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 POVAs we stood in the darkened room, the atmosphere was heavy with anxiety, the Void's presence weighing down on us like a heavy blanket. The marks it had seared into my skin were shining faintly as my hands shook and I clutched the celestial blade.An old map was etched into the stone floor, and Kael leaned over it. "This is it," he stated in a steady yet quiet voice. "The anchor is at the heart of the Void. If we destroy it, we destroy the Void for good."Liora paced. "But it won’t just let us walk in and do that," she said. Nervous energy flicked at her tail. "The shadow creatures will swarm us the moment we make a move."Damon was standing next to me, staring at the sword I was holding. "We’ll keep them off you, Melissa. Kael, Liora, and I will hold the line. Your only focus is the anchor."Despite the tightness in my chest from terror, I nodded. The words "I… I don’t know if I can do this," I said, hardly raising my voice above a whisper.With his hands firmly grasping
Melissa’s POVAs the Void spoke, the room grew dimmer, the shadows writhing and curling. Its voice, a mixture of serenity and venom, crept into my head and whispered secrets I didn't want to hear."Melissa," the Void whispered in a remarkably quiet voice. "Are you acquainted with your parents? Should I reveal their reality to you?My fingers were white as I held the celestial blade tightly. I yelled, "You're telling lies." "They wouldn’t have anything to do with you."The sound of the Void's laughter reverberated through the atmosphere like a menacing tune. "Oh, my beloved wolf, you are no longer protected by denial. Allow me to educate you.The surrounding air glistened before I could move, creating pictures so realistic they seemed real. I saw my parents standing in front of a darkened altar, their familiar faces furrowed with concern. My mother's voice was shaking as she gripped my father's hand.My mother pleaded, "Please," her voice cracking. "Preserve our pack. Preserve our peop
Melissa’s POVI could hear the Void laughing louder than before. I could hear my parents' gentle, begging voices all around me. These sensations were brutally genuine.Once more, my mother's warm and comforting voice said, "Melissa, sweetie." "You've shown such strength. Simply let go. I swear, we'll be together.I closed my eyes tightly, my fingers whitened from holding on to the celestial blade. Every statement made my heart hurt, but something wasn't quite right.I shook my head and whispered, "You're not real." "You're not real."My father's forceful but gentle voice retorted, "But we are." "Have you not missed us?" We have always kept an eye on you.I stumbled, my chest constricted. "Why didn't you stop this if you were watching? Why didn't you spare me this suffering?"The closer the Void leaned, the brighter its crimson eyes shone. "Because, little wolf, they couldn't." Now they are a part of me. Do you not see? You could stop this suffering by joining them.With the sound of a
Melissa’s POVThe earth beneath us shook furiously, and fractures appeared all over the floor like spiderwebs. There was a loud crash as stones started to fall from the ceiling all around us. As I became aware that the entire chamber was collapsing, my heart began to race."Go! Damon grabbed my arm and dragged me forward as he yelled.The eerie screams of the shadow creatures reverberated throughout the crumbling chamber. Their claws slashed at anything in their path as they swarmed from all directions.Kael whirled around, slicing through an attacking beast with his blade. "They're overrunning us! He shouted as he retreated in our direction."I understand! As I tightened my hold on the celestial sword, I called back. The weapon's brightness had dimmed, as though even it was having trouble keeping up.Liora's face was white with fatigue as she shot arrows quickly. "We must leave this place! Right now!"However, overpowering the commotion surrounding us, the Void's voice bellowed once
Melissa’s POVThe weight of Damon's words pressed against my chest as I sat across from him in the moonlight.He had remarked, "You were never meant to forget," and now it felt like my whole world was falling apart.My body shook as I tried to take it all in, and I put my arms around myself. "What do you mean my past was rewritten?" My voice was scarcely steady as I whispered.Damon's golden eyes grew softer, but beneath them was a sadness I couldn't imagine. "Someone—something—wiped out your memory, Melissa. Everything you once knew, including your life and past, was taken from you.With a searing ache developing between my temples, I shook my head. "That isn't rational. For as long as I can remember, I have resided here. I lead a typical existence.Damon's jaw tightened. "No, you don’t." His tone was stern but compassionate. "This world isn't as real as you believe it to be. It was designed to prevent you from recalling the reality.I felt sick to my stomach. "Why? "Who would do thi
Melissa’s POVThe beginning of the dream was always the same.The earth was wet underfoot as I ran barefoot. As the wind howled through the gloomy forest, the moon shined brightly above me, giving the trees a silver sheen.I didn't feel scared.No, I was pursuing someone or anything.I felt a chill go through me as a loud growl rumbled through the trees. Not out of fear, but out of eagerness, my heartbeat accelerated. That sound was familiar to me. I couldn't identify it, yet it spoke to something deep inside of me.Then I caught sight of him.At the edge of a clearing, a huge black wolf stood with golden eyes that glowed in the darkness.My breath caught.Those eyes...I had previously seen them.With my heart thumping as though it were trying to escape my chest, I stepped forward. The wolf stood motionless, waiting, watching me—Then everything fell apart.The trees were only shadows as they twisted and became blurry. The wolf disappeared, and I was falling—Right into the dark.I g
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