Melissa’s POVStrangely, the air in The Void writhed and twisted around me, shimmering as though it were alive. I knelt on the disintegrating dirt, breathing heavily, my heart thumping. With every second, my legs grew weaker and my arms felt heavy.I strongly convinced myself that this was not how it would end. I'm not going to give up. Not right now."Still fighting, are we? You can't win, Melissa. You're just delaying the inevitable," the Void Queen said, her mocking laughter echoing about me.Anger was rising in my chest as I glanced up at her. She was a perfect, warped replica of me, standing tall with fiery red eyes."You don’t know me," I clenched my teeth and muttered. "And you never will."My mind raced back to my pack's memories: Dennis's steadfast devotion, Damon's determined visage, and how the pack stood by one another during the worst of times. She would never be able to take away my strength, which was my relationship with them.I reached inside myself and closed my eyes
Melissa’s POVBefore me, the portal's whirling light glowed and flickered like an ambiguous flame. In my head, my wolf's voice was keen as she urged prudence."We don't know what's out there, Melissa. You might lose everything, or worse, you might bring something uncontrollable back.I inhaled deeply while gazing into the bright void. "The pack won't survive if I don't do this. Dennis, Damon, and everyone else are currently battling for me. I can't let them down.Dark tendrils clawed closer as The Void rumbled menacingly behind me. It felt as though the air itself was crashing down on me. I looked back, my pulse pounding as the darkness drew closer. Time was of the essence."I must have faith in myself," I said.I took one more, reassuring breath and entered the portal.I felt a searing ache as soon as I stepped inside the door like my entire being was being pulled apart. My body felt both weighty and weightless as colours blended into dazzling light. I could feel my wolf straining to
Melissa’s POVWhen I left the pack house, the temperature was lower than usual. Whispers appeared to infiltrate my head along with the unnatural chill of the wind. In the back of my mind, my wolf growled softly but steadily as she stirred nervously.Her words, "Something isn't right,"Silently, I nodded as the region began to feel the weight of the unease."Melissa!" Emily rushed toward me, her breathing laboured and her face white. "You need to see this."I went to the training fields after her. The once-vibrant area where wolves trained and sparred had devolved into a chaotic spectacle. A strange fog clung to the ground, the grass was wilting, and trees were charred.I questioned sharply, "What happened here?"Damon came over, his face serious. "The Void’s energy is leaking through the crack. It’s infecting the land, Melissa. And it’s not just here."A spine-tingling howl resounded from the trees as if at the same moment. A wolf, its eyes flashing an odd green and its fur matted, st
Melissa’s POVTension permeated the air. The dark figure of The Void's servant towered over us, standing still. It was difficult to breathe because of the weighty energy that radiated from him as if it were pressing against my chest.The servant's voice was smooth and uncannily serene as he remarked, "Melissa, you don't understand the gift you've been given." He fixed his bright eyes on mine. "You're not supposed to battle The Void. It is supposed to be ruled by you.I took a step forward without flinching. "You're incorrect," I firmly stated. "I don't share your darkness. I will never accompany you.A disconcerting smile grew across the servant's face as he cocked his head. You already have, though. Do you not sense it? The shadow inside of you? It is becoming more powerful every day.My wolf was stirring uneasily inside me as I clenched my hands. He said something that both she and I didn't like.Melissa and her group belong here! Damon snarled and moved to stand next to me.The ser
Melissa’s POVI felt waves of pain as the mark on my arm burnt once more. I looked down at the blazing symbol and winced. The harsh, unnatural edges of the sign were carved into my skin. I could feel it every time it pulsed, like an unseen thread drawing me nearer to something horrible and gloomy.Hey Melissa, what is it? Damon inquired in a worried tone. He was standing next to me, staring at the mark.With a trembling voice, I responded, "I don't know, Damon." Things are getting worse. Sometimes the ache is intolerable.I gritted my teeth to endure the piercing pain. For a minute, my eyesight became blurry as the mark seemed to hum with an odd energy. For a moment, I could see monsters from The Void, their eyes blazing red, moving in the corners of my consciousness.With his hand on my shoulder, Damon moved closer and asked, "What's happening?"To dispel the visions, I shook my head. "It’s like… like something’s calling me from within it. The Void, maybe."Dennis had been pacing clo
