Chapter 44: Loss and Love
Melissa’s POV
Despite the turmoil on the battlefield, my heart was clear. Damon’s army was pushing the pack to the limit, and they were straining. This couldn’t end in hopelessness.
My voice broke through the din of combat as I stood in the middle, yelling at my men.
“Remain firm!” Fear clawed at my breast, yet I shouted, my voice calm. “This battle is far from over. Together, we are more powerful!
In answer, the pack roared as a group, their spirits rising again. I sensed their commitment and determination. They were battling for me, for each other, and for the future that we all wished to safeguard, not simply for survival.
Kane walked up beside me, his face serious yet determined. Damon’s forces are unrelenting, but for the time being, we’re holding them back. He is exhausting us.
As I scanned the battlefield, I said, “We must keep pushing.” “I refuse to let him prevail.”
Kane’s hand momentarily touched mine as he nodded. “Melissa, you are not alone in this. Keep it in mind.
I sensed a change in the atmosphere as the conflict raged on a sinister force emanating from Damon’s location. He lifted the second relic, its light getting brighter and more menacing, and I turned just in time to see it.
With a hint of panic in my voice, I answered, “He’s getting ready to use it again.” “He must be stopped!”
Kane didn’t think twice. “Remain near me.”
We sliced through the shadow creatures that surrounded Damon as we battled our way toward him. The attraction of the relic grew stronger as we approached it. It seemed to be taking strength straight from the battlefield, thriving on the mayhem and terror.
“Watch out, Kane!” A shadow beast pounced at him, and I screamed.
He managed to dodge its strike by turning just in time, but it came again and hit him in the side. Kane dropped to his knees and clutched his side as blood spattered the floor.
“No!” I ran to his side and sobbed. “Remain with me, Kane!”
His face was pale, but he mumbled, “I’m fine.” “You must not give up. Damon, stop.
I stared at him, my vision dimmed by tears. “I can’t abandon you in this manner.”
With his hand firmly grasping mine, he added, “You have to.” It’s not just about us here. Everyone is involved. The only person who can put an end to this is you.
I paused, caught between the duty I bore as the goddess’s chosen one and my love for Kane.
Kane responded, “Melissa,” in a softer tone. “You underestimate your strength. Have faith in yourself.
His remarks gave me a sense of stability. I bent over and gave his forehead a shaky kiss. “I’ll be back to get you. I swear.
Driven by a mixture of love and rage, I returned my focus to Damon. The relic throbbed with evil energy as he stood in the middle of the mayhem.
“Damon, you won’t prevail!” I yelled as I moved closer to him.
His eyes glinted with hatred as he grinned. Melissa, you’re too late. The artefact has already started to function. Everything you cherish will soon be lost.
His remarks simply strengthened my resolve. I felt the goddess’s presence more strongly than ever as I tapped into my inner strength. This time, though, it was not only her strength; it was also mine. My love for Kane, my child, and the pack all poured into me, combining into a power I was unaware I had.
With a firm voice, I said, “You underestimated me.” “And you’ll fail because of that.”
The more Damon focused the artefact’s energy on me, the brighter it became. However, I remained steadfast and raised my hands to block his assault.
The battlefield trembled as the energy between us created a vortex as light and darkness collided. Despite the effort causing my body to quake, I refused to give up.
“Melissa, you can’t stop me!” Damon yelled, the strength of the item distorting his voice.
I said, my voice echoing with conviction, “You’re wrong.” “Nothing you can summon can compare to the power of love.”
My last surge of energy was concentrated into a single, powerful blow. My internal light rushed forward and struck the artefact.
“No!” The relic broke, its glow wavering, and Damon shouted.
As the device shattered and its energies exploded outward, the ground trembled beneath us. The remains of the artefact started to blend with Damon as he was flung back, his shape wavering.
Tired yet triumphant, I collapsed to my knees. The battleground around me became quiet as Damon’s soldiers vanished into thin air.
I let myself hope it was finished for a second. Then, however, I saw Damon stand up, his body contorted and shining with the remains of the item.
His voice echoed strangely as he snarled, “You think you’ve won?” “This is just the start.”
Damon’s new form burst with power before I could respond, making him more ominous than ever. His black energy caused the ground under us to break and the air to become heavy.
The realization that the war was far from over made my heart race.
The stakes were bigger today than they had ever been.