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 POVWe were all deep in meditation on the sombre drive back to the pack. Dennis followed a little behind, his eyes on the floor, while Damon remained at a safe distance to my right. I couldn't get rid of the impression that the guardian's warning was directed at someone close to me, not merely someone in the pack.The packhouse was uncomfortable when we got there, as though the air itself was full of unsaid anxieties. Members of the pack moved around in little groups, their hushed chatter stopping as soon as they saw us. Their eyes were filled with scepticism, curiosity, and doubt.I stepped forward, squaring my shoulders. "Come to the main hall, everyone. I called, as firm as I could manage, "We need to talk."They complied, slipping into the corridor like reluctant streams, but the muttering got louder. Damon moved in closer, briefly putting his hand on my arm. Melissa, watch what you say. They're tense already.I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded. "I understand."
Melissa’s POVAs I walked to Dennis's room, the note in my pocket seemed heavier than it should have been. I was unwilling to accept it. Dennis had supported me through good times and bad. Was he a member of the council? The guardian had warned me of a betrayer; might he be that person?I hesitated as I got to his door. My ribs were hammered by my heart. I knocked at last.Dennis's steady, quiet voice beckoned from within, "Come in."I held the note closely as I pushed the door open. He was browsing some documents at his desk when he noticed my expression and his smile vanished.Melissa? He stood up and asked. "What's the matter?"I displayed the note. "This. Dennis, what does this mean?"He looked at the message as if it were a live snake, and his face went pale. How did you obtain that?""In your room," I firmly stated. "It was on your desk." What does that mean? Don't duck the question."Dennis let out a deep breath and combed his hair. "Melissa, it's not what you think.""Then tel
Melissa’s POVI sat opposite Dennis and Damon, and the atmosphere weighed heavily with unsaid tension. The air was heavy with their annoyance as they glared at one another. Dennis appeared to be holding onto a secret too huge for him to bear, and Damon's fists were clenched at his sides.The silence was broken by me. "You have to start talking, Dennis. Right now.Dennis paused and looked away. "I've been hiding something from you... from everybody. But you know, it's time."Go on," I said in a calm but forceful tone.He inhaled deeply before starting, his voice shaking. Another prophecy exists. Something about a "Void Queen."Damon laughed. "Queen Void? Is this a twisted fairy tale, or what?"“The prophecy says that someone with a connection to The Void—someone with a mark like yours—could rise and bring devastation,” Dennis said, ignoring him and turning to face me. The Void Queen would be the name given to that individual.I went cold. His remarks were like a mountain pressing down
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
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