Chapter 68: Uncovering the Ancient Enemy
Melissa’s POV
There was cautious jubilation throughout the camp. While some survivors bandaged their wounds, others related tales of briefly driving the enemy back. Like a balm after a storm, a feeling of relief permeated the atmosphere.
I watched as the warriors cheered and laughed close to the heart of the sanctuary. With a slight smile on his normally grim visage, Kane came closer.
“You succeeded,” he replied with joy in his voice. The tide was turned by that surge of power. The adversary withdrew.
I gave a headshake. “Kane, it’s not quite over yet. Only a small portion of their soldiers were involved. They’ll get back together and return stronger the next time.
Kane touched my shoulder in a comforting manner. “We’ll be prepared after that. We now have hope because of you.
Elena approached with two water cups. She handed one to me and said, “Here.” “You should drink plenty of water after exerting that much energy.”
With a feeble smile, I accepted the cup. “I’m grateful, Elena.”
But the air surrounding us changed before I could get a drink. The cheers were muffled as a chilly, crushing force weighed down on the camp. A thick, oppressive dread took the place of the laughter.
“What is that?” With his gaze darting to the horizon, Kane whispered.
Then a loud, mocking voice rang out over the atmosphere.
“Did you truly believe that this was the end?”
The faces of the people assembled in the wide field were white with terror. Out of the shadows sprang a black creature, whose presence radiated an unearthly force that made my skin crawl.
A tall, shrouded figure with glowing crimson eyes emerged as the figure moved forward. Their voice was crisp and silky, like a dagger slicing through the quiet.
With a sarcastic sneer on their lips, they spoke the words, “Foolish little wolves.” “You rejoice as though you’ve triumphed, but this is just the start.”
“Who are you?” Kane stepped protectively in front of me and demanded.
The figure laughed. You can refer to me as Alaric. The armies you’ve been battling so valiantly have me as their real boss. And you have been a real pain in my side, Melissa, my dear.
I felt a shiver go down my spine as Alaric’s eyes focused on mine. They had oppressive, crushing power.
“What are you looking for?” I asked, trying to keep my voice calm.
Alaric cocked their head, pretending to be interested. “Oh, not much. Simply give up. This little revolt of yours is funny, but it’s pointless, you see. You have no chance of opposing me.
I tightened my fists as the audience moaned in terror. “We will never give in to you!”
Alaric grinned. “Very brave of you, kid. But when you know what you’re up against, let’s see how courageous you are.
I felt a surge of dark energy as Alaric held up a hand. I was no longer standing in the sanctuary as my surroundings changed.
The sky seemed black and ominous when I found myself in a wide, barren wasteland. I couldn’t quite hear the whispers the shadows whispered as they travelled across the earth.
“Where am I?” I whirled around and whispered.
Another voice said, “You’re in the past.” I recognized the voice-it was the Heart of Creation-but it wasn’t Alaric’s.
Images of an old conflict between wolves and a terrifying, dark-clad person started to appear in the atmosphere.
The Heart said, “That’s Alaric.” An ancient entity that aimed to maintain a power balance. Although they suffered a single defeat, their core was never totally obliterated.
As I watched, the wolves put up a brave fight, but Alaric’s overwhelming might win out.
“Why are you displaying this to me?” My voice trembled as I asked.
It answered, “Because you are linked to the Heart.” “You are the only one who can stop Alaric, but it will cost you dearly.”
The vision faded before I could inquire what that meant, and I found myself back in the sanctuary with the sound of Alaric’s laughter echoing in my ears.
Alaric’s voice pierced the atmosphere. “You realize your place now that you’ve seen who I am, don’t you?”
Despite the fear that was rushing through me, I stood tall. “We’ll engage in combat. Whatever it takes.
Alaric’s eyes were bright with laughter. “Oh, I didn’t anticipate anything less. However, I’m not here to fight just yet. I’m here to provide you with an option.
As Alaric’s next remarks reverberated like a death knell, the audience held their breath.
Melissa, give yourself up. If you voluntarily accompany me, I’ll save your priceless baggage. If you don’t, I’ll destroy them all.
The audience gasped, as Kane moved forward, his eyes burning with rage. “It’s unrealistic to think she will trust you!”
Alaric looked at me and ignored him. “You have a choice, Melissa. You have until tomorrow at sunset.
The camp became silent in shock as they disappeared into the darkness.
Kane turned to face me, his face a mixture of worry and rage, and I felt like I had a hundred eyes on me.
He questioned, “What are we going to do?”
I had nothing to say. I only knew that time was running out and that I was responsible for the fate of everyone I loved.