Chapter 21: The Final Stands Begins
Melissa’s POV
Dozens of eyes peered back at me as I stood in the centre of the sanctuary’s meeting room, my palms clammy. I felt like a heavy stone under the weight of their scepticism, dread, and trust. The only thing holding me steady was Kane’s silent strength as he stood a single step behind me.
“We don’t have much time,” I said, trying to sound cool. “Damon is getting ready to finish his curse, and he has my child.” Not only will I lose my child if we don’t act right away, but Damon will acquire power that could endanger us all.
The room was filled with murmurs. A few wolves shuffled uneasily, and others averted their eyes, refusing to look into my eyes.
“What is the strategy? A voice from the rear yelled. One of Kane’s most devoted fighters, Liam, was the one. His tone was cautious rather than doubtful; like everyone else, he had witnessed the price of our conflicts with Damon.
I inhaled deeply. “I require a small group. A few courageous wolves are prepared to break into Damon’s stronghold and put an end to this. It won’t be safe, nor will it be simple. However, it’s our only option.
Liam stepped up and said, “Count me in.”
“Me too,” said Kara, another wolf.
Despite the dangers, more voices joined the volunteer pool. Gratitude filled my heart, but then a voice I didn’t recognize broke through the throng.
“I’m going.”
Jared took a step forward, his face serious. Immediately there were whispers. He was the traitor who had previously betrayed us to Damon, resulting in innumerable fatalities. Seeing him made my stomach turn.
Do you believe we’ll have faith in you again? Kane stepped between us and hissed. He warned with a small extension of his claws.
Jared raised his palms. “I’m worthy of that. But I mean it. Nobody knows Damon’s stronghold like me. I can bring you inside without triggering his obstacles.
“What makes you reliable? I questioned in a chilly tone.
His eyes met mine as he swallowed deeply. I want to put things right, that’s why. Let me demonstrate my abilities.
I gave Kane a quick look. He nodded grudgingly, his fists clenched, his jaw taut. I turned back to Jared and replied, “All right. However, I will personally murder you if you betray us once more.
Jared gave a nod. “Comprehensive.”
I told everyone in the room, “We depart at dawn.” “Take a nap. We battle for everything tomorrow.
As we passed through the woodland, there was an uncanny silence. Every step felt risky because of the dancing shadows along the tree borders. With his shoulders bent as though he could sense the mistrust emanating from everyone behind him, Jared took the lead.
Kane walked next to me, occasionally putting his hand on mine. I was kept grounded by the modest gesture.
“I’m still not sure I trust him,” Kane said softly.
“I don’t either,” I said. “But we have to take it if there’s even a chance, he’s telling the truth.”
Jared abruptly halted in front of us and held up a hand. “There will be a clearing up soon. We can take a short break.
We stepped carefully into the clearing. Everything had a silvery shine as the moonlight streamed through the trees. It was almost peaceful for a moment.
I sensed that odd tug deep within me once more as we settled. Since the beginning of this voyage, it had been getting stronger, as if something within of me was awakening.
“Are you alright? With a worried frown, Kane questioned.
I didn’t know if I was being honest when I nodded. “I simply… feel different.” As if my abilities are attempting to communicate with me.
Jared spoke before Kane could reply. “We must continue to move. We can’t take any chances, even though Damon’s patrols don’t typically go this far.
We stood up reluctantly and went on. But the weird feeling persisted, and every minute that went by made my steps feel heavier.
As we ascended a rocky hill, the trail became steeper. I felt like I was fighting the weight that was bearing down on me with every stride. Then my vision suddenly became blurry.
A glimmer of light. A golden-eyed, radiant person. A voice, quiet yet strong, reverberated in my head.
Melissa, you don’t realize how much you are. Have faith in your intuition.
“Hey, Melissa! I was brought back to reality by Kane’s voice.
He caught me before I fell as I stumbled. What is the matter with you?”
“I’m not sure,” I muttered. “I feel like something is awakening inside of me.” I have these images all the time.
Kane’s hold on my arm became firmer. Hold it together, whatever it is. You are necessary to us.
I forced myself to concentrate and nodded. However, I had a sneaking suspicion that something significant was coming up, and I wasn’t sure if I was prepared for it.
As the sun started to fall, we arrived at the edge of Damon’s fortress. Ahead, the dark turrets of the citadel jutted out like sharp teeth into the sky. Jared indicated a secret trail that wound through the forest.
He responded, “That’s the way in.” But there will be strict security. We must act swiftly and silently.
The temperature dropped before we could move forward. I knew something wasn’t right when a shiver went down my spine.
At the forest’s outskirts, the shadows started to move, twisting and morphing until they took on hideous forms with crimson eyes that glowed.
It’s a trap! Kane drew his weapon and yelled.
The shadow monsters sprang at us, moving quickly and strangely. With all of my strength, I retaliated, my claws cutting through the shadows. But more kept coming, regardless of how many I took out.
“Remain connected! I screamed, but the animals were unrelenting, separating us.
The weird tug inside of me became more intense, nearly overwhelming. I stared at it in desperation, allowing the energy to flow through me. My hands erupted with light, momentarily dispersing the shadows.
However, it was insufficient.
A huge darkness rushed forward and encircled me like a living nightmare before I could respond. I clawed at it, struggling, but its hold was too tight.
“Kane! As the blackness engulfed me, I let out a scream.
As the darkness pulled me down into the abyss, the last sound I heard was Kane’s frantic yell, resonating through the emptiness. Darkness and the icy realization that this was far from over were all that remained as the light surrounding me dimmed.