Chapter 30: The Sacrifice of a Mother
Melissa’s POV
I opened my eyes and felt the cold stone floor on my back. Dark symbols danced across the room, and glowing shackles shackled my arms and legs. As the artefact hung over him, pulsing with raw energy, Damon stood in the middle, his face twisted with victory.
“You’re awake,” he replied in a mockingly silky voice. “All right. I want you to be present when a new age begins.
The chains burned across my skin as I gritted my teeth and struggled against them. “Damon, you won’t get away with this.”
The sound of his laughter reverberated menacingly. “Are you still not understanding? It’s not just about me here. It has to do with the ultimate power-the future.
With rage brewing inside of me, I spat, “Power stolen from others.”
Ignoring me, Damon returned his attention to the artefact. He sang in a language I couldn’t understand while raising his hands. I could feel the ritual pulling at my very soul as the air became heavy.
When I noticed what he was doing, panic gnawed at me. In addition to pursuing my power, he was attempting to use my kid to combine it with the goddess’ essence.
I forced myself to relax by closing my eyes despite the commotion all around me. I couldn’t allow Damon to prevail. Not in this manner.
I reached deep inside and concentrated on the nascent connection I sensed-the life brewing inside of me. I held on to the relationship with all my might, even if it was feeble.
I hoped my child could hear me whispering, “You’re not alone.” “We have this in common.”
A subtle yet comforting warmth ran through me. The youngster seemed to be giving me their power, as though they knew.
I spoke steadily and louder now, “Damon, you’ll never succeed.” “You underestimate the strength of my child.”
Damon glanced at me, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face. “Your disobedience is funny but pointless. The ceremony is almost finished.
However, I sensed the connection becoming closer. I felt a wave of hope wash over me as my heartbeat matched the faint rhythm of another.
Kane staggered to his feet far away, his face streaked with blood. Despite suffering in his ribs, he persisted.
He snarled to himself, making his legs move, “Get up!” “You are needed by Melissa.”
The rest of the pack was gathering close by when he stumbled out of the wreckage. Their eyes were full of doubt, and their cheeks were pallid.
One of them inquired, “What’s the plan?”
Kane’s hands clenched. We’re not going to give up. Even if Damon is strong, we have loyalty and a purpose worth fighting for that he does not.
With Kane’s resolve rekindling their confidence, the pack said in agreement.
Kane went on, “We hit them hard and fast.” “We’ll divert Damon’s attention long enough for Melissa to escape.” This is our only opportunity.
As Kane led them back into the battle, the group nodded and united behind him.
The chains securing me started to loosen as I returned to the chamber. My child and I had a relationship that was unlike anything I had ever experienced; it was a source of strength that swept through me and melted Damon’s magic.
I released myself with one last jolt of strength, the chains breaking into shards of light. Damon’s eyes widened in surprise as he spun around.
He shouted, “Impossible!” as the artefact trembled fiercely overhead.
I took a stride forward, surrounded by the golden warmth of my goddess ancestry. “Damon, you’ve underestimated me. Your first error was that.
Our forces collided in a blinding display of light and shadow as we clashed. The power caused the chamber’s walls to fracture, and Damon’s self-assured grin transformed into a growl.
“You believe this is the end of it?” He snarled and threw me another blast of evil magic.
I easily deflected it, using my newfound power to my advantage. However, I could sense the cost even as I fought there was no denying the toll it took on my life force.
I was about to use my greatest power when Damon held out a hand, his face changing from one of anger to one of evil.
With an incredible calmness, he replied, “You’ve fought well, Melissa.” “But before you ruin us both, there’s something you should know.”
The electricity sizzling in my hands stopped as I hesitated.
Damon’s grin reappeared, icier than before. “Do you honestly believe that your child is unaffected by all of this? They are more related to me than you think, and the ritual has already started.
The words struck me like a blow, causing my breath to catch. “What are you discussing?”
With a tone full of hate, Damon declared, “They’re mine now, Melissa.” “And you can’t do anything to alter that.”
As doubt began to seep into my heart, the golden light surrounding me grew dimmer. Was he being truthful?
With a whispery voice that made me shiver, Damon moved closer. Make a sensible decision, Melissa. You run the danger of losing them forever if you fight me.
As his words took hold, the room whirled and I became paralyzed with terror. Is it possible to save my child without ruining everything?
The room then darkened, Damon’s laughter resonating as my determination faltered.