Chapter 27: A Time-Based Race
Melissa’s POV
Kane pulled me through the deteriorating corridors of Lyra’s stronghold, and the air smelled of blood and smoke. He moved swiftly and precisely while maintaining a solid but cautious hold on my arm.
“Get moving, Melissa! His voice was tight as he pleaded.
“I’m trying! I stumbled over a sharp stone and snapped. The cursed talisman around my neck burned like ice on my flesh, and my entire body hurt. I felt like I was pulling my weight through muck with each step.
As Damon’s warriors drew up behind us, we could hear their boots thumping and their weapons clanging louder.
With his mouth gritted, Kane glanced over his shoulder. “They’re too near. We must find another solution!”
We went into a small hallway with cold, wet walls. I was having trouble breathing, struggling to take a breath.
I began to say, “Kane, I can’t” but he interrupted.
He firmly answered, “Yes, you can,” pausing when I stumbled to help me up. “We’re leaving this place. Together.
I pushed forward because of the resolve in his voice. The steps spiralled into darkness as we reached a stairway that led below.
The air was heavy and oppressive when we came out of the bottom and entered an underground tube. With his hand still on his sword, Kane took a moment to gather his breath.
He gestured toward a dim light at the end of the tunnel and said, “This way.”
Too exhausted to talk, I nodded and followed him. I could feel the cold burn of the cursed talisman spreading into my chest and every second that went by made me feel weaker.
The night air hit me like a blessing as we finally emerged into the open. I collapsed on the floor, struggling to breathe.
With a calmer tone, Kane declared, “We made it.” His hand was on my shoulder as he knelt next to me. “Are you alright?”
With tears hurting my eyes, I shook my head. “The lucky charm… Kane, it’s killing me.
He groped for the chain around my neck as his face clouded. “We’ll remove it. In some way.
We didn’t pause long enough. Although the woodland offered some protection, we were still in danger. As we moved through the thick trees, Kane remained nearby, keeping an eye on us and protecting us with every step.
I felt the talisman pulse once again as the moonlight seeped through the trees, and my surroundings became hazy.
I gripped my head and begged, “Kane, wait.”
“What’s the matter? With concern in his voice, he inquired.
“I am… observing something.
The woodland disappeared, to be replaced by a desolate, mist-covered landscape. A tall black spire with sharp edges penetrating the sky towered in the distance.
There he was Damon, standing at the foot of the spire, chanting in a language I couldn’t comprehend with his hands up. A huge altar sat in the middle of a bright circle, and the air around him sparked with black energy.
With a beating heart, I took a step closer. “What is this?”
Damon pivoted, his sharp eyes meeting mine. He grinned cruelly and coldly. “Dear niece, welcome to the Shadowlands. I have been anticipating your arrival.
I fell to my knees, my eyesight breaking as I gasped. Before I hit the ground, Kane grabbed me and steadied me with his hands.
“Hey, Melissa! What did you observe?”
My voice was tremulous as I whispered, “The Shadowlands.” “The ceremony will take place there. And Damon is there.
Kane’s mouth clenched. “We’ll go there and stop him after that.”
My heart hurt as I gazed up at him. “It’s not that easy. The curse… I’m exhausted, Kane. I’m not sure how long I can fight.
Elder Marla, the pack’s healer, was waiting for us when we arrived at the refuge. After scanning me with her keen eyes, she ushered me inside right away.
“Lie down,” she commanded in a firm yet gentle tone.
Too weak to protest, I obeyed. Marla covered the talisman with her palms and studied it, her brow furrowed.
“This curse is strong,” she remarked somberly. It’s binding your soul to the artefact, not merely depleting your energy. It will kill you if we don’t take it out right away.
With his fists clenched, Kane stood at the foot of the bed. Then take it off. Right now.
Marla gave a headshake. “It’s not that easy. Magic ancient than anything I’ve seen binds the talisman to her. She might die if it were removed.
With the weight of her words bearing down on us, the room went silent. I glanced at Kane, who had a terrified and frustrated expression on his face.
“How do we proceed? I asked, hardly raising my voice above a whisper.
With a sigh, Marla’s eyes grew softer. “There might be a method, but it’s risky. The ancient power found in the Shadowlands has the potential to lift the curse. However, simply going there would put your life in danger.
“I don’t have a choice,” I said, closing my eyes as fatigue overcame me. There’s Damon. There is a ritual. Everyone is going to suffer if I don’t stop him.”
With his hand over mine, Kane knelt next to me. “Remember this, Melissa. You’re already frail. You might be killed by the Shadowlands before Damon ever gets a chance.
I clenched my resolve and squeezed his hand. “Damon wins if I don’t go. Kane, I can’t allow that to occur. I won’t.
His shoulders tensed, his mouth clenched, and he turned his head away. “Then I’ll accompany you.”
I shook my head, saying, “No.” “You must remain here and defend the pack.”
His voice broke as he yelled, “Forget the pack.” “I won’t let you handle this by yourself.”
Marla cut in with an agitated tone. “You must depart as soon as possible if you’re going. The curse is becoming worse. You’re running out of time.
I ignored the ache shooting through my body and sat up. “Then I’m going to go now.”
Kane stood, his face furious. “We’ll head out now. Together.
The herd gathered around us as we were about to depart, their features displaying a mixture of resolve and concern. With tears in her eyes, Selena took a step forward.
Her voice trembled as she urged, “Be careful.”
I pulled her into an embrace and said, “I will.”
Jared gave Kane a shoulder clap. Keep an eye on her back. And return home unharmed.
With a steady stare, Kane nodded. “We’ll.”
I had a wave of anxiety and resolve as we ventured into the night, with the Shadowlands towering on the horizon. I ignored the talisman’s frigid burn, which served as a continual reminder of my peril.
I was on a mission. I was unable to fail.
A chilly voice reverberated through the air as we crossed the border into the Shadowlands.
“Hello, Melissa. I was anticipating your arrival.
I tightened my hold on Kane’s hand as Damon’s voice chilled me to the bone. There was no going back, and the last struggle was closer than ever.