wound was glowing, very faintly but visible. I was filled with fear and perplexity as I peered at it in shock. What was it that I was experiencing? The faint glow pulsed again, leaving me wondering if this was just the beginning of something far bigger than I could imagine.Melissa POVWith heavy footsteps, I made my way back to the Moonvalley Packhouse. I felt distinct from everything around me. The wind felt harsher across my skin, and the trees were taller. Every scent was more potent, every sound more distinct. My senses were more awake than they had ever been."What's going on with me? I muttered to myself, uncomfortable.I could hear the voices inside the packhouse before I even got close to the door. What should have been far-off murmurs turned into open discussions. I could even distinguish the distinct, powerful smell of each member of the group.Bewildered by the rush of feelings, I stopped at the door. Was this a result of the biting rogue? Was I evolving? I tried to relax myself by pressing my hand to my chest as my heart raced."What about Melissa? I was startled by a voice and turned to see Lily standing close by, her worried expression on her face."Are you alright? You observe... distinct," she remarked, scrutinizing me with narrowed eyes
Melissa POVI was consumed by thoughts of what the elders had shared with me. The demise of my parents wasn't an accident. There was only one person I could ask for more information, and that someone was Lucas. He was the one who understood more about my parents than anyone else, and he had always supported me.He was reclining against a tree on the forest's edge when I discovered him, his expression thoughtful. He gave me a half-smile that didn't quite reach his eyes as I approached."Melissa," he whispered as he moved in closer. "What is happening? You observe... concerned.I bit my lip, not knowing where to begin. I have a question for you, Lucas. It concerns my parents.Lucas's eyebrows immediately furrowed as his expression shifted. "Your folks? Why this time?""I learned something from the elders... something that is illogical. They claimed that my parents were embroiled in a risky situation. Are you familiar with that?"Lucas paused, glancing at the floor before responding. "Yo
Melissa POVThe two packs were becoming more and more tense. Even in the absence of conflict, every day seemed like a struggle. But it was Raven that was causing me trouble. I was unable to continue to ignore his tactics since they were getting more and more blatant.He was speaking to a bunch of wolves when I observed him strolling through the pack's area; his voice was believable and low. They nodded in agreement as though he—and not Dennis—was their leader, clearly ready to listen to him.Why do people want to follow him so badly? I murmured to myself as I observed from a distance."Because he poses a threat," a well-known voice replied from behind me.I looked around and saw Lucas approaching me. He looked serious, more serious than usual. He came to a stop beside me and looked over at Raven.I have been investigating him, Melissa. I believe he is connected to a negative activity. Incredibly awful.I scowled. "What are you trying to say?"Lucas gently continued, "I've been looking
Melissa POVThe air was calm and frigid in the early morning. Something was off; I had a queasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. There had been rumors of an impending attack for days, which had made the pack anxious. But nobody anticipated it happening so quickly.Abruptly, I heard someone shout in the distance. With my pulse pounding, I ran toward the sound. Dennis was standing close to the forest's edge, his face blanched with astonishment and his chest heaving. His arm was covered in blood, but it wasn't his."What took place? Breathlessly, I rushed to his side and asked.Dennis clenched his jaw, rage blazing in his eyes. "Raven... He attempted to kill me.My heart fell. "Are you serious?"Dennis whispered, "Serious as death," as he wiped the blood from his arm. "I got duped by one of my men. An ambush occurred. I would not be alive if I hadn't been faster.I looked around to see if there were any more warning indications. But it was silent for the moment. Far too silent."He refu
Melissa POVIt was a chilly and tense night. As Lucas and I stood in the clearing and stared forward at the dark jungle, my heart was pounding. Dennis was being held captive somewhere in Raven's fortress, and it was up to us to free him. But my mind was racing as we got ready for the task.My emotions were jumbled. My partner Dennis, the one I was meant to be with. He was extremely proud and difficult to approach. Then there was Damon, who was always there for me, encouraging and teasingly revealing emotions I wasn't sure I was ready to deal with. Lucas, too... the constant, dependable presence that, until recently, I hadn't even realized was there for me. Regarding each of them, how did I feel? I was tormented by the uncertainty."Are you prepared for this? Damon interrupted, jolting me out of my reverie.I swallowed my doubt and nodded. Indeed. Dennis has to be saved.Lucas nodded comfortingly at me from his position to my left. "We'll manage to free him. Raven won't recognize what
