Chapter 35: A Father’s Betrayal
Melissa’s POV
With each burst of energy from the relic, the lair trembled beneath my feet, the air becoming colder. I gasped for air as I looked at Damon, who had a triumphant expression on his face despite the chaos all around us.
With a tone full of hate, he replied, “You think you’ve won.” “But Melissa, you don’t know the half of it.”
I balanced myself by holding onto the edge of the closest stone pillar. “Damon, what are you discussing? It’s over. Both you and that item are breaking.
The sound of Damon’s laugh cut through the tension like a sharp blade. Do you believe that I am the bad guy here? Are you even aware of the origin of this?
He pointed to the luminous fissures of the artefact, which were extending like webs. “I do not possess this power. It was not supposed to be. The goddess your lineage owns it. My father also attempted to take it.
I was frozen by what he said. “Your dad?” My question was hardly audible above a whisper.
Damon’s eyes were burning with resentment as he hissed. “He, like me, was obsessed. He believed he was entitled to the goddess’ power, but she caught him in his deception and punished him. I was left to bear the effects of his failure after she cursed our lineage.
With the exception of the artefact’s low hum, the room became strangely quiet. With the pieces I already knew, my mind raced to piece together his story.
I spoke gently, “Your father betrayed the goddess.” “And now you’re attempting to complete what he began.”
Damon’s face became stern. “No. I’m working to repair the harm he did. I will be more than just a shadow of his failure if I can use this ability. I will be divine.
I was overcome with fierce, unwavering anger. “Damon, you’ve ruined innocent people’s lives for this! What distinguishes that from what your father did?
He didn’t respond. Rather, he lifted his arms in the direction of the relic while his voice rose in a chant that chilled me to the bone.
Like a living thing, a dark mist started to swirl around us as it leaked from the artefact’s fractures. From the darkness came shapes grotesque, twisted ghosts with sharp teeth and flashing eyes.
“What have you done?” My heart was thumping in my chest as I breathed.
Damon grinned icily. These are the spirits constrained by the power of the artefact. They have been eagerly awaiting release for ages. They now work for me.
With a cry that chilled my bones, the spirits shifted and trembled as they became focused on me and the pack.
“Kane!” My voice broke as I yelled.
He was already in motion, cutting through one of Damon’s supporters with a fierce sense of desperation. “We’re being overrun!” he retorted, his gaze locking with mine. “You need to do something, Melissa!”
I clenched my fists, calling forth what little strength I still had. Every muscle in my body screamed in protest, feeling like it was made of lead, but I was unable to stop now.
With their claws cutting through the air, the spirits charged ahead. I held up a shield of light, but it wavered under their constant attack.
“I can’t keep them away for very long!” With a shaky voice, I screamed out.
Despite the confusion, Kane’s tone remained firm as he said, “You don’t have to.” His blade glowed with the strength of the pack as he battled his way toward me. “We’ll deal with the ghosts. You concentrate on Damon.
I nodded, my eyes hurting from the tears. “Take caution.”
He smiled grimly at me. “You as well.”
I turned back to Damon, fighting the need to collapse under the weight of fatigue. Despite the horror tearing at my chest, I said, “This ends now,” in a firm voice.
Damon cocked his head, his eyes calculating and keen. “Are you sure you can stop me? You cannot understand the energy of the relic. And I have a backup plan in case you ruin it.
A chilly fear descended upon me. “What do you mean?”
His eyes gleamed with venom as he grinned. “Did you truly believe that I would let my triumph happen by accident? The artefact is not necessary for the ceremony to be successful. All it needs is you.
My blood froze. “What are you discussing?”
“Your blood, Melissa,” he whispered, taking a step toward her. “The key is you. The goddess’s final ancestor. If I have you, I can finish the ritual with or without the artefact.
With my head spinning, I staggered back. I said, “You’re lying,” but my voice trembled, indicating that I wasn’t sure.
“Am I?” With a sarcastic tone, Damon inquired. “Consider it. Otherwise, why would you feel such a strong bond with the artefact? Why would it react to you but not to other people?
I felt like I was struck in the chest by the reality. He was correct. I could sense the energy of the artifact vibrating in my blood, as though they were two parts of a single entity.
“No,” I said in a whisper while shaking my head. “I refuse to be used by you.”
“You have no other option,” Damon stated in a stern and decisive tone.
I could hear the howling of the spirits as they closed in. Although Kane and the pack put up a brave fight, they were being driven back, and the assault was wearing them out.
I made myself concentrate by clenching my fists. I reasoned that perhaps I could destroy the artefact if my blood was the key.
I may lose everything if I took that chance. However, I was at a loss for options.
I reached up for the item, using the last of my power. Its light became brighter, as though sensing my intent.
“What are you doing, Melissa?” Panic infused Kane’s voice as he yelled.
I cried as I stated, “I have to put an end to this.” “No matter the cost.”
With fissures that spread like wildfire, the artefact pulsed. The spirits all yelled at once, and energy poured out, wild and unrestrained.
Damon’s eyes grew wide with insight. His angry voice declared, “You’re going to destroy it.” “You’re going to ruin everything!”
“That is the strategy,” I stated, my voice quivering but determined.
The artefact’s radiance became dazzling as it started to quiver. Its strength was pulsing through me, threatening to shatter me.
I was ready to deliver the last blow when Damon’s piercing, victorious voice erupted.
With a sly smirk twisting his lips, he added, “You can destroy the artefact.” However, it won’t deter me. Melissa, I’ll still have you. And I will complete the ceremony myself using your blood.