Melissa’s POVMy heart sank as we got closer to the pack territory. The once-luxuriant, vibrant trees have turned twisted and dark. Ash and sadness filled the air. The sigil on my arm pulsed softly, and I stopped dead in my steps, holding my chest."How are you, Melissa? As he supported me, Damon's voice was worried.I forced myself to stand up straight and gave a feeble nod. "I'm all right. However, take a peek around.Damon looked at the devastation in front of him with his keen blue eyes. "The corruption of the Void is rapidly spreading. We must move quickly.Behind us, the others fell silent. Dennis, who was standing next to me, gripped his staff more tightly."This is more than just damage," he stated somberly. "Darker things have taken root here."I inhaled deeply. "Leave now."We stepped over splintered branches and crushed stones as we cautiously entered the area. With shadows that seemed to move like living things, the once-bustling clearing had almost become unrecognizable.
Melissa’s POVThe pack was so tense that it was nearly oppressive. The formerly bustling grounds were now a place of doubt, anxiety, and uncertainty. Even though the inquiring eyes were staring back at him, Damon's voice remained strong and steady as I stood next to him as he faced the pack."We're not going to give up! With his hands clenched at his sides, Damon declared. "Even if the Void believes it can shatter us, our unity makes us stronger. We'll fight, and we'll prevail!"There was a murmur among the people. While some exchanged suspicious looks, others nodded in accord. Bryce, one of the senior pack members, moved forward with a sombre attitude."Damon," Bryce stated in a sceptical tone. "Are you certain that we can resist this? We've already lost so much to the Void. Why do you think we can withstand another assault?"I started to get angry, but before I could say anything, Damon raised a hand. He stated firmly, "Because we have no other choice." "We fight because it's the on
Melissa’s POVExcept for the steady hum of resolve in the air and the repetitive hammering of fists against targets, the training grounds were silent. I watched from the corner as the pack put in endless effort to get ready for the impending conflict. However, I was more focused on the decision that was hanging over me like a threatening storm cloud than I was on the training.The artefact weighed heavily on my mind. Even though I had already decided to give myself up, my willpower weakened every time I saw Damon's face. How could I abandon him? Get rid of them all?However, if I didn't"Hey, Melissa! My rambling thoughts were interrupted by Damon's voice.I glanced up in time to see him approaching me with a worried expression on his face. "Are you alright? You've been there for a long time.I forced a little smile and lied, "I'm fine."His eyes narrowed. "No, you're not. That look is familiar to me. What are you thinking about?"I paused. It would only get worse if I told him about
Melissa’s POV The silence in the woodland was so eerie that it made my skin crawl. Through the silent darkness, every twig crack beneath our feet reverberated louder than it should have. With my heart racing in my chest, I firmly grasped the dagger's hilt. "Dennis couldn't have gone very far," Damon stated in a firm yet quiet voice. "Remain vigilant. He is dangerous because he is desperate. I looked around the dark woods and nodded. Dennis's treachery still ached like a new cut. I wanted to stop him before he could do more harm, but I also needed answers. One of the pack members, James, who was going directly in front of us, snarled, "We shouldn't have trusted him." "Pay attention, James," Damon snapped. "We must locate him, not blame him." The air was heavy with tension. Dennis had known us for years, and we all sensed it, even if nobody wanted to express it. Who else could have secrets if he could betray us? The air became colder and the shadows appeared to stretch and twist s
Melissa’s POVThe first sensation I experienced was the oppressive weight of the air weighing down on me. I tried to open my eyes, but the darkness was too great. Not only was it black, but the shadows seemed to be alive, moving and writhing. With my head whirling, I forced myself to stand."Hey? I yelled, my voice hardly audible above the deafening quiet.No answer. The air was filled with the sound of faint murmurs. At first, they were faint, nearly inaudible, but as they got stronger, they could be heard everywhere."You lack sufficient strength.""You'll let them all down.""You are not needed by Damon."I gripped my head tightly as the sounds pierced my thoughts. "Stop it! I yelled, but all the whispers did was laugh, cruelly and icily.Although my legs felt like Jello, I made myself stand. The earth under me was a moving, unending vacuum with grey and black swirling together, unlike anything I had ever seen. Only the strange glow of the vigils on my arms was visible; there was n
Melissa’s POVThe Void's swirling, dark air seemed like an unseen weight pressing against my chest. With each second that went by, the hideous shape in front of us grew bigger, its dark limbs extending and contorting, its crimson eyes blazing at Dennis and me.I summoned my symbol powers and clenched my shaking palms together. "Stay behind me, Dennis. This creature won't let us leave without a struggle.With a determined yet pallid face, Dennis took a stride forward. "No, Melissa. You were pulled into this quagmire by me. I'm the one who should remain behind.The Void's voice echoed around us, trembling the ground beneath our feet before I could argue.Little one, do you dare to disobey me? Do you believe your weak abilities can equal my anger?"The creature lunged. Instinctively, I lifted my hands, letting my symbol emit a flash of golden light. My legs wobbled at the strain of the attack, yet the Void shrieked its form recoiling."Hey, Melissa! Are you all right? Dennis took hold of