Melissa’s POVI felt the weight of Raven's message bear down on me as I clutched his note in my palm. As I explained the contents of the letter to Damon and Lucas, they stood beside me, their faces tight.I muttered, my fingers shaking, "He said... my lineage holds a secret that could destroy both packs."Damon's hand extended to rest on my shoulder as his eyes grew softer. "We'll work this out, Melissa. I will not allow you to suffer any harm. But first, we need answers.Lucas looked intently as he nodded. Perhaps it's time to research your ancestry. You don't have any knowledge of your forefathers, do you?Slowly, I shook my head. "No, all I know is fragments. My parents never talked about much. However, we must find out the truth if Raven's claims are accurate.I could feel the warmth of Damon's confidence as his hold tightened. Then, collectively, let's find out. We'll find whatever is hidden.I gazed at them both, with a peculiar mixture of appreciation and perplexity. Their enco
Melissa’s POVThe library echoed with the growls of the rogue wolves as they continued to close in. As my hands began to glow golden once more, my only thought was to keep my friends safe.As Dennis had said, I tried to focus and channel the energy by closing my eyes. Gradually, I visualized a wall erecting around us, a shield of defence that would deter the outlaws. The light intensified, and all of a sudden, I sensed an invisible wall of power pulsing outward.The wolves yelled in astonishment as they were flung backwards after running into it. As the shield held firm for a few while, I gasped and felt a wave of tiredness sweep over me. However, the light around my hands quickly faded as my knees gave way and I staggered.I was caught by Damon, who had worried eyes. "How are you, Melissa?"I was so exhausted that I could hardly stand. I gripped his arm and muttered, "I... I think so." "However, using my power drains me so much."Looking around, Lucas saw the outlaws fleeing. However
Melissa’s POVThe woodland was silent, with shadows reaching between the trees and the only sound being my heartbeat pounding in my ears. I took a deep breath and tried to stabilize myself. I was here alone to meet Raven. I wanted answers I needed them but I was afraid of what he might say.Then I saw him. Raven emerged from behind a tree, his eyes flashing in the dark light. His smile was piercing and unnerving, sending shivers down my spine."Melissa," he said, his tone low and silky. "I knew you'd come.""I came for answers, Raven. Nothing else," I answered, attempting to maintain my tone.Raven chuckled and tilted his head. "Oh, I'll give you answers... but you may not like them."I gulped, but my gaze remained on his. "Then start talking."He took a step closer, staring at me with weird intensity. "You come from a line of powerful wolves, Melissa. Your ancestors weren't ordinary, they could alter the destiny of entire packs. They could bring prosperity... or destroy everything."
Melissa’s POVI had never seen anything like the heart of the Void, a huge, menacing vortex of pure blackness that stretched into the ruins of an old temple. The electricity in the air caused the hairs on my arms to stand on end."This is it," Damon stated in a steady yet hushed voice. He grasped my hand more tightly. "The origin of all things."My voice was too dry to talk, so I nodded. Surrounding us were crumbling ruins that were alive with odd carvings that glowed dimly in the suffocating darkness. I felt a strange hum beneath one of the engravings as I brushed my fingertips over it.I whispered, "These carvings are... stories."With his blue eyes narrowing at the inscriptions, Damon knelt next to me. With grimness, he uttered, "Stories of the Void." It used to be a celestial entity. Perhaps a guardian.I muttered, "But something changed," as my fingers traced a picture of a glowing person encircled by others before being engulfed by sharp shadows.The deep, mocking voice of the V
Melissa’s POVWe felt as though an unseen weight was pushing down on us from the terrible darkness of the Void. I was having trouble keeping my breathing regular, and my heart was racing. Damon was there, offering consolation, but even he was powerless to protect me from the smothering might of the Void."Melissa," murmured Damon quietly, his voice piercing the quiet like a lifeline. "You're not feeling well."Despite my shaky hands betraying me, I immediately replied, "I'll be fine. We have to keep going."Damon took hold of my arm and turned me to face him. "No, we need to talk." Normally so calm, his blue eyes were filled with dread and something more. Feeling guilty?"Damon, what is it? I asked, sounding sharper than I meant to.He paused, then let out a long sigh. "I've been hiding something, Melissa. I've been losing strength ever since we went into the Void."What? I tightened my chest as I gazed at him. "What weaker do you mean? How come you didn't tell me?"He ran a hand thro
Melissa’s POVIt was quiet and cold in the room, lit only by the dim glow of the relic in my hands. Heart thumping, I walked carefully across the chipped stone floor. A slight hum seemed to emanate from the walls, as though they were alive with some ancient force.Behind me, Damon murmured in a steady, low voice, "Melissa, this place gives me the creeps." What exactly are we searching for?"I looked across the room and mumbled, "I don't know." Then I noticed it: a huge mural that was carved into the distant wall, its surface shimmering dimly as though it were calling to me. I gasped.The elaborate artwork included swirling shadows and characters engaged in combat. A woman in the middle was brandishing a blade that remarkably resembled the one I was carrying. Shadows encircled figures surrounding her, who appeared to be screaming in pain."What is this? Damon inquired as he moved to stand next to me.I traced a shaking finger across the light forms and whispered, "It's my family." "My
