Chapter 58: Rebuilding the Future
Melissa’s POV
The sun rose above the clouds for the first time in days, bathing the battlefield in a golden glow. A huge, ragged crater had taken the place of the sanctuary. The surviving members of the allied packs crowded around me, their expressions a mixture of relief and grief. Even though we had survived, we had suffered some casualties.
Emotion weighing heavily on my chest, I stood in the centre of the gathering. Even with his arm in a sling, Kane was by my side and his presence was steady and powerful.
Kane nodded toward the gathering and murmured, “They’re waiting for you, Melissa.”
I forced myself to look into their eyes and swallowed hard. To fight for a future, these wolves, humans, and allies had sacrificed all. Others had lost family, friends, everything.
I inhaled deeply before moving forward.
I said, “We fought for our lives,” in a weak voice that got stronger by the second. And we had to pay for it. Although several of our siblings were unable to attend, their sacrifice was not in vain.
The audience lowered their heads in mute homage, and a murmur ran through it.
With a heavy heart, I went on, “They gave us a chance to stand here today.” “And we owe it to them to rebuild-to create a future they would be proud of, to honour their memory.”
With his firm presence, Kane grounded me by placing a hand on my shoulder. “Melissa is correct,” he remarked, his voice resonating clearly over the audience. “Despite everything we’ve been through, we’re still here. And when we work together, we can overcome any obstacle.
With a mix of resolve and sorrow in their voices, the crowd burst into agreement.
I noticed an odd feeling in my palms as the wolves started to scatter, either going back to their encampment or tending to the injured. My fingers began to warm up, and my skin began to glow softly and golden.
“Kane,” I said in a whisper while raising my hands. “What am I experiencing?”
His eyes widened at the sight of the light as he turned. “You… you’re radiant.”
As I stared at my hands, I muttered, “I thought my connection to the divine was gone.”
Behind me, someone said, “It’s not gone.”
One of the allied packs’ oldest and wisest members, Elder Vaughn, was standing there when I turned. He leaned hard on his staff as he approached me slowly.
His voice was soft as he remarked, “The goddess’ touch never truly fades.” It’s altered you, Melissa. Even if you are no longer divine, you still possess some of her strength.
I gazed at him, my thoughts racing. However, what does that signify? Now what am I?
Kane stepped forward and said firmly, “You’re still you.” “Your identity is not defined by the power you possess. It’s simply a part of who you are now.
I nodded slowly, but my chest still ached from uncertainty.
Representatives of the allied packs assembled around the crater where the sanctuary had once been later that day. There were still slight remnants of the Heart’s vitality in the air, and the ground was still warm.
“This location represented division,” Lila, the Silvermoon Pack’s alpha, stated. Her eyes were full of emotion, yet her voice was solid. “However, it now serves as a symbol of solidarity.”
With determined expressions, the others nodded.
Marcus, a muscular beta from the Bloodfang Pack, remarked, “We’ve lost too much to let old grudges tear us apart again.” “We rebuild together from now on.”
Kane answered in a firm voice, “Agreed.” “We are not defined by our past. The future will be shaped by the things we do now.
The weight of their stares at me made me take a step forward. I remarked, “This isn’t just about rebuilding.” “It’s about improving something. A society in which we are not afraid of authority figures or one another. a society that values each life.
With each word, the crowd’s resolve became stronger as they muttered in accord.
I experienced an odd pull, like a thread pulling at my soul, as the gathering concluded and the packs started to scatter.
I took hold of his arm and said, “Kane.” “Do you sense that?”
He scowled. “How do you feel?”
I didn’t respond. Rather, I followed the feeling, my feet stepping on their own. It took me to the crater’s edge, where the air glistened subtly, as though the Heart’s energy had persisted.
Melissa? Kane followed me and called.
Before I could answer, a voice-a familiar yet unearthly voice-repeated in my head.
Its words, “Child of the wolf and the goddess,” resonated profoundly in my chest. “The war is far from over, but the battle is won.”
“What do you mean?” With my heart racing, I whispered out loud.
Kane’s forehead furrowed as he gazed at me. “To whom are you speaking, Melissa?”
I said, my gaze focused on the glistening air, “The goddess.”
Ignoring my question, the voice went on. Beyond the curtain, a darkness begins to stir. One that aims to complete what Damon was unable to.
“What sort of darkness is it?” With a hint of panic in my voice, I demanded. “Tell me!”
However, the voice became quiet as the glimmer dimmed.
Melissa? Taking hold of my arm, Kane inquired. “What was it she said?”
My hands shaking, I turned to face him. “The fight isn’t over,” she remarked. There will be more soon.
A shiver went down my spine as the sun sank below the horizon, illuminating the crater with lengthy shadows.
I couldn’t get the goddess’ warning to go away, even while the packs were celebrating their survival. A fresh threat was lurking somewhere.
And we may not be prepared this time.