Chapter 54: The Selfless Decision
Melissa’s POV
The sanctuary was collapsing, and I was having a hard time staying upright as the ground shook fiercely beneath my feet. The air was so raw and oppressive with intensity that I felt like I was barely breathing, and debris was raining down. With the Heart of Creation pulsing wildly, I gripped my chest and forced myself to stand.
Across the chamber, Kane let out a moan as his wounded body leaned heavily against a broken pillar. He had a pale face and was obviously losing strength, yet his eyes were ferocious when they met mine.
His voice was barely audible over the commotion as he rasped, “Melissa.” “There must be a way to put an end to this.”
I turned to face the Heart, which was blazing with light from its split surface. I sensed something deep inside of a subtle, throbbing warmth that wasn’t tainted like the others. It beckoned me in with a call.
I muttered, “There is a way,” as the revelation struck me like a ton of bricks.
“What?” Despite his wounds, Kane yelled and pushed himself to his feet.
The words escaped my lips as I turned to face him, my heart exploding. “The Heart can be neutralized, but it will require all of my resources.”
Kane took a shaky stride in my direction as his eyes grew wide. “What is meant by that?”
My voice was shaking as I said, “It means I have to give it my life.” “The only thing strong enough to stabilize it is the goddess’s power within me. However, after I utilize it, I will no longer be here.
“No!” Sharp as a sword, Kane’s voice sliced through the confusion. He staggered over to me and held out his hand. “There must be an alternative. Together, we’ll figure it out.
“There’s no time,” I whispered, fighting back tears as my throat constricted. “The Heart is only a few seconds away from destroying everything, and Damon’s forces are closing in.”
Despite his wounds, Kane’s grip on my arm was remarkably firm. Melissa, I won’t allow you to do this. I can’t let you go.
I gently placed my palm over his and added, “You won’t lose me.” “I will always support you in every decision you make and victory you achieve. However, none of us will have a future if I don’t take this action.
The weight of what I was saying caused Kane’s jaw to clench, and his face was marked with pain-not from his wounds. “I am unable to… I am unable to let you go.
I made him look at me by cupping his face. “Kane, you are the strongest person I’ve ever met. More powerful than I am. You’ll take charge, keep them safe, and ensure their success. That is how you will pay me respect.
A loud cry broke through the clamour in the sanctuary before Kane could continue to argue. Our pack was charging in when I looked around, their faces dismal but resolute because of
Lydia led the gathering and exclaimed, “Melissa!” One of our fiercest soldiers. “We are here to assist you!”
With pride swelled in my chest, I blinked back tears of relief. They had arrived despite the odds.
I yelled, “Lydia, get everyone in position.” “As long as possible, keep Damon’s forces at bay. We require time!
The pack immediately moved into a defensive line at the entrance to the sanctuary when she nodded. The air was filled with the roars and snarls of combat as Damon’s followers engaged my packmates in combat.
Kane leaned in and said urgently. “You don’t have to work alone on this. I’ll assist you.
I remarked, my voice cracking, “You’re barely standing.” “Kane, please stick with the group. They require you.
With fiery eyes, he shot back, “They need you.” “And I won’t leave you to deal with this alone.”
I nodded reluctantly since I knew he couldn’t be persuaded. “All right. However, we must act fast. We get closer to total devastation the longer the Heart is unstable.
We moved and approached the altar together, avoiding falling objects and energy outbursts. As we neared the throbbing centre of the Heart, its radiance nearly unbearable, my heart raced.
I closed my eyes and summoned the power of the goddess within me. I felt her presence, steady and serene, and a rush of warmth filled my body.
Her voice reverberated in my head, “You’re ready, Melissa.” But it will take all of you to follow this route. Are you sure?
“Yes,” I muttered. “I’m prepared.”
I was grounded when Kane put his hand on my shoulder. “What are we going to do?”
I clarified, “I must direct the goddess’s energy into the Heart.” It will stabilize, but only if I put my everything into it. There is no turning back once I begin.
Kane paused, looking into my eyes. “I’ll be here right now. Together, we will accomplish this.
I was about to concentrate when a piercing laugh rang out in the room. Damon stepped forward, his dark aura glowing as he raised his hand, and I turned to see him.
He hissed, “Did you think I’d let you stop me?” Melissa, you’re predictable. You’re always willing to give up something for someone else.
A surge of energy blasted out of his hand before I could react, hitting me and knocking me backwards. I fell hard to the ground, gasping for air.
“Elissa!” Kane yelled and hurried over to me.
I had trouble sitting up, and my vision was fuzzy. With a victorious grin, Damon strode in our direction. “You have always caused me trouble. But it’s over now.
Damon called forth a swirling emptiness of energy with a flick of his fingers. It grew quickly, enclosing me in a cage of crushing pressure and blinding light.
“No!” With a yell, Kane charged toward Damon, but he was pushed down by another energy burst.
My heart was pounding, the energy tightening around me, I clutched at the emptiness. Even if the goddess’ words could be heard dimly in my head, Damon’s trap had diminished her power, making her seem far away.
“Elissa!” Kane tried to crawl toward me, his face white, his voice urgent.
“I’m all right!” I lied while resisting the pull of the vacuum. “Kane, stay back!”
With a voice full of ruthless satisfaction, Damon laughed. “At this point, you’ll never get to the heart. And nothing will remain to save after this is finished.
Every fibre of my body screamed for escape as I struggled against the trap, tears welling up in my eyes. However, as the gap became wider and Damon’s laughter reverberated in my ears, I had a chilling sensation of uncertainty.
Was this it?
Damon’s sinister aura permeated every inch of my captivity while the emptiness shimmered about me. As I looked at the Heart of Creation, still throbbing with erratic energy just beyond reach, my heart raced.
“Kane,” I said in a scarcely apparent whisper.
His eyes were blazing with resolve as he raised his head. Melissa, I’m not going to give up on you. Wait a moment.
However, as the emptiness grew and Damon’s laughter intensified, a terrifying idea began to consume me: what if I was unable to hold on?