Melissa’s POVThe jungle towered over us like a pitch-black, never-ending tunnel. The branches of tall trees entwined to block out most of the light as they extended into the sky. Every sound made my heart race, even as my boots crunched on the dried leaves on the woodland floor. The faint pulse of the sigil on my arm served as a continual reminder of the curse I was carrying. Dennis followed a little behind, murmuring to himself about maps and old predictions, while Damon strolled next to me, his keen eyes searching the darkness.Damon pointed to a dim trail that wound through the trees and remarked, "We're close." "But we must remain vigilant.""Remain vigilant? I gave him a suspicious look. "Do you believe that the creatures of The Void are pursuing us?"Damon gave a sombre nod. They didn't stop. To them, the mark on your arm is like a beacon.I took a deep breath. Fantastic. Exactly what I required.Then, out of the darkness, came a deep growl. My breath caught in my throat as I f
Melissa’s POVUnease permeated the air around the packhouse, making it feel heavier than usual. My heart thumped in my chest as I walked to the council room. I had seen the sidelong glances and heard the whispers. I was tormented by the betrayal I had heard, but I had to face the traitor before the rifts in our togetherness deepened.The place was quiet as I walked in. One of our reliable spies, Marcus, caught my attention. His eyes darted anxiously, and he stood stiffly. Dennis and Damon stood on either side of me, providing comfort but unable to quell the storm that was building within me."Marcus," I said in a calm yet icy tone. "We must speak."His shoulders sagged as he gulped forcefully. "I, Melissa..."I stepped closer and interrupted, saying, "Don't." "You were heard. I heard everything. You were addressing The Void's servant. You have deceived us.The room echoed with gasps. Marcus looked away, his hands shaking. He muttered, "I didn't mean for it to go this far." They put my
Melissa’s POVThere was a lot of bustle in the packhouse. Wolves frantically prepared for what appeared to be an insurmountable battle. Strategies were whispered, weapons honed. But the air was heavy with tension, like fog.My mark, that damned symbol, pulsed faintly beneath my skin as I stood in the middle of it all. With every second that went by, it felt heavier, as if it were living and becoming stronger. I tried to concentrate, but my mind was racing. There was not much time left.I saw him gathering a group of fighters by the training grounds and cried out, "Damon." "We need to rally everyone," he said, turning as his face softened upon seeing me. Right now.As firm as a rock in a storm, he strolled in my direction. "Melissa, we are making every effort. However, morale is low.I gave a sad nod. "I understand. We can't give up, though. Not right now.Dennis showed up with a dusty old book in his hands before he could reply. “I think I found something you need to see, Melissa,” he
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
Melissa’s POVDarkness. Chilly and empty.All I felt was that.My body felt weightless, my mind was slipping, and I was floating in nothingness.Then a voice. The voice of Damon."Wait, Melissa. I will come to get you.My eyes snapped wide as I gasped. Where had I gone? Even though everything was blurry, I sensed that something was drawing me back. Something cozy.Damon.But the darkness engulfed me once more before I could reach for him.Meanwhile, back in the pack’s stronghold…Damon stood at the centre of the battle chamber, his golden eyes burning with rage.“She’s still alive,” he muttered, his fists stiffening. “I can feel her.”Luke, his beta, came forward. "Astrael's fortress is impenetrable, Alpha. We must have a strategy.Damon struck the table with his fist. "We have no time to make plans! He is depleting her vitality. She is getting closer to death every second we waste.There was silence.Then Eldric said something. "There is a method."With a heaving chest, Damon turned