Chapter 67: A Dangerous Gamble
Melissa’s POV
The relic bobbed in the middle of the room with its light pulsing like a heartbeat. Breathing became difficult as each pulse sent a wave of electricity across the air. Kane was standing next to me, his jaw tight.
He said, “Melissa, we can’t wait.” “The armies of the enemy are reassembling. We must take action immediately.
My hands shaking, I gazed at the relic. “Kane, I might ruin everything if I use it before I fully comprehend its power. The people, the shelter…
Kane’s tone grew softer. “And they will destroy us first if we do nothing.”
His words weighed heavily on my chest. The pack leaders were arguing in low whispers, filled with haste and anxiety, all around us.
Alpha Roland moved forward. “You’ve overcome insurmountable difficulties before, Melissa. You are the only person capable of wielding the relic. However, if you believe there is an alternative, we will take your lead.
Another method. The words kept repeating in my head, but I had no other options. Our only chance to stop the enemy’s regeneration was the relic’s power.
At last, I said in a calm voice, “I’ll do it.”
Kane took hold of my arm. “Are you certain?”
“No,” I said, looking him in the eye. “But there doesn’t seem to be any other option.”
After a few minutes of tightening his hold, he released it. “We’ll buy you as much time as we can after that.”
A group of warriors, their expressions bleak yet determined, were collected by Kane. As he spoke to them, I watched from the sanctuary gates.
“We have an easy job,” Kane stated. “We occupy the adversary. Allow Melissa ample time to do her tasks.
A young fighter came forward. “However, what happens if they overwhelm us?”
“They won’t,” Kane firmly stated. “Because we will not allow them to.”
Watching them get ready-made me feel guilty. They were putting themselves in danger so that I could learn how to use a power that I hardly comprehended.
Kane’s face softened as he approached me. Melissa, don’t hold yourself responsible for this. Together, we are in this.
“I simply… The words “I don’t want anyone else to get hurt” broke my heart.
His hand touched my shoulder. Each of us has decided. You must now concentrate on yours.
I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded. “Be cautious when you’re out there.”
He turned to lead the group into the jungle after saying, “You too.”
I said a silent prayer as they vanished into the trees.
I stood with the artefact by myself back in the war room. Its light pulsed more quickly now, as though it could sense my uncertainty.
“What do you want me to understand?” I reached out to touch it and whispered.
I felt a rush of energy as soon as my fingers touched its surface. Memories of the Heart of Creation, my struggles, and my worries raced across my thoughts.
The power of the relic was more than simply a tool; it was alive and connected to me in ways I couldn’t quite understand.
I said out loud, “You’re connected to the Heart.” “And you can be controlled by me.”
However, there was a price. My life force, my divine nature, was the source of the energy I had previously sensed. I would be sacrificing a piece of myself if I used the relic.
Elena limped in, her face white but resolute, as the door creaked open. “You don’t have to do this alone, Melissa.”
I gave a headshake. No one else, in my opinion, can. I’m connected to the relic. To my abilities.”
Despite the dread in her eyes, she spoke steadily as she said, “Then you’ll have to use it.” However, you underestimate your strength. You’ll overcome this.
I took courage from her words and nodded. “I’m grateful, Elena.”
I inhaled deeply, put both hands on the relic, and allowed its energy to fill me.
The relic’s energy surged, filling the room with dazzling light. My entire body seemed to be on fire, with strength pulsing through every neuron.
“Elissa!” Elena’s voice seemed far away and nearly lost in the cacophony of activity.
I sent the energy outward, concentrating on the relationship between the relic and my abilities. Around me, the light grew brighter by the second, forming a sphere.
The roars of the enemy and the clash of claws were the noises of battle I could hear outside. Although Kane and the others were holding the line, I was unsure of their endurance.
When the energy peaked, I let it out with a scream. From the relic, a surge of energy swept through the sanctuary and beyond.
There was silence for a while. Then the ground trembled with a thunderous roar.
I dropped to my knees, my strength spent. Elena raced to my side, her face pale with fear.
“Melissa, are you okay?”
“I… I don’t know,” I said quietly, my voice barely a whisper.
Before I could say more, the ground trembled again. The relic’s radiance got ferocious, its energy surging out of control.
“Return!” I yelled as the walls began to split.
The power of the unstable relic threatened to wipe out everything. Furthermore, I wasn’t sure if I could stop it.