Chapter 70: The Ultimatum of the Enemy
Melissa’s POV
As I stood unmoved, their words ingraining themselves in my thoughts, the dark energy swirling around Alaric pulsed menacingly. In addition to eliminating the wolves, they intended to conquer the entire supernatural world using the remains of the Heart of Creation.
Alaric’s voice was harsh and patronizing as he said, “Melissa.” Can you see it now? This goes beyond your pack. The goal is to transform the world. Your sort is archaic and stuck in the past. Progress is what I envision.
I balled my fists. “Advances? Is mass destruction considered progress?
Alaric grinned and moved in closer, their red eyes gleaming more intensely. Sometimes, only the ashes of the old world can give life to a new one. I shall have all I need to make sure this new age starts thanks to the strength of the Heart of Creation.
Despite the anxiety churning in my chest, I took a step forward and spoke steadily. And what about the folks you ruin along the way? Packs, families, lives? Will you give them up for your purported advancement?
Their chilly, hollow laughter reverberated around the area. For the sake of the larger good, sacrifices must be made. Melissa, stop being so self-righteous. You are aware of the price of electricity.
Even though their words weighed heavily on me, I refused to back down. “You’re mistaken if you think I’ll let you do this.”
Amused, Alaric arched an eyebrow. “You believe that you can stop me? You hardly know how powerful you are, much less how to use it against me. Behind them, they pointed to the whirling energy. “Melissa, this is the start of the end for you. Embrace it or perish trying.
As I informed Kane and the other pack leaders of Alaric’s plans, the tension inside the sanctuary was evident. After I concluded, the room went silent as the threat posed by the adversary weighed heavily on all of us.
The stillness was broken first by Kane. “We cannot simply watch helplessly as they do this. Before it’s too late, we must strike their stronghold and put an end to this.
Elena scowled. “That’s not as simple as it seems. We are outnumbered and outpowered by Alaric’s forces. Shaking her head, she trailed off.
“There’s nothing we can do,” Kane yelled. “There won’t be anything left to fight for later if we don’t fight now.”
An elder cleared his throat. Suicide is a direct attack. Something that will divert Alaric’s focus long enough for us to hit him where it hurts is what we need.
Everyone looked at me. I took a deep breath, already aware of their thoughts.
“You want me to divert their attention,” I said.
Kane gave a fierce shake of his head. “No. Not at all. It’s too risky.
I looked him in the eye and spoke steadily. It’s the sole option. Alaric is concentrating on me. You might get the opportunity to attack if I can hold their interest.
Elena gave me a worried glance. Are you sure, Melissa? You would be stepping right into their trap.
I forced myself to remain composed and nodded. “I’m positive. This surpasses me in size. It’s worth it if it provides us an opportunity to stop them.
Kane struck the table with his fist. Melissa, this isn’t a game! You’re putting your life in danger!
I put a hand on his arm and reached out. And I’m prepared to do so. Believe me, Kane. I can do this.
He nodded reluctantly, his jaw clenched in exasperation. “All right. However, you’re not entering by yourself. We’ll be at your heels, prepared to attack.
I needed time to collect my thoughts, so I went away to the forest’s edge while the others worked on their ideas. I closed my eyes and allowed the cold night air to soothe my racing thoughts as the moonlight softly illuminated the clearing.
A gentle, sweet voice called, “Melissa.”
When my eyes opened, I saw the wolf goddess, her shape glimmering with a mystical radiance.
“You’ve arrived,” I said.
She nodded, a calm yet melancholy look on her face. “My child, it’s time for you to confront reality. Alaric and their schemes can only be destroyed by your power.
I scowled. However, I’m not even sure how to utilize it correctly. How am I meant to prevent them?
Her eyes grew softer. “The Heart of Creation is connected to your strength. You have to make the ultimate sacrifice to properly use it.
She said something that made me shiver. “Sacrifice?”
Slowly, she nodded. “You have to sacrifice yourself to put an end to the evil that Alaric has let loose. The equilibrium will only be reestablished after that.
As her words took hold, my heart raced in my chest. “There must be an alternative. I can’t simply abandon everyone.
She maintained a composed yet forceful expression. “Melissa, you have been selected. This is your fate. You have a decision but be aware that you hold the power to decide the future of your people and the entire supernatural universe.
I turned my head away, tears in my eyes, the weight of her words like a mountain weighing down on me. “I’m not sure if I can pull this off.”
She took a step forward and touched my shoulder. “You underestimate your strength. Have faith in both you and those who support you.
She then vanished, leaving me in the clearing by myself, struggling with the weight of my choice.
The others were still together and working on their plans when I got back to the sanctuary. The first to notice me was Kane, who had a worried yet relieved look on his face.
His voice was low as he said, “Where did you go?”
I forced a tiny smile and said, “I needed some air.”
After examining me for a while, he nodded. “We are prepared to proceed. Are you?
I paused, fearing that my secret might be revealed. I couldn’t tell them yet, though. They wouldn’t allow me to carry it out if they knew the truth.
Despite the fury roaring inside of me, I said, “I’m ready,” in a firm voice.
I stood at the edge of the room and watched the pack leaders with a sorrowful heart as they completed their plans. They trusted me to guide them to victory, and they were counting on me.
However, they were unaware of the cost I would incur.
As we got ready to confront Alaric and their army, the night grew darker. Knowing what was ahead made my heart hurt, but I forced myself to ignore my dread and concentrate on the work at hand.
I inhaled deeply as the first rays of light peaked through the trees, bracing myself for the moment.
It was this. The last conflict.
And I was prepared to give up everything.
I took one final look at Kane, his resolute face imprinted in my mind. “They’ll be safe no matter what,” I said, more to myself than to him.
I then took a step forward, my heart heavy but determined, prepared to confront Alaric and their sinister scheme by myself.