Melisa’s POVA faint golden light flickered behind my eyelids as I slowly woke up. My head throbbed, and my body felt heavier than stone."Hey, Melissa! She’s waking up!” Damon’s voice rang out, full of relief and urgency.I opened my eyes to find Damon, Liora, and Kael crouched beside me. The entire pack was crowded around, their faces furrowed with worry. Damon’s hand was warm against mine, grounding me in the moment.“Where am I?” I croaked, my throat dry.“You’re safe,” Damon murmured, his piercing blue eyes scrutinizing my face. “You fainted after the battle with the shadows.”Before I could reply, a tremendous surge of wind blew across the camp. It wasn’t natural, this wind carried it with a sensation of strength that made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end.The air shimmered, and a figure began to appear in front of us, enveloped in a gentle silver light. The pack collectively gasped, sinking to their knees.“It’s her,” Liora whispered. “The Moon Goddess.”I scrambled
Melisa’s POVWhen we left at daybreak, the air was clear but heavy, with the sun just beginning to peek through the thick fog that held onto the woodland. I felt as though the weight of the Void itself was bearing down on me with every stride.Damon shouted from the front, his voice tight and cautious, "Stay close." "The forest is not as dead as it looks."With his sword resting on his shoulder, Kael snorted behind me. One way to describe it is "alive." I'd describe it as hostile.Liora strolled alongside me, her gaze sweeping the area. "Something feels off here. It appears the Void had permeated the actual land.With a knot in my stomach, I nodded. The woodland wasn't the only area. With every step I took, I could sense the Void's presence intensifying, its murmurs becoming more intrusive and persistent.It whispered in my brain, "You're putting them in danger." Now turn around, Melissa. Save them the suffering.I gave a strong shake of my head, attempting to ignore the voice. I whis
Melisa’s POVEven more horrific than the tales had told was the cursed mountain range. Above us, jagged peaks rose into the sky and vanished behind dense, black clouds that whirled furiously. Whispers that seemed to come out of nowhere were carried by a chilly wind that howled through the rocky terrain.I encircled myself with my arms, attempting to ignore the cold and the unsettling noises. I replied, my voice scarcely heard over the wind, "This place feels alive."Damon said, approaching me, "It's not alive." "The Void is deceiving you."Liora narrowed her eyes toward the sky. "Those aren't natural clouds. Their purpose is to keep us at bay.Lightning flashed across the sky as if on cue, striking the earth perilously near us. I stumbled, barely catching myself as the ground rocked."This isn't possible!" Kael yelled. "How are we going to overcome this?"Despite my heart racing in my chest, I firmly stated, "We have to keep going." "This is the temple. I sense it.Damon's forehead wa
Melissa’s POVExcept for the slight buzz of power coming from the broken mirrors, the room was quiet. I was motionless as I gazed at the shadowy figure that had materialized from the biggest piece. Her face and posture were identical to mine, but her eyes were icy, dark pits.With an uncanny calmness, the figure remarked, "Melissa, you can't flee from me." "The part of you that you act as though doesn't exist is me.""That is untrue," I replied, my voice shaking. "You're merely another Void trick."The sound of her laughter chilled me to the bone. "Oh, Melissa. You are aware that's untrue. I embody all your doubts, fears, and vulnerabilities. I'm stronger than you realize, too.I clenched my hands, hoping that the light within me would drive the terror away. "You don't scare me."She narrowed her dark eyes. The room changed as she held up her palm and said, "Then prove it." Shadows whirled around us as the ground underneath me shook and broke. Scenes from my past, experiences I had at
Melissa’s POVI sat in the darkened study in the pack's safe home, the relic on the wooden table in front of me. Now it glowed dimly, a gentle golden light that beat like a heartbeat. But each time it flashed, it stirred something inside me, a strangely familiar and scary draw toward the Void.I gazed at the piece while my hands shook a little. Damon crossed his arms and stood beside the doorway. I could feel the worry and frustration in his eyes.With a harsh voice, he remarked, "You haven't stopped looking at that thing since we got back.""It's significant," I answered, keeping my gaze fixed on the artefact. "Damon, I feel it. Something about it—something I must comprehend.With a groan, Damon moved in closer. "You should get some rest. Melissa, you've been through hell. That thing…” His face darkened as he pointed to the artefact. It's interfering with your mental state. I see it.His comments made me wince, but I kept my eyes fixed on his. I murmured, "It's not playing tricks on
Melissa’s POVAs Kael and I made our way more into the rival alpha's domain, the trees became more tangled and darker. It felt like the shadows were closing in on us, preparing to attack, and every step was heavier. I strengthened my hold on the relic. Its words grew more intense as its dim brightness hardly broke through the shadows.Kael crouched low and scanning the terrain ahead, he said, "We're getting close." "However, something seems off."With my eyes darting around the ominous woodland, I muttered back, "I feel it too." There was something strange in the air, and I could feel it.I followed Kael's signal, and we slipped through the undergrowth. Just ahead stood the village of the opposing pack, almost discernible through the trees. I could hear the faint murmur of voices and the flickering of distant torches."Do you believe they are aware of our presence? I asked in a hardly audible whisper.Kael gave a headshake. "Not yet, but we must go cautiously. We risk being caught if
Melissa’s POVDarkness appeared to fill the forest. Shadows from each tree writhed and twisted like living things. As the shadow creatures surrounded us, the rival alpha's laughter reverberated and his eyes shone with might.He remarked in a harsh, derisive voice, "You can't win." "You are to blame for this."Feeling the warmth of the relic fight with the icy force of the Void, I tightened my hold on it. I stared at the alpha, his presence a menace, and my heart pounded.Fear knotted in my stomach, but I responded, "You don't scare me." "I'll stop the Void and you."The alpha snarled, "You're already losing control, little wolf." "That artefact is your curse, not your ally."I hardly had time to duck as he pounced at me more quickly than I had anticipated. I had just been standing there when his claws swept the air. I had to lift the item as the shadows surged, and its brightness momentarily pushed them back.Melissa, be careful! Behind me, Kael's voice yelled.A shadow thing leapt to
Melissa’s POVWhen I emerged from my tent, the atmosphere was tense. The sound of snarling wolves and distant howls broke the still, peaceful night. As the shadows approached our area, their ominous shapes melding into the woods like nightmares, my heart sank."Elissa!" As he ran at me, his face white but resolute, Damon's voice cried out urgently. "The shadows are coming at you! The energy of the relic has lured them here!I clenched my fists around the relic, its strange warmth flowing through my hands. With shame gnawing at my chest, I muttered, "This is my fault."Damon firmly stated, "Now is not the time to assign blame." "We must keep the pack safe.""What is the number?" My voice trembled as I asked."Too many," Damon said sombrely. However, we'll repel them. We usually do.The pack warriors gathered behind him; their eyes fearful but steadfast in their devotion. Liora was in the lead, her claws outstretched, her eyes keen."You need to stay back, Melissa," she urged in a tone
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