Chapter 28: The Shadowlands Rejection
Melissa’s POV
The air altered as soon as we entered the Shadowlands. It smelled like rot and was heavier and colder. The dead, twisted trees that flanked the route ahead, their charred branches clawing at the sky, made my stomach turn. Everything beyond a few feet in front of us was engulfed by a thick fog that swept in.
Kane gripped my hand tighter. His voice was calm but low as he urged, “Stay close.”
I tried to sound braver than I felt by responding, “I’m not going anywhere.”
Jared, Selena, and two other pack members were in a tight formation behind us. The tension was evident even though no one spoke.
The first beast came shortly after we had travelled a short distance. Its body was a hideous mixture of fur and scales, and it emerged from the fog with sharp, jagged teeth and flashing red eyes.
As he drew his blade, Kane muttered, “Get ready.”
Kane outpaced the creature’s lunge. He cut through the air with his blade, killing the beast before it could get to us.
“Keep going! With an arrow ready and her bow pulled Selena encouraged.
I nodded, but as additional noises reverberated around us growls, screeches, and the rustling of invisible predators my legs began to feel heavy.
We were put to the test at every turn in the Shadowlands. The uneven ground under us occasionally gave way to jagged rocks or concealed pits. With every attack, more creatures appeared, their shapes more terrifying.
“Watch out, Kane! A winged beast dove at him as I yelled. His sword caught it in mid-air as he whirled.
“Thanks,” he said, grinning briefly and wearily.
I whispered, “Don’t thank me yet,” as I peered into the darkness for other dangers.
We paused to rest close to a group of rocks after what seemed like hours. I took a grateful sip of water from the canteen Jared handed me, but it didn’t help my sore throat.
Selena shook her voice and whispered, “This place is worse than I imagined.”
“That’s Damon’s territory,” Kane said somberly. “It’s meant to shatter us.”
I held the talisman around my neck and rested on a rock. Since we had entered the Shadowlands, its chilly burn had gotten worse, and the struggle to control my powers was making my head hurt.
I pushed myself up and said, “We have to keep moving.” “Damon’s lair must be close by.”
We continued, the terrain becoming increasingly dangerous. The animals grew braver and launched more frequent attacks as the fog grew thicker. We were more worn out after every combat, but we persisted.
Kane remained beside me, his presence a continual consolation. He was always there to steady me when I stumbled. His unwavering resolve always kept me rooted when I felt like I was about to lose myself in fear.
During a brief period of silence, he whispered, “You’re stronger than you think.”
I tightened my chest as I gazed at him. “I don’t feel powerful.”
“You are,” he emphasized. “Have you not reached this point?”
My breath was taken away by the view as we eventually arrived at a ridge with a view of Damon’s hideout. With its spires soaring into the stormy sky, a huge stronghold emerged from the desolate earth. It pulsated with energy, surrounded by a shimmering barrier of black magic.
“Now what? Jared inquired in a terrified tone.
I took a deep breath. “We must figure out how to get inside.”
With a head shake, Selena declared, “That barrier is impenetrable.” “How can we possibly approach each other?”
“We’ll work it out,” Kane stated resolutely. “We always do.”
My abilities started to malfunction as we got closer while remaining concealed in the shadows. My hands trembled as the talisman around my neck flashed and I felt a rush of energy.
Seeing my anguish, Kane snapped, “Melissa.” “What’s going on?”
I clutched my chest and muttered, “I don’t know.” “My abilities seem to be responding to something.”
His voice was forceful but kind as he pleaded, “Keep it under control.”
I clenched my teeth and said, “I’m trying,” but the energy continued growing and threatened to explode.
We located a hiding place close to the fortress, but it became more difficult to remain undetected the closer we got. Patrolling the area were guards, their eyes gleaming strangely in the dark light.
Without waiting for a response, Selena said, “I’ll divert their attention,” and then slipped away.
Jared mumbled, “She’s crazy,” but he had his bow ready in case she needed assistance.
I saw Selena use her quick and accurate arrows to get the guards’ attention. A bright light escaped from my palms as my powers surged once more, giving us just enough time to get closer.
“Hey, Melissa! Kane snarled and drew me undercover.
Panic rising, I said, “I can’t stop it.”
“You must,” he replied, fixing his gaze on mine. “It’s over if they see us.”
However, it was too late. The guards turned to face us with their weapons when a loud trumpet sounded.
Jared’s voice was tense as he replied, “They’ve found us.”
Kane stepped in front of me and said, “Then we fight.”
It was a chaotic conflict. Unnaturally strong, the guards were unrelenting. Kane guarded me like a man obsessed, his sword a blur. Jared and Selena fought back, but we were outnumbered.
My powers came out in the middle of the battle. I released a blast of energy that knocked back multiple guards. However, it also exhausted me, causing me to collapse to my knees.
“Hey, Melissa! Kane yelled as he struggled to join me.
Even though every part of me hurt, I pretended to be OK.
“We must withdraw,” Selena screamed in a frantic tone.
“We can’t,” I said, making myself stand. “Not right now.”
With their overwhelming numbers, the guards reassembled. The stronghold towered behind them like a ruthless reminder of how near and yet far we were from our objective, and we were surrounded.
Once more, Kane moved ahead of me while brandishing his blade. “We fight to the end if this is it.”
“No,” I replied, feeling a wave of resolve come over me, “this isn’t the end.”
The battlefield erupted in a thunderous roar that rocked the ground beneath us. A huge shadow appeared from the fortress gates, staring at us with luminous eyes.
“Damon is aware of our presence,” Kane stated in a sombre tone.
My heart was racing as I gazed at the advancing figure. We were besieged, outnumbered, and outmatched. But I wasn’t going to give up.
Not quite yet.