Chapter 59: The Dawn of Hope
Melissa’s POV
The camp was bathed in a warm glow as the first rays of sunrise appeared over the horizon. The morning was calm for the first time in what seemed like an eternity. The air was filled with the faint murmurs of wolves waking, and birds chirping in the woods.
As our pack awakened, I watched from outside Kane’s tent. Even though the wounds from the fight were still visible, everyone moved with quiet strength. Not only were our houses being rebuilt, but so were our souls.
With his arm still in a sling, Kane came out of the tent. He was still as dominant as ever despite his wounds. His dark eyes softened when they met mine as he approached me.
“Had trouble sleeping?” His voice was quiet as he inquired.
I gave a headshake. I’m thinking about too much. Even if it seems like everything has changed, the world continues to advance.
With a slight smile, he put his good hand on my shoulder. “Melissa, we will confront it together. Whatever happens next.
The pack assembled close to the camp’s centre later that day. Wolves were already cooperating to construct houses and strengthen fortifications as part of the ongoing repairs. Puppies were running around chasing one other, and the atmosphere was lighter, almost hopeful.
“Melissa!” One of the younger wolves, Sarah, came up to me and shouted out. Will we ever have a genuine home again, in your opinion?
I lowered myself to her level and brushed a lock of hair away from her face. “We’ll. We’ll make it happen, even if it takes some time. And it will be stronger and better than before when we do.
She nodded happily as her eyes brightened.
Kane came over to look around proudly. He whispered, “They’re looking to you for guidance.” “You’re also giving them hope.”
Emotion constricting in my chest, I looked at him. “Without you, Kane, I couldn’t accomplish this. It was because of you that I discovered my strength.
I was grounded by his touch as he grabbed my hand. Melissa, you’ve always got it. All you had to do had faith in yourself.
As the dawn rose, a pack of strange wolves moved closer to the perimeter of the camp. Their faces were cautious, their appearance dishevelled.
With a gesture toward them, I said, “Kane.”
He swivelled, his stance immediately defensive. He said, “Stay here,” and then he and a few pack members strode ahead.
However, my curiosity overcame my caution, and I followed him.
A tall, scarred wolf, the group’s leader, moved forward. He bowed his head and fell to one knee. He declared, “We mean no harm.” “We fought because we had no other option, but we were a part of Damon’s army.”
Kane’s gaze grew strained. “You want sanctuary now?”
With a shaky voice, the wolf declared, “We want redemption.” We’ve witnessed enough fatalities. We will defend you if you have us. We’ll assist with reconstruction.
I moved in closer, examining their expressions. In addition to terror, there was sincere regret.
I looked at Kane and remarked, “They’re telling the truth.”
He scowled, obviously conflicted. “They will endanger our pack if they are lying.”
I retorted, “Or they might be allies we sorely need.”
Kane sighed after a stressful minute. “All right. However, they will be observed. They’re out if they make one mistake.
With a look of thankfulness on his face, the scarred wolf nodded. “I’m grateful. You won’t be sorry.
I was pulled to the forest’s edge that night when the camp fell into an uncomfortable silence. The stars were glittering overhead, and the air was cold.
I closed my eyes and allowed the silence of the night to envelope me. However, a familiar warmth surged through my chest as I stood there, indicating the goddess’s presence.
“Melissa,” she said softly yet urgently in my head.
“What is it?” With my heart pounding, I whispered.
“Something ancient has been awakened by the destruction of the Heart,” she remarked. “A long-buried force that is just waiting for the right moment to emerge.”
“What sort of force?” With a knot of fear in my stomach, I inquired.
Her voice became more sorrowful and heavier. An adversary who is older than the packs. Someone who wants to take this world as their own.
“Where is it?”
She answered, “In the east.” “And it’s moving already.”
The warmth left me chilly and alone in the dark before I could ask any more questions.
With the goddess’ warning still fresh in my mind, I made my way back to camp. Kane was standing by the fire, looking worried as he waited for me.
He remarked, “You have been absent for a long time.” “What’s the matter?”
I paused, uncertain of how to express my worry. “I heard from the goddess once more.”
He scowled. “What was it she said?”
She forewarned me about an old issue. When the Heart was destroyed, something was triggered.
Kane’s mouth clenched. “Is it another enemy, in your opinion?”
“I’m not only a thinker. “I understand,” I murmured, my voice quivering. It’s coming from the east, too.
A disturbance broke out at the outskirts of the camp before he could reply. Tension was in the air as wolves screamed.
With our hearts racing, Kane and I ran toward the commotion.
“What’s happening?” When we got there, Kane demanded.
A man stood silhouetted against the rising moon at the horizon, as indicated by one of the scouts. I could sense the force emanating from it even from a distance; it was a stifling, dark energy that made my skin crawl.
“It’s him,” I muttered, my heart pounding.
A strange, evil energy caused the air to shimmer as the creature raised an arm. Then it disappeared into the night as swiftly as it had come.
Every wolf in the camp was paralyzed in terror, and there was silence. Kane took a step forward and put his hand on my shoulder.
His voice was firm and low as he inquired, “Who was that?”
With my heart thumping in my chest, I took a deep gulp. An old foe. And it has only just started.