Melissa’s POVI could hardly feel the coldness of the morning air against my flesh. The odd, luminous vigils that now totally covered my arms made them hurt. Dark, shifting shadows that pulsed and swirled replaced the golden light that had once seemed to be a part of me.The pack stood in a half circle around me, their expressions a mixture of terror and relief. Even though I could feel their eyes on me, I was unable to look them in the eyes.Damon stepped forward and said, "Melissa." Although he spoke calmly, I could see that his jaw was tense. "How are you feeling?"I opened my mouth to respond, but the words stuck in my throat. As I looked at the bruises on my skin, my hands shook and my chest constricted."I'm not sure," I muttered in a tremulous voice. Something isn't right. Damon, I feel it within myself. I am no longer myself.With his sharp gaze fixed on mine, Damon knelt before me. Melissa, you're still who you are. Whatever it is, we will solve it. I will not allow it to tak
Melissa’s POVI faced Kael as I stood in the clearing. The chill of the night was still in the air, and the morning sun was hardly warm. Kael was a powerful presence, and his piercing golden eyes never left mine."Focus, Melissa," Kael stated in a strong, forceful voice. "The vigils are like fire. If you let them, they will burn everything in their path, including you."Gazing down at my arms, I inhaled deeply. The faint glow of the vigils suggested that they were living things, only waiting for the proper opportunity to take over.With a trembling voice, I questioned, "How do I control something that’s inside me, pushing so hard to break free?"Kael approached and delicately tapped my temple with one finger. "By mastering your mind. The vigils feed on your fear and anger. They are the Void's way of breaking you."I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded. Damon was standing close by with his arms folded and leaning against a tree. His sharp eyes never left me, and for some reason,
Melissa’s POVThe earth underneath me trembled. Once full of stars, the sky had become a whirling mass of red and black. I had never seen anything like the full form of the Void, which loomed over us. It was a shapeless shadow that seemed to extend across the sky, a hideous, writhing monster with sharp teeth and flashing crimson eyes.Damon gripped my hand more tightly. "This thing is destruction, Melissa."I took a deep breath. Then we put an end to it. Together.Waves of darkness broke against the shield of our combined force as the Void shouted. With the help of our light, Damon and I managed to push back.Behind us, in formation, the pack channeled the force of the rite by raising their hands. The air was filled with golden symbols that glowed brighter as they infused us with their vitality.Even though he was tired, Eldric's voice was loud and clear. "Hey, Melissa! Make use of the power! Attack its very center!I concentrated as the energy rushed through me. In my palms, a golden
Melissa’s POVFrom within Damon and me, a golden, bright light burst forth. It pushed the darkness aside as it rushed outward. The Void flinched for the first time.I gasped as I sensed our strength entwined, our spirits united. My brightness became Damon's, and his power became mine. We were invincible together.The Void screamed, its dark shape contorting. "Not possible! You can't disobey me!Damon grinned. "It appears that we just did."As the darkness faded, the pack behind us cheered, their spirits rising. Hope flashed for a minute.The Void, however, altered its strategy.Rather than attacking us, it turned to our fighters. The gang stumbled abruptly as a dark pulse sped across the air. Their eyes grew wide with agony.I let out a gasp. "What's going on?"Eldric clutched his skull and yelled. "Our link is being attacked by the Void! It is cutting off our relationship with one another!Damon's face grew serious. "No. It is attempting to separate us from the group.I felt the conn
Melissa’s POVThere was anarchy on the battlefield. Everything in their path was devoured by the shadows that slithered across the earth. The sky was now a whirling pit of blackness.Grasping the shimmering relic tightly, I could feel its warmth pulsing in time with my beating. I understood what needed to be done; the truth had become ingrained in my chest.The Void inside my light needed to be sealed.I glanced at Damon, my fingers shaking. I uttered, hardly raising my voice above a whisper, "I know how to stop it."Damon scowled. "What are you talking about, Melissa?"I inhaled deeply. "I must cage the Void inside of me to put an end to this. I can control it if I unite with my light. However, I will not be able to return.His gaze grew gloomy. "No. Not at all.I took a step toward him and touched his chest. "I can do this, Damon. I must complete this task.With a solid yet desperate grip, he took hold of my shoulders. "You're not giving up anything. I will not allow you to.My eyes
Melissa’s POVThe ground underneath us trembled with a thunderous roar. As the sky grew completely dark, I staggered, barely maintaining my equilibrium. Our planet was completely infiltrated by the Void.As they slithered across the terrain, shadowy tendrils ate everything in their path. Before the onslaught started, the trees withered, the air became dense with a suffocating gloom, and an unsettling hush descended upon the pack's area.First came the creatures. Monstrous, twisted forms sprang from the darkness, staring at us with luminous red eyes."Keep the pack safe!" Damon's voice echoed, firm and powerful.The beasts persisted despite the efforts of our troops. Growls, cries of agony, and claws slamming into teeth reverberated throughout the night. I made a feeble attempt to call forth my light.Panic rising, I muttered, "No... not now."I lifted my fists and pushed energy out. One of the things recoiled when a little flash of light touched it, but the exertion left me exhausted.
