Chapter 32: A Test of Love
Melissa’s POV
The scent of charred flesh, blood, and black energy filled the lair. As I crouched next to Kane, my legs shook, and I felt waves of terror wash over me as he breathed heavily. I had underestimated the extent of his injuries. His eyelids fluttered open for a few seconds before closing again, and his skin was pallid.
“Kane,” I said in a tremulous murmur. “You can’t abandon me. Please stay with me.
He hardly moved his lips, but I heard a whisper. “You can… do this… you’re… strong…”
“No,” I firmly responded, my eyes obscured by tears as I shook my head. “Remember, we do this together. Together always.
I covered his wound with my shaky hands and felt the little beat of his heart. I dug deep into the reservoir of my divine ancestry, summoning every bit of strength I possessed. Warmth emanated from me to him as my hands shone dimly.
My whole existence seemed to be being emptied. My eyesight blurred at the edges, and my mind whirled. I clenched my jaw, not letting go. The light around my hands became brighter, and the blood gradually stopped. Kane’s face remained pale, but his breathing steadied.
His voice was almost heard, yet it was enough to ground me: “Melissa.”
“Shh,” I said, battling the fatigue that was gnawing at me. “You’ll be all right. I promise.
He reached out to touch my face, but his hand slid back down limply. “You’ve accomplished enough. Don’t… let me weaken you.
Even though I felt like my body was collapsing from the inside out, I faked a grin. “You deserve it.”
I was knocked flat on my back by a wave of evil energy that swept through the lair before I could enjoy the comfort of saving him. As Damon’s laugh filled the room, I moaned and tried to sit up.
Standing in the middle of the ceremonial circle, he drawled, “Touching.” Above him, the item pulsated like a pulse and shone brightly. But now, Melissa, love won’t save you. This marks the end.
The power of the artefact was leaking into the air and encircling my limbs like unseen shackles, and I could feel it tugging at me once again.
“No,” I said in a whisper while shaking my head. My body deceived me, weak from the energy I had just used, as I attempted to stand up.
Damon’s arms went up, and the artefact reacted, its energy reverberating like an illness throughout the lair. The air became thicker, laden with a suffocating gloom, and the walls appeared to pulse.
“What are you doing?” I yelled, compelled to stand despite my lightheadedness.
Damon grinned, evil shining in his eyes. “Speeding up the inevitable.” Melissa, you see, this item is power, not simply the possession of power. And I have the authority to command now.
My hands tightened as I staggered forward. “You are not going to prevail. I will not allow you to.
“Won’t let me?” The lair reverberated with Damon’s laughter. “You’re so weak, little goddess. Since you are unable to defend yourself, how do you intend to stop me?
He wasn’t incorrect. The effort of curing Kane left my head racing and my legs feeling like jello. But I had to persevere not now, not ever.
I looked back at Kane, who was still pale but had managed to sit up against a wall. For a moment, the chaos around us subsided as his eyes met mine.
I said, “I’m sorry,” as my eyes threatened to well up once more.
“For what purpose?” He spoke in a steady, hoarse voice.
You were drawn into this. For lacking the strength to
Despite his weakness, he interrupted with a firm tone, saying, “Stop.” Melissa, you’re the strongest person I’ve ever met. Never question that.
I bit my lip to contain the sob that threatened to spill forth. “Kane, I’m afraid. I’m afraid.
He managed a small smile and extended his hand in my direction. I accepted it, clinging to him like a lifeline.
He looked directly into my eyes and said, “We’ll get through this.” “Together.”
I nodded, drawing strength from his words. “Together.”
For a moment, the world seemed to pause. It was just the two of us, holding onto each other amidst the chaos. And in that moment, I felt a renewed sense of purpose.
But the peace was short-lived. A deafening crack split the air, and I turned to see the artefact glowing brighter than ever before. The energy it emitted was no longer contained-it was spreading, corrupting everything it touched.
With my resolve hardened, I let go of Kane’s hand and took a step forward.
“What are you doing?” With a worried tone, Kane called for me.
I stated in a firm voice, “I have to stop him.” “This is over now.”
“Wait, Melissa!”
I turned back to him, hesitating. His eyes were filled with fear not for himself, but for me.
“I’ll be okay,” I responded, attempting to sound bolder than I felt. “Just… stay safe.”
Before he could complain more, I looked back to Damon, who stood in the middle of the turmoil like a conductor conducting a symphony of destruction.
“You’re not going to get away with this,” I yelled, my voice booming across the lair.
“Oh, but I already have,” Damon said, his smile growing. “You’re too late, Melissa. The artefact is mine, and soon, so will the power of the gods.”
I stepped closer, my hands tensed. “Not if I stop you first.”
Damon, obviously amused, lifted an eyebrow. “You? Stop me? Feel free to give it a try.
I mustered all my remaining bravery and threw myself into a flurry of activity in his direction. Damon, however, was prepared. With a flip of his wrist, he diverted it, sending the explosion crashing into the wall.
He teasingly said, “You’ll have to do better than that.”
I tightened my jaw, bracing myself for another assault, but the artefact pulsed once more before I could react. The energy it released this time wasn’t merely black; it was living.
Around Damon, the shadows merged to create a figure that was both godlike and horrible. Its shape changed and twisted as though it were composed of liquid blackness, and its eyes blazed with an unearthly brilliance.
I gazed at the thing till my breath stuck in my throat. It exuded a type of strength that made my neck stand on end with goosebumps.
“What is that, exactly?” My voice was almost heard as I whispered.
Damon grinned more broadly. “Get to know my invention. The result of my strength and the energy of the item. Greetings from your fate.
The creature roared so loudly that the lair’s foundation shook. I stepped back, terror threatening to overwhelm me.
Then I recalled what Kane had said. The strongest person I’ve ever met is you.
I made myself stand up straight by clenching my fists. Even though I was terrified, I repeated, “This isn’t over,” in a firm voice.
Uncertain of my ability to withstand what was about to happen, I prepared myself for the impact as the creature came for me with its claws spread.