Chapter 24: Allies and Enemies
Melissa’s POV
As Kane and I headed back to the pack, the forest felt colder than normal, its shadows darker and longer. My body hurt, my abilities seemed far away, and I kept thinking about Damon’s remarks.
I muttered, “He’s lying,” but my quiver showed that I wasn’t sure.
Kane’s jaw was clenched as he looked at me. “We’ll work this out, Melissa. Damon will fail no matter what he does.
In reality, I didn’t feel strong enough to believe him, even if I wanted to. My son was still in danger, my powers were limited, and any remaining confidence had been destroyed when I learned that Damon was my uncle.
The tension was evident when we eventually arrived at the pack. When the warriors saw us, they were tense, their faces showing a mixture of relief and concern. Jared came hesitantly closer, his gaze flitting from Kane to me.
“What took place?” he inquired.
Kane had a strong voice. “Damon occurred.”
The group burst into whispers, clearly terrified. Despite the weight on my chest, I took a deep breath and moved ahead.
I acknowledged, “We fought, but we didn’t win.” “Damon is stronger than we thought he was. And he wants to change all we know about the world, not just my son.
I sensed the scepticism beginning to creep in as the murmurs became louder. Above the others came a voice.
One warrior screamed, “How are we supposed to fight that?” “What chance do we have if Damon is so strong?”
Uncertain of what to say, I paused. With a steadying presence, Kane moved to stand next to me.
He stated resolutely, “We fight because we have no choice.” Damon will ruin all we hold dear if we don’t. However, we must not allow fear to stop us.
I nodded, attempting to find strength in what he had spoken. “We’ll figure something out. I swear.
I couldn’t blame the audience for not being convinced. Any hope was drowned out by the noise of my own misgivings.
I sat by the fire and gazed into the dancing flames later that evening. Sitting next to me, Kane’s quiet was reassuring.
Then he said, “You’re thinking too hard.”
I gave a small smile. “How could I not? It seems like everything is collapsing. The pack is losing faith in me, Damon is more powerful than ever, and my abilities have vanished.
Kane extended his arm and grasped my hand. Melissa, you underestimate your strength. Whether you have authority or not, you lead them. They also have more faith in you than you think.
I wanted to believe him, but I was too burdened by my shortcomings. “Kane, what if I’m not enough? But what if I am unable to save them?
He gave my hand a light squeeze. “You don’t have to work alone on this. Together, we’ll figure something out.
We were both startled when a figure appeared out of the shadows as if on cue. In an instant, Kane was standing, protecting me while he snarled, “Who’s there?”
The person stepped closer and murmured, “Calm down.” A woman with wild hair and piercing green eyes emerged, her hands raised in a peace sign. “I don’t come here to harm you.”
“Who are you?” With caution in my voice, I asked.
She introduced herself as Selena. “I’m a witch. Additionally, I might be the only one who can assist you.
Kane’s eyes narrowed. “A witch? Why should we believe you?”
Selena sighed, lowering her hands. “Because I know Damon. I’ve seen what he’s capable of, and I want him stopped as much as you do.”
I studied her, wondering about her motives. “If you know Damon, why haven’t you fought him yourself?”
Her expression clouded. “Because I have witnessed what happens to those who make an effort.” Damon destroys, not just kills. However, I am aware of something that you are not. It is possible to break his spell and regain your abilities.
Her comments made my heart skip a beat, but I made myself cautious. “How?”
After a moment of hesitation, Selena declared, “There is an ancient and powerful artefact.” The spell Damon cast on you may be broken by it. However,
“But what?” Kane insisted.
“It’s difficult to get to,” Selena acknowledged. The relic is buried deep within Lyra’s domain. It is also highly guarded.
My spine tingled at the thought of Lyra. The last person I wanted to deal with was Lyra, Damon’s ally and a witch of unparalleled malice.
“What makes you credible?” Kane inquired. “You might be putting us in danger.”
Selena looked him in the eye equally. “You don’t need to believe me. But you will need that item if you hope to stop Damon. Only I am aware of its location.
My legs trembled as I stood, but my resolve solidified. “I have no other option if what you’re saying is accurate. I’ll leave.
Kane’s eyes widened as he faced me. “This might be a trap, Melissa. You don’t need to put yourself in such danger.
I touched his arm and looked him in the eye. “I must. I must seize the opportunity to regain my abilities if there is one. For the pack, for our boy, for us all.
Despite his clenched jaw, Kane nodded. “Then I’ll accompany you.”
Selena gave a small smile. “To enter Lyra’s territory, you’ll need more than just bravery. Strong magic protects the artefact, and her forces are unrelenting.
“After that, we’ll get ready,” I stated firmly. “We’ll get that artefact, no matter what.”
Selena’s expression became grave. “An additional item. Lyra won’t stop at killing you if she even suspects what you’re wanting. She will break you with every technique in the book. Be prepared.
I shuddered at her warning, but I resisted giving in to my fear.
Selena’s final words reverberated menacingly in the darkness as she turned to depart. “Keep in mind, Melissa, that the item grows more hazardous the closer you approach it. Lyra won’t let you get away with it easily.
The fire flared softly, but her words stayed like a shadow over us, a terrifying reminder of the war yet to come.