Melissa’s POVEldric stood in the middle of the circle, his voice rising in an old chant, and the air crackled with energy. With their hands clasped together and their eyes closed in intense concentration, the pack encircled him. A glistening gap that glowed dimly like a tear, in reality, itself started to form in front of them.My breathing was labored, and I gripped my chest. Weaker than ever, my Celestial Flame dimmed. I was exhausted from the battle.Damon stood next to me, his teeth clenched. "We need to move now, Melissa."A dreadful scream reverberated throughout the domain of the Void. The twisted forms of the shadows writhed in rage as they slithered closer.The voice of the Void bellowed. "You believe you can get away from me?"A wave of darkness smashed upon us, and I flinched. With his claws cutting through the closest shadow creatures, Damon jumped in front of me. "I'm sick of these things!" he snarled.Eldric's gaze flickered. "Avoid them! The rift is still unstable.My
Melissa’s POVThe heavy, oppressive darkness whirled about me. The golden glow of the Celestial Flame flickered like a candle in the wind as I held it tightly in my hands.The Void was different. It had developed shape and was no longer only a collection of shadows. A massive, purely dark figure with empty eyes blazing with insatiable desire loomed before me."Madela, you are nothing." The voice of the Void thundered like a tempest. "Every light bearer before you has been eaten by me. You'll tumble just like everyone else.I forced my fear down with a firm gulp. "How many you've taken doesn't matter to me. I am the one who ends it.The Void chuckled. "What a dumb girl. What has existed for all eternity cannot be stopped.The shadows surrounding us contorted into shrieking faces as it lifted its enormous arms—souls imprisoned in its never-ending hunger. My heart tightened. If I failed, would I end up like this?No.I lifted the Celestial Flame while clenching my teeth. The murky cloud
Melissa’s POVI had the impression that the ground was neither solid nor airy. Above, the sky shifted between angry crimson and deep darkness, twisting in strange ways. Here, time seemed to be fractured, with seconds seeming to drag into hours.All around me, a chilly voice said."Hey Melissa, welcome home."I balled my fists up. "My home is not here."I experienced glimpses of a future in which I stood alone on a throne of darkness while the shadows grew darker and created shifting images. Everything around me was destroyed by fire.Additionally, II was the Void now.Staring back at me was a picture of my face, twisted in the gloom."Fate is beyond your control," the Void said.I gave a headshake. "This isn't real."The vision shifted. Damon was kneeling in front of me, broken. His previously vibrant eyes were now lifeless.The Void went on, "You will ruin everyone you care about." "It is unavoidable.""No!" With my light flashing, I yelled. "I decide my destiny!"I felt the darknes
Melissa’s POVIn my palms, the relic pulsed, its illumination alternating between eerie darkness and golden light. From within came a whisper, a voice old and powerful."Child of light, you're looking for solutions. I am the truth.I took a deep breath. "Tell me."The world around me abruptly changed when the air changed. I found myself in a wide area of whirling shadows and dim light instead of the battlefield. The relic glowed like a fallen star, floating before me.Once more, the voice spoke. "I am more than just a tool of authority. I am a piece of the Void's very center that was left over from the first fight, which took place ages ago.I gasped. "A… a piece of the Void?""Yes. I was made as a test, a means of determining whether mankind was deserving of existence outside the realm of the Void.I gave a headshake. "That isn't rational. Why would something that may be utilized against the Void be left behind?"Because the cycle needs to finish. You must put me back in the core of
Melissa’s POVI could still hear Damon's cry. I glanced at the place where the shadows had pulled him into the abyss, my hands shaking. Something inside of me stirred, even though my heart hurt and the pain was intolerable.A fire, no, a warmth, flared in my chest. My light wasn't the only one. Something deeper, something more powerful.Then from the item beside me came a hushed voice."The Celestial Flame is being reawakened by you."I let out a gasp. “The Celestial Flame?"The voice hummed quietly. “A power your ancestors never reached. A light that may burn away even the deepest darkness.”Like flickering flames, a golden radiance rose from my fingertips. It was fire, not just light. My veins throbbed with heat, more intense than I had ever experienced.I balled my fists up. "I will use this if it can help me defeat the Void."The voice faltered. "The Flame is not so easy to wield. You have to go through a soul trial to manage it.I scowled. "A trial?""You have to face your demons