Chapter 60: The Cycle Begins Anew
Melissa’s POV
I stood in the middle of the camp in the cool, fresh morning air. With grim but resolute expressions, wolves from the allied packs crowded around. Everyone was aware of what was going to happen, and I felt the pressure of their expectations.
As he stood next to me, Kane’s wounds made him appear more worn out than before. However, his eyes blazed with the same ferocious determination that I had grown to respect.
Kane’s voice was steady but loud enough for the packs to hear him say, “We can’t waste any time.” “We must be prepared if last night’s events were merely a preview of what lies ahead.”
There were murmurs of agreement among the audience.
One of the older wolves remarked, “We’ve faced worse before.” “At all costs, we will fight to defend our land.”
I stepped forward to confront them, my fists tensed. “This is different,” I said, my voice echoing throughout the assembly. “Damon and his army are not like the adversary we are going to encounter. It is strong and ancient, and its goal is to destroy everything we stand for rather than just beat us.
The ensuing quiet was oppressive, but I resisted giving in to my terror.
But we won’t allow that to occur,” I added in a forceful voice. Together, we are more powerful. And we will defend what we have created here as long as we fight bravely and together.
Later, when the camp was bustling with preparation, I noticed that I was drawn to the forest’s edge. I could feel the warmth of the goddess’s presence, which surrounded me like a reassuring hug.
I could hear the goddess’ voice saying, “You’ve done well, Melissa.”
She was standing there, blazing dimly with divine light when I turned around. Her eyes were sad and compassionate.
I answered in a quiet voice, “You came.”
“I needed to,” she answered. “You will be put to the ultimate test by what lies ahead.”
I scowled. “Why now, this ancient enemy? Why us?
Her face grew serious. The equilibrium has been thrown off due to the Heart’s destruction. It might serve as both a barrier and a source of creation, restraining some forces. That obstacle is no longer there.
She put a hand on my shoulder, but I felt guilty. Melissa, don’t blame yourself. You made the right decision, and your decisions have given people hope when there was none.
“So why does it seem like I’ve brought about our collective doom?” My voice trembled as I asked.
“Because being a leader comes with a lot of responsibility,” she stated. However, keep in mind that wolves have traditionally been associated with heavenly power. You are stewards of balance as well as the land’s defenders. And that gives you a special ability to deal with this danger.
My thoughts were racing as I gazed at her. “What should I do if such is the case? I am only one wolf. How am I supposed to guide them against something so strong?
She gave a small smile. “Melissa, you are more than one wolf. You represent power, unity, and hope. Because they have faith in you, the packs follow you. You must have confidence in yourself now.
Her words weighed heavily and reassuringly on my chest.
“But what if I don’t succeed?” I muttered.
“There’s always a chance of failure,” she remarked softly. But again, so is triumph. You have the option of leading your people into this new conflict or letting someone else take your place.
Her question carried an almost unbearable weight. I considered the packs, Kane, and the innumerable lives that depended on me.
With my eyes watering, I said, “I… I don’t know.”
She responded, “You will,” her words trailing off as her body started to disintegrate. “Believe in yourself, Melissa. You already possess the solution.
Kane was waiting for me when I got back to the camp. He scowled after glancing at my face. “Didn’t you see her again?”
I gave a nod. She explained to me how the packs are associated with divine power. We are the defenders of balance, she continued.
He blew a soft whistle. “That’s a lot to process.”
“It is,” I murmured, scarcely raising my voice above a whisper. “And she asked me to choose between taking the lead and stepping aside.”
Kane reached for my hand as his face softened. “You’ve demonstrated your leadership abilities already, Melissa. No one else’s approval is necessary for you. I’ll be by your side no matter what.
His remarks made my throat tighten, but before I could react, a scout rushed into the tent, gasping for air.
“They’re approaching!” he yelled. “Dozens of the enemy’s forces are marching from the east!”
Wolves hurried to get ready, and chaos broke out. Kane and I ascended a ridge that provided a view of the camp. The horizon was obscured in the distance by a dark, writhing mass that was approaching us.
With a sombre tone, Kane remarked, “It’s worse than I imagined.”
My heart was racing as I swallowed hard. I said, “This is it.” “The decision I must make.”
His gaze searched mine as he turned to face me. “We’ll fight, whatever you decide. But you must make a choice right away.
I forced myself to concentrate by taking a big breath. “The answer is within you,” the goddess said, echoing in my thoughts.
I reflected on all our experiences, including the conflicts, setbacks, and triumphs. I reflected on Kane, who had faith in me even when I doubted myself, and the wolves who looked to me for direction.
“I’ll take the lead,” I said steadily. “I won’t leave them just yet.”
With a glimmer of pride in his eyes, Kane nodded. “Then let’s prepare.”
The tension in the air increased as the enemy got closer. With Kane at my side, I stood at the head of the group and spoke louder.
“We fight for everything we’ve built today!” I yelled. “For our freedom, our families, and our future! We stand together no matter what!
The wolves, their energy exhilarating, roared in agreement.
However, a shiver went down my spine when the first wave of the enemy materialized, their shapes strange and hideous.
This was no typical conflict. I also felt in my heart that the struggle for survival was only getting started.