Chapter 45: Rebirth and Redemption
Melissa’s POV
The relic shattered, and the battlefield fell strangely silent. Standing in front of Damon, who was now a creature of unbridled, raw energy, made my heart race. His body glowed strangely, and the anger that had previously flashed in his eyes had given way to something darker and more profound.
“You believe this is the end of it?” Damon’s voice sounded hollow and distorted. “I’ve grown into something bigger than you can imagine.”
My body was shaking from the fight’s weariness, but I held my ground. “Damon, you’ve completely changed into a different person. This is devastation, not strength.
There was no delight in his laughter. How much do you know about power? Like the others, you have been clinging on borrowed strength.
The intensity of his energy pressed against me like a tangible wall as I took a step closer. “This is not required of you. No matter how much sorrow you’re carrying or how much revenge you believe will make it better, it won’t make you feel better.
For a second his face wavered, and I used the opportunity to continue.
Even at the darkest times, I have witnessed the positive aspects of individuals. Damon, you don’t have to let this power control you. This isn’t how it has to end.
His tone faltered for the first time. “Are you aware of my suffering? You don’t know what I’ve lost.
“Then tell me,” I muttered. “Explain what you’ve been carrying to me.”
Flashes of his past rippled through the air around us as the brilliance around him dimmed a little. Pictures of a happy, carefree young Damon playing with his family. After the tragedy, a fire, cries, and Damon’s departure his sorrow gave way to resentment and hatred.
My eyes pricked with tears. “You suffered harm. Nobody was there to save you after you lost everything. However, this is not the path to recovery.
I could see the conflict in his eyes as his hands clenched. “They should be held accountable for their actions. They ought to experience the same suffering that I did.
I ignored the intense heat of his energy and took another step closer. “Damon, retribution won’t make them return. You will simply end up feeling emptier than before.
His face was twisted in agony as he gazed at me. “What am I supposed to do? This is my only remaining power.
With a firm voice, I said, “You have a choice.” “You can relax. You may begin anew.
We were engulfed by a warm light before he could reply. As I turned, I saw the goddess’s essence emerge, her appearance calm and radiant.
She said, “Melissa,” and I could still hear her voice. “You did a good job reaching him, but you are not the only one who can make the decision. You hold the power to decide Damon’s fate.
I looked at her, perplexed. “What do you mean?”
The goddess showed two paths with her outstretched hand. “You can eliminate his menace and secure your pack’s protection by destroying him right now. You can also try to redeem him, but it will cost a lot. Your last strength will be taken away by his salvation, becoming you mortal once more.
My heart tightened. “I’ll lose it all?”
The goddess gave a serious nod. However, he will have an opportunity to start over. You have a choice, Melissa.
Damon stood silently, his shape flickering like a dying flame, and I turned back to face him. When we locked eyes, I saw the lost youngster he used to be, yearning for another opportunity.
I muttered, “You deserve a future.” “But only if you’re prepared to put up a fight for it.”
After he paused, he nodded. “I… I no longer desire this. Being a monster is not what I want.
With tears flowing down my cheeks, I inhaled deeply. “So I go with redemption.”
The deity gave a sorrowful smile. “All right.”
We were blinded by a flood of warm light. I could feel my inner strength ebbing away, replaced by a hollow ache. However, a peculiar feeling of tranquillity accompanied it.
Damon’s human self reappeared, and the evil energy vanished from his body. He dropped to his knees, staring at his hands as if they were the first time he had ever seen them.
With a voice full of surprise and grief, he muttered, “I… I’m free.”
With my heart full and my body weak, I fell to my knees. “Now, Damon, you have an opportunity. Don’t waste it.
Before he could answer, the ground shook and the light surrounding us grew brighter.
“What’s going on?” Panic rising in my chest, I asked.
I heard the goddess’ voice one final time. The artefact’s remaining power is erratic. The battleground won’t last long.
I turned to face Damon. “We must leave this place.”
He gave a nod, but his face darkened. “Time is of the essence. The breakdown has already started.
As the light intensified, I sensed the earth underneath us trembling. Damon shoved me away when I reached for him.
With a firm voice, he urged, “Go, Melissa.” “People are waiting for you. I’ll see to it that you have adequate time.
“No!” I sobbed as I reached for him. “Both of us can make it!”
With a faint smile, he shook his head. “I have the opportunity to put things right now. I appreciate your belief in me.
The light burst into a blinding explosion over the battlefield.
After the dust settled, my group was racing toward me, and I was on the brink of the mayhem. But the light had taken Damon with it, and he was gone.
I could only hope that he had been fully redeemed sometime in the aftermath. However, it appeared like the fight was finished for the time being.