Chapter 39: A Giving Up
Melissa’s POV
I stood motionless, the gateway to our world flickering feebly in front of me, the swirling winds of the Shadow Realm roaring in my ears. Behind me, Kane’s voice called out for me to get out.
“Hey, Melissa! “You must leave!” he shouted.
He was struggling with everything he had, blood covering his shirt, and I turned around, my heart breaking. Beside him, the pack battled, their expressions displaying determination and despair.
But I couldn’t get my feet to move. I was unable to go. Not in this manner.
I clenched my hands and gritted my teeth. “No,” I said in a whisper while shaking my head. Then, more loudly, “No! I’m not going anywhere!
As he stepped out of the shadows, his figure towering and crackling with energy, Damon’s wicked chuckle filled the air. “Melissa, you made the wrong decision,” he hissed. “You will only be destroyed if you stay here.”
I pushed strength into my voice despite its trembling. “Perhaps. I won’t let you win, though.
I looked at Kane, and we met eyes. “Believe me,” I yelled. “Ensure everyone returns safely. I’ll figure out how to put an end to this.
“No!” Kane’s voice broke as he yelled. “Don’t do this, Melissa! Join us when we return!
With tears running down my cheeks, I responded, “I can’t.” “I have to get this thing done. For the group. For our kid.
Despite his agonized expression, Kane nodded. “I have faith in you.”
Damon laughed as his evil power surged. “Touching.” But you won’t be saved by your beliefs.
The earth underneath me shook as he lifted his hand. I ducked as shadowy tendrils sprang at me, my pendant getting brighter with every stride.
I rushed forward, motivated by my resolve. “Damon, you will never injure them again. This is over.
As I moved into the centre of the Shadow Realm, a whirling whirlpool of energy that pulsed with pure force, the air became cooler. The remains of the artefact glowed dimly as they hovered in the centre. Its energy was beckoning to me, and I could feel its attraction.
Damon materialized in front of me, his eyes gleaming with evil delight. He mocked, “You think you can stop me?” “I own this realm. You are merely a mortal tinkering with forces that are beyond your comprehension.
I stood up straight and looked him in the eye. Even though I’m mortal, I have something that you don’t. An excuse to fight.
A soft, ethereal light flooded the room before I could move. A figure emerged, a woman dressed in glistening gold, her eyes brimming with age-old wisdom, as the air began to warm.
“The goddess,” I said in a tremulous murmur.
Calm but sad, her eyes greeted me. “You’ve gone a long way, Melissa. However, the last phase necessitates a significant sacrifice.
“What do you mean?” With my heart racing, I inquired.
She indicated the relic. Only one who is prepared to sacrifice something of themselves can eradicate its power. To cut Damon off from this world, you have to sacrifice a part of your soul.
Damon’s laugh was frigid and acrid. Melissa, did you hear that? You can’t win without destroying yourself, even the goddess acknowledges.
I choose to ignore him and concentrate on the goddess. “Will it cause pain?”
She gave a serious nod. Indeed. However, your courage and love are what give you strength. That will keep you going.
In the distance, I caught a glimpse of Kane, and the pack engaged in combat. Even though my heart hurt, I understood what needed to be done.
“I’ll do it,” I firmly stated.
Damon’s grin vanished, giving way to anger. “You’re an idiot!” he bellowed. “This realm will fall apart if the artefact is destroyed. You’ll be stuck here indefinitely!
The power of the relic buzzed across my skin as I moved closer. “Perhaps. However, you won’t harm anyone else at least.
My shoulder was touched by the goddess. “Melissa, have courage. All of them will be spared by your sacrifice.
I touched the relic and felt its energy increase. I was in terrible pain, but I persisted, keeping my thoughts on Kane, our child, and the pack.
Damon screamed, “No!” and lunged at me.
However, it was too late. My touch caused the artefact to break, its pieces melting into the light. Damon stumbled back, his link to the world broken.
As a fragment of my soul was ripped away and consumed by the crumbling world, a scream ripped from my throat. Cracks in the ground spread like spiderwebs as they trembled fiercely beneath us.
I could hear the goddess’ voice. Melissa, you have strength. Keep it in mind.
Gasping for air, I fell to my knees. Damon growled, his shape wavering as the energy of the world shifted against him.
“This isn’t the end!” With a voice full of anger and desperation, he yelled.
The consequences of my actions weighed heavily on me as I stumbled to my feet. The whirling turmoil of the crumbling realm had taken the place of the doorway leading back to our planet.
I looked at Damon, who was holding on to what little strength he had left. “Damon, it’s over. You’ve lost.
He lunged at me one last time, his eyes burning with hate.
The world collapsed around us as the ground underneath us shifted and we both fell into the emptiness. As the darkness enveloped us, my final thought was of Kane and our child, their features seared in my memory.