Chapter 69: The Greatest Offering
Melissa’s POV
Alaric’s ultimatum weighed down on me like a crushing tsunami, and the sanctuary was silent. I paced close to the main fire pit, my mind racing with doubt and anxiety. How could I decide between preserving myself and preserving my people?
Elena’s voice broke the silence. “You can’t be considering seeing them, Melissa. It’s a trap!
I paused my pacing and looked at her. “Do you believe I’m unaware of that? However, what options do I have? They will assault me if I don’t leave. We’ve lost a lot already. Can we afford to lose that many more?
Kane came over, his jaw clenched in exasperation. “We will battle them. We can persevere because we have already come this far together. You don’t need to give up anything for this.
My voice was shaking as I looked him in the eye. What if we are unable to? What if Alaric carries out their threat and destroys us? Kane, I can’t bear that guilt.
He touched my shoulder firmly. “You’re not by yourself. We’ll figure something other out. I will not allow you to into their hands like a martyr.
Elena gave a nod. Together, we are more powerful. Everything we have battled for will be for nothing if you give up now.
Their remarks simultaneously made me feel warm and hopeless. Even though I wanted to believe them, time was running out and Alaric’s shadow was hanging over us all.
Tension buzzed in the air inside the meeting room. Kane, the other pack leaders, and the elders had convened to talk about the matter, but the discussion soon turned into a furious dispute.
One elder yelled, “This is insane!” and slammed his fist against the table. “We cannot allow her to leave. That is just what the adversary desires!
“So, what is your plan?” Another broke. “Warrior to the death? When there is an opportunity to save them, why sacrifice everyone?
Kane let out a low-pitched growl. “Enough! We won’t get somewhere by arguing.
Everyone’s attention was on him, and the room became quiet.
Kane went on, “Melissa is our hope, not just our Alpha.” “We must carefully consider our next course of action.”
After a moment of hesitation, I spoke. “What if I go by myself? We may use the opportunity to bolster our defences or come up with a different strategy to halt Alaric.
“No!” Kane’s voice was direct and piercing. “I will not permit it.”
An elder let out a deep sigh. We don’t have many choices, but it’s a risky gamble. We are running out of time, and the enemy’s forces are too strong.
Elena took a step forward and spoke steadily. “We need a strategy to support Melissa if she chooses to leave. She won’t deal with this on her own.
Kane’s eyes were filled with pain as he gazed at me. Melissa, you don’t have to do this. We’ll figure something other out.
I gave a headshake. “I’ve decided on something. For the time being, this is the only method to keep the packets safe.
The sanctuary was covered in deep shadows as the sun sank low on the horizon. My heart was heavy yet determined as I stood at the edge of the woodland.
Kane came over, his face inscrutable. “Are you serious, aren’t you?”
I gave a nod. It’s the sole option. They will assault me if I don’t, and we won’t have a chance.
He gently but firmly took hold of my arm. “You’ve entered the lion’s den.” Do you get that? Once they have you, Alaric won’t simply let you go.
With a shaky voice, I freed my arm. “I understand. However, it will be worthwhile if I can buy us a little more time.
Kane’s tone grew softer. “You don’t have to bear this weight by yourself, Melissa. We are a group. Together, we stand.
My eyes filled with tears, but I blinked them out. “I can’t allow them to ruin everything we’ve created together, which is why I’m doing this.”
Elena showed in with a tiny talisman in her hand. She put it in my hand and said, “Take this.” It is bewitched. It will give you strength, but it might not stop Alaric.
I turned to my friends after putting the talisman in my pocket. “I’m grateful. For everything.
I took one more look at the sanctuary before entering the jungle, with the consequences of my choice weighing heavily on me.
The air was heavy with tension, and the clearing where Alaric was waiting for me was oddly quiet. Their red eyes gleamed in the gloom as they stood in the middle.
“Ah, Melissa,” Alaric remarked in a mockingly silky voice. “I anticipated you would see reason.”
I took a step forward while maintaining a straight stance despite the terror that was eating away at me. “I’m present. Let my people leave now.
Alaric laughed. “Oh, you don’t understand, my love. It has nothing to do with your people. The goal here is to transform the world into something better.
I felt cold after hearing what they had to say. “What are you discussing?”
A swirling vortex of dark energy materialized behind them as Alaric held up a hand. “The Heart of Creation is a key, not only a source of strength. A secret to opening a new period in which I am king.
I balled my fists up. “This is something you will never get away with.”
They grinned. And who’s going to stop me? You? You’re not even entirely aware of your strength.
The power crackled ominously as the vortex got larger. Alaric shouted in a voice full of hate, “Surrender, Melissa.” “I’ll spare your packs if you join me. If you don’t, I’ll destroy everything you value.
I stepped back, my thoughts whirling. My people’s and the world’s fates were on the line.
I also didn’t know what to do.