Chapter 23: The Truth Revealed
Melissa’s POV
I blinked as I tried to interpret what Damon had said. The black room throbbed with an unearthly force, oppressive and weighty, yet his voice was sharp and clear and brimming with hate.
“Are you still not understanding? Damon paced slowly in front of me and stated, “Power isn’t the only thing at stake here. This has to do with legacy. About righting historical wrongs.
My hands shaking with a mixture of rage and fear, I glared at him. “You’re merely a despot who is unable to let go of his need for power. Damon, my son is not your pawn.
His piercing eyes met mine as he laughed darkly. You’re not a pawn, Melissa. A trigger. His presence is evidence of what your lineage was intended to accomplish. And with his power, I can do what your weak ancestors failed to do reshape the magical world into what it should be.”
I stepped back, my thoughts whirling. His statements were nonsensical. “What are you discussing? My son is only a youngster.
Damon’s face became softer, almost pathetic. “You’ve been led to believe that. But his lineage, your lineage, ties straight to the wolf goddess herself. Your powers are so erratic because of this. Melissa, you are a vessel. And the secret to opening anything is your child.
“No,” I answered firmly, shaking my head. “You’re telling lies. All you want to do is control me. I will not allow you to.
Damon grinned more broadly. “You’ve felt it in your heart, even if you choose to reject it. Have you not? The strength pulsing through your body, the link to something bigger. You’re too blind to see the truth, though.
My fists tensed, hoping my powers would ignite, but they flickered feebly. My power was sapped by the chamber’s suffocating force, which made me feel heavy.
With a calm voice despite the panic ripping at my chest, I demanded, “Let my son go.”
Damon’s eyebrows went up. And if I don’t, what will you do? Fight me? You wouldn’t last a minute in your current condition.
I swallowed hard, keeping my terror hidden from him. “Damon, you underestimate me.”
“Do I?” he said, stepping closer. Or do you underestimate the might that opposes you?”
I had to hold him up. I was trying to think of a plan, anything that would buy me some time.
With a stern voice, I remarked, “You talk about legacy and power, but you’re nothing more than a coward hiding behind magic and manipulation.”
Damon’s gaze grew strained. “Be careful, Melissa. You’re going down a hazardous path.
“Am I? I challenged, stepping forward despite my legs’ trembling. “You’ve only ever taken from other people. You took from my pack and my family. You can’t break me, though.
His face darkened, and I briefly believed I had overreached myself. Then, however, he made a chilly, humourless laugh.
“You have soul,” he acknowledged. “I’ll give it to you. Breaking you almost seems like a shame. But Melissa, you’ll see. You’ll realize your role in all of this when you’re broken and helpless.
The air changed abruptly when a thunderous crash reverberated across the room. When I turned, Kane was already through the heavy doors, his presence a breath of fresh air in the oppressive gloom.
“Avoid her! Kane let out a shout, his eyes flaming with rage.
A chilly look took the place of Damon’s smirk. “Ah, the loyal Alpha,” he remarked sarcastically. “How heartwarming.”
“Kane! With a wave of relief, I called out.
Kane didn’t think twice. He lunged for Damon, and the room shook as they collided. The air crackled with the intensity of the two men’s unrestrained, raw power as their strikes clashed.
I wanted to assist, but the distant corner of the room caught my eye. I heard a faint, familiar cry of my son.
I sprinted in the direction of the sound, ignoring the mayhem behind me. With every step driven by desperation, I followed the faint whimpers, my pulse racing.
I found him in a little nook, enveloped in dark tendrils of energy. My heart ached to see how frail his little body appeared.
I knelt next to him and murmured, “Mommy’s here.” “I’ve got you.”
I felt a piercing pang in my chest as I grabbed for him. I gulped and gripped the unseen force preventing me from moving forward. Behind me, I heard Damon’s voice.
“You didn’t anticipate it being so simple, did you?”
He was standing over Kane, who was on the ground, attempting to get to his feet, when I turned around. Dark energy radiated from Damon’s hand, which was pointed at me.
I answered, trembling but determined, “You won’t take him from me.”
“You still don’t understand, do you?” Damon asked, tilting his head as he studied me. Power isn’t the only factor here. This is a personal matter.
“What are you discussing? I made a demand.
Damon took a step forward, his face inscrutable. “I was surprised that you recognized me. After all, my expulsion from our family occurred years ago. But don’t misunderstand, Melissa. I am your uncle. And my motivation has always been retribution.
The words struck me hard. My thoughts spinning, I gazed at him. “No. That isn’t feasible. You’re telling lies.
He grinned cruelly. “Am I? Consider it. Consider the tales and mysteries your family has shared. They abandoned me as if I were nothing and betrayed me. I’ll make them pay now through you.
Damon held up his hand before I could comprehend his revelation, and a wave of evil energy rushed my way. I attempted to use my abilities, but they vanished, leaving me helpless.
With every second that went by, the energy tightened its grip on me like chains. A cold emptiness took the place of my connection to my powers, and my limbs felt heavy.
With a proud and icy tone, Damon declared, “You can’t fight me now.” Melissa, you are limited in your abilities. You wouldn’t exist without them.
Despite my best efforts, the invisible chains remained in place. Kane’s voice pierced through the blur, calling my name, but it felt distant, garbled.
Damon took a step forward, his eyes shining with triumph. Melissa, this is the end. Your battle is finished.
As I fell to my knees, helpless and defeated, Damon’s laughter reverberated in my ears as the darkness drew in.