Chapter 71: The Weight of a Leader
Melissa’s POV
The night was hauntingly calm as I stood by the flickering fire and watched the flames dance in the cool breeze. My mind was divided between duty and the agony of what I had to do, and my chest felt heavy. I kept thinking about what the goddess had said. You have to give yourself up to save them.
I turned as I heard footsteps behind me and saw Kane coming. His black eyes looked closely at me.
He said, “Since the meeting, you have been aloof.” “What’s happening, Melissa?”
I clutched my arms and turned my head away. “Nothing’. I’m just pondering.
He sighed in frustration. I recognize you, Melissa. Something is being concealed by you.
I took a deep breath. I was unable to hide it from him. No more.
I confessed, “The goddess spoke to me.”
Kane tensed. “And?”
With trepidation, I inhaled. “I can stop Alaric with my power, but at a cost,” she added.
His face grew serious. “How much does it cost?”
“My life.”
We were separated by a dense, oppressive silence. Kane’s jaw tightened as his