Chapter 26: Unlikely Alliances
Melissa’s POV
As Lyra’s remarks lingered in the cave’s quiet, the atmosphere was strained. Her proposal of a short-term partnership felt like honey-wrapped poison.
Kane scowled at Lyra while remaining pressed against the cave wall. Melissa, you can’t be serious. She is a murderer and a liar. She is untrustworthy.
Not to be deterred by his animosity, Lyra grinned. And yet, here I am, allowing you to live. Take it, I say, before Damon crushes you all.
With a sharp gulp, I looked back and forth between the two. Although Lyra had the knowledge we required, Kane’s mistrust was warranted. This was a matter of survival, not trust.
“We have no other option,” I said quietly, my voice shaking. “We need her assistance if she is aware of Damon’s plans.”
Then, wincing a little, Kane pushed off the wall. “Remember this, Melissa. This is not an act of kindness on her part. She is deceiving us.
I yelled back, startling even myself with the acerbic tone of my voice, “And I’m playing her.” “She will use us just as much as we will use her.”
Lyra smiled mockingly as she slowly clapped her hands. Nicely put, niece. I was aware of your potential.
The anxiety outside the cave only increased. Kane kept his hand close to his weapon and refused to talk to Lyra. Jared and Selena maintained their distance, their faces displaying a mixture of interest and caution.
Lyra moved closer to me as we strolled, saying, “Damon is assembling his forces at the Black Spire.” He intends to utilize the child to fully awaken your inner goddess.
I got a chill from what she said. Why are you stating this to me? Lyra, what do you truly want?”
For the first time, I noticed a glimmer of humanity in her eyes as her smile wavered. “Retaliation. Damon ruined everything important to me. I want him to be hurt.
I responded in a tight voice, “Revenge doesn’t justify everything you’ve done.”
Lyra’s eyes become stony. “Save me the lesson on morality. Being righteous is not a luxury for you.
The group sat in uncomfortable quiet as we paused to rest by a creek. Now safe in a leather pouch by my side, the relic pulsed softly, its energy humming against my flesh.
Kane sat next to me and spoke quietly. “This bothers me, Melissa. She is concealing something.
“I acknowledge that,” I said. However, we must ascertain Damon’s plans. We’ll decide how to handle her after we have that.
He rubbed a hand across his face and sighed. Just try not to think about her. She poses a threat.
As the others slept later that night, I couldn’t help but be pulled to the relic. Its strength was both seductive and terrible, and its glow was intoxicating.
I felt a rush of electricity when I touched it, and all of a sudden I wasn’t in the forest. The air was heavy with the aroma of wildflowers as I stood in a huge, golden field.
A figure emerged, a woman with molten gold eyes and flowing silver hair. She exuded strength, and her presence was both reassuring and commanding.
“Who are you? With a trembling voice, I whispered.
With a voice that echoed like a melody, she introduced herself as Selene. “The goddess of wolves.” Additionally, you are my last descendant, Melissa.
I was left gasping and trembling as the vision vanished as swiftly as it had appeared. I had been given a glimpse of my actual ancestry by the artefact, but I still had more questions than answers.
The silence was broken by Lyra’s voice. Did you not sense it? The strength of your heritage.
I turned to see her staring at me with an unreadable face. “What is your knowledge of it?”
She remarked, “Enough to know that Damon will do whatever it takes to take it from you.” “But if you’re not careful, that power can also destroy you.”
We carried on with our journey the following morning. Despite the apparent tension in the group, Lyra took the lead with unwavering confidence.
Lyra stopped as we got closer to the forest’s edge, her eyes piercing. “I go no farther than this.”
“What are you saying? With a frown, I inquired.
She said, “I’ve told you what you need to know.” “You have the rest to do.”
With his hand on his sword, Kane took a step forward. “You’re not going to back down now.”
Lyra grinned icily. “I never promised to stand up for you in your fights. I’ve provided you with the details. Make good use of it.
Before we could continue our argument, we all froze when we heard rustling in the trees. Damon’s troops appeared a few moments later, their dark armour shining in the sunlight.
Jared hissed and pulled out his handgun, saying, “We’ve been followed.”
Lyra’s face remained unchanged. “I told you that this would occur. Let’s check to see if you are as competent as you say you are.
Kane glanced at me. “Remain behind me.”
“No,” I firmly answered. “I am capable of fighting.”
It was a chaotic conflict. Damon’s troops were unrelenting, and their assaults were well-planned and vicious. As Kane defeated one foe after another, his blade gleaming, he battled like a man obsessed.
Using all my instincts and training to stay alive, I held my own. Selena’s powers killed several enemies at once as her magic exploded into the atmosphere.
However, it was insufficient. The enemy’s numbers were overwhelming as they continued to advance.
Lyra used her magic just when we thought we were done. From her fists sprang dark tendrils of energy that sliced like a hurricane across the warriors.
I experienced a brief gleam of hope. The cold, calculating glitter in Lyra’s eyes, however, made me shudder when I saw it.
Lyra turned to us with a pleased look on her face as the last of the men collapsed. “You’re welcome.”
Kane, however, was unimpressed. “Lyra, what’s your game? Why assist us now?”
Her smile was piercing. I need you alive, that’s why. For the time being.
I took a step forward and spoke firmly. “If you intend to turn on us”
With a contemptuous tone, she interrupted me. Melissa, stop threatening me. I’ll turn out to be the least of your concerns.
We were once again in Lyra’s stronghold as darkness fell, which felt more like a trap than a haven. I couldn’t get rid of the feeling that we were being watched, and the walls seemed to vibrate with evil energy.
As we walked, Kane remained near me, his hand grazing mine. “This bothers me,” he said.
“I don’t either,” I said.
Later, Lyra shared the next jigsaw piece with us while we sat around a table that was poorly lit.
She stated, “Damon intends to carry out the ceremony at the Blood Moon.” “He will have total control over your abilities and the child if he is successful.”
I had a wave of terror and rage. “He must be stopped.”
It was impossible to discern Lyra’s expression. “That can only be done in one way. His link to the goddess’s power must be severed using the artefact. However, it won’t be simple.
“What’s the catch? With a suspicious tone, Kane inquired.
Lyra paused, and I noticed a glimmer of uncertainty in her eyes for the first time. The only person who can use the artefact is a member of the goddess’ lineage. Additionally, a sacrifice is necessary.
The room trembled fiercely before I could ask her what she meant. The door sprang wide, and Damon’s army poured in, guns drawn.
Lyra stepped back, her palms out in surrender, her smile icy. “I warned you that this partnership would only last.”
Kane had an angry look on his face. “You deceived us!”
Lyra stared at me without answering, saying, “Good luck, Melissa. You’ll require it.
Before turmoil enveloped the room, the last thing I saw was Damon himself, smiling proudly as he entered the room.
“Ninephew, are you ready to come? With a tone full of hate, he inquired.
With my heart racing, I clenched my hold on the relic and braced myself for the battle of my life.