Chapter 47: The Gathering Storm
Melisa’s POV
A thick curtain of clouds hung over us like a foreboding cloud, and the sky was streaked with grey. As I watched from the camp’s edge, the allied packs started to assemble. Wolves in human shape, their bodies battered from the previous conflict, their features bleak. There was resolve in their eyes despite their exhaustion.
“Melissa.” I was startled out of my reverie by Kane’s voice. His hand brushed my arm lightly as he stood next to me. “They’re prepared to hear you out.”
With their expectations bearing down on me, I took a deep breath. I never felt more like an imposter than I did without the goddess’s strength. Now how could I guide them?
But I had to keep my doubts to myself. I needed to be strong for them.
I took a step forward and spoke loudly enough for everyone to hear. “I am aware of your fatigue. I am aware that you have lost your packmates, family, and friends. We can’t relax just yet, though. Even though Damon is no longer there, the threat still exists. We’ve been warned of something bigger that might ruin everything we’ve worked so hard to achieve.
There were murmurs among the crowd. I saw the glimmer of resolve in their features along with the terror. I had to give them the hope they needed.
I went on, “We’ve faced impossible odds before.” And we’ve emerged more resilient. We can face whatever happens next if we unite. Have faith in one another, your strength, and our wolf link.
With a firm and powerful voice, Kane took a step ahead. “Darkwood Pack is prepared. Will the others accompany us?
The leaders of the allied packs came forward one by one and promised their help. I felt a wave of relief, but it was soon overtaken by the realization that we still had no idea what we were up against.
I lay in my tent that night, unable to fall asleep. My mind was a jumble of uncertainties and anxieties. I always saw Damon’s contorted visage when I closed my eyes, his black energy consuming everything.
“Melissa.”
It had a gentle, almost melodious voice. My heart was racing when I suddenly sat up. Around me, the air glistened, and the tent was dimly lit.
The goddess was there. Even though her appearance was subtle-like a reflection in the water-her presence could not be denied.
“What brings you here?” My voice trembled as I asked.
Her voice reverberated with strength as she stated, “There is not much time.” “The fight you engaged in was just the start. The real adversary is waking up.
My hands clenched as my rage boiled to the surface. “To preserve my pack, I sacrificed your might. That seemed to be the end to me.
“It was essential,” she remarked softly. However, the Forsaken One has ascended. He wants to exact revenge on all wolves, not just the gods.
“The One Who Was Forsaken?” Confusion and fear twisted in my chest as I repeated.
“You recognize him,” she stated firmly. “Damon’s corruption was just the beginning.” He’s been reincarnated, and the evil has taken over. The wolf you knew has changed. He poses a much greater threat.
Her remarks struck me like a blow to the body. Damon. The light was meant to have eliminated him. How could he have returned?
“What should I do?” My voice was almost heard as I whispered.
She said, “You need to regain your strength.” “Your heart, not just your luggage. The road ahead will put you to the ultimate test. But keep in mind that you are stronger than you realize.
As her shape started to change, I automatically reached out. “Hold on! I must know more.
But now that she was gone, I was alone to deal with my racing mind and the weight of what was ahead.
I discovered Kane sparring with some younger wolves by the training grounds the following morning. His strong, precise movements served as a reminder of his inherent leadership ability.
I called, “Kane,” and he smiled back at me.
“Are you unable to sleep?” he inquired, dabbing at his perspiration.
I sat on a nearby log and said, “No.” “Last night, the goddess appeared to me. She forewarned me about Damon, or what he has become into.
Kane’s face grew serious. His shoulder brushed mine as he sat next to me. “What was it she said?”
“She referred to him as the Forsaken One,” I said quietly, scarcely raising my voice above a whisper. She claimed that he had been reborn and that darkness had taken over his life. And he is on his way to us.
Kane took a while to reply. Rather, he grounded me with his touch as he clasped my hand in his. “We’ll go up against him together, Melissa. You’re not alone in this, no matter what.
Though my misgivings were weighing me down, I still wanted to believe him. “What if I’m not strong enough, Kane? I’m just me without the goddess’s strength.
His eyes were flaming with intensity as he turned to face me. Melissa, you are more than everything. The centre of this pack is you. We’re still here because of you. Your strength, bravery, and love for your people define you more than your level of power.
Even though his remarks made me cry, I fought the need to cry. Leaning onto him, I found solace in his company.
The camp was bustling with activity as the sun started to set. Warriors were putting in endless training, and scouts had been dispatched to obtain intelligence. Our sense of unity persisted despite the strain.
But when the scouts returned, their faces white with terror, that oneness was broken.
One of them yelled, “Alpha!” and came running over to me.
“What is it?” With my heart racing, I demanded.
The scout remarked, trembling, “We found him.” “Damon. Or whatever he has turned into.
There was silence in the camp. As I attempted to comprehend the scout’s comments, all eyes were on me.
“Where?” Sharply, Kane inquired.
“In the old temple’s ruins,” the scout stated. “He’s… unique. I have never felt anything like his power.
A chill of fear crept into my bones, and my chest constricted. I turned to see Kane, who had the same gloomy expression.
I responded, “We must see for ourselves.”
We headed out in a small group, and there was an uncanny silence as we travelled to the temple. The air seemed heavier and colder as we got closer as if the forest itself was holding its breath.
Then we caught sight of him.
Standing in the middle of the ruins, Damon’s figure was shrouded in darkness. The ground under him appeared to throb with dark energy, and his eyes shone with an unnatural light.
With a distorted echo of the man I used to know, he said, “Melissa.” “Did you truly believe that you could ruin me?”
I forced myself to look him in the eye as I stepped forward, my heart thumping in my chest. Despite the anxiety gnawing at me, I said, “You’re not Damon anymore,” in a firm voice. “Whatever humanity you possessed has vanished.”
I felt shivers down my spine when he laughed. “Humanity? That was a flaw. I am now a symbol of power. And you’ll see what real strength looks like, Melissa.
The ground beneath us shattered before I could react, and a blast of evil energy exploded, pushing us back. As the shadows surrounding him increased, writhing and twisting like living things, Damon’s laughter reverberated through the ruins.