Melissa’s POVAs we entered the chamber, the air was dense and heavy with an energy that hummed on my skin. An old blade, set into a column of light that extended to the vaulted ceiling, gleamed brilliantly in the centre. The pulse of its luminosity matched the beat of my heart.Damon said in a scarcely audible whisper, "There it is." "The weapon of heaven."I took a step forward, staring at the blade. It was beautiful, engraved with luminous runes that shimmered and seemed to change. It emanated power, but it also emitted something else, something sinister.A person emerged from the light before I could touch it. With glistening silver eyes and a flowing robe that appeared to be composed of starlight, it was ethereal, nearly human but not quite.The spirit said, "Stop," its voice echoed in my head instead of my ears. This blade is a curse as well as a weapon. To wield it is to completely lose oneself.My fingertips were just inches from the light when I froze. "What are you saying? W
Melissa’s POVThe eerie brightness emanated from the misty, shifting form of the Void, which towered over me. Its words reverberated in my thoughts like a chilly whisper.It snarled mockingly, "Melissa, did you think you were meant to stop me?"As the fear clawed at my chest, I clenched my hands. "You won’t win," I whispered, my voice faltering, yet my legs shook, but I firmly planted my feet on the dark, unending surface beneath me. "I’ll find a way to defeat you."The sound of the Void laughing chilled me to my core. "Defeat me? Oh, child of light, you misunderstand. You were never meant to defeat me. You are my key, my vessel."I went cold. As the words set in, my heart pounded in my chest. I said, "What are you talking about?"Dark tendrils reached out and coiled around me like suffocating chains as they moved closer. "Your light is the purest in existence. With it, I will shatter the celestial barrier and bring the mortal realm to its knees."I struggled against the dark force th
Melissa’s POVThe atmosphere surrounding the Void was chilly and heavy as if all hope and warmth had been sucked out. I held the relic in my shaking hands as I stood at its brink. There was a slight pulse across its surface as if it could sense the danger.The pack gathered in uncomfortable quiet behind me. None of them dared to speak, but their anxious gazes pierced my back. They were all aware of what I was going to do.Elena begged, "Melissa, you don't have to do this," her voice cracking.My heart felt like it was breaking, but I forced a tiny grin as I turned to face her and the others. "Yes, Elena, I do. There's Damon. And none of us will live if I don't put an end to the Void right away.Marcus, Damon's beta, came forward. Raw terror had taken the place of his normally composed manner. "There must be another way, Melissa. Let's engage in combat!"Holding the artefact closer, I shook my head. "This is not your battle. I'm wanted by the Void. I've always been the one.Elena's eye
Melissa’s POVTension was in the air as I stood in the middle of the pack's meeting room. I saw a mixture of fear and resolve on the faces in front of me. They looked to me for support because these were my people, my family.I inhaled deeply before moving forward. "Everyone," I said, maintaining my composure in the face of my emotional storm, "we are up against a war unlike any we have ever faced. Despite being driven to the brink by the Void, we remain upright. And we are invincible as long as we remain united.The crowd echoed with a murmur. A few nodded, determination stiffening their faces. Others held on to one another, leaning on their loved ones for support."We have experienced loss," I added, raising my voice. "We have experienced suffering. However, we have also triumphed. We have risen stronger each time the Void has attempted to shatter us. Nothing will be different this time.Damon moved to stand next to me, his presence like a constant flame amidst the confusion. With a
Melissa’s POVMarcus and I were seated opposite each other in the chilly, poorly lighted jail. His face looked pale, with traces of terror and remorse, and his hands were chained. Behind me, Damon stood with his arms folded and a stern expression on his face.I spoke calmly but firmly, "Marcus, you owe us the truth." "You'll tell us everything you know about the Void's plan if you want any chance of redemption."Marcus paused, his gaze flitting from Damon to me. "It's not that easy," he whispered, his voice trembling."It is," Damon stated in a cold tone. "You turned on your pack. You must now assist us in stopping this or else you will be held accountable.Marcus nodded after taking a deep breath. "All right," he muttered. "I'll share what I know with you."With my light blazing dimly around me, I leaned forward and said, "Start talking."Marcus inhaled deeply. "Melissa, the Void does not wish to destroy you. It desires to become one with you. It believes that your light is the ideal
Melissa’s POVThe pack council room was packed with tension. The air felt heavy, and the typical camaraderie among the pack members had grown frigid. Everyone sat around the long oak table, their faces furrowed with worry. Damon stood at the head, his demeanour gloomy yet controlled.I sat close to Liora, who was flipping through her notes with strained brows. She didn’t speak, but I could tell she was trying to piece together something worrisome.“We can’t keep fighting in the dark like this,” Damon said, his powerful voice breaking through the silence. “The shadows know our every move. It’s as if they’re one step ahead of us.”“Because they are,” Kael mumbled, his fists stiffening. “Someone’s feeding them information. Someone from inside the pack.”Gasps and murmurs raced through the room.“Kael,” Liora began carefully, “those are serious accusations. Are you sure?"Kael's mouth clenched. "Enough to be sure. They always counter us when we plot an ambush. Every location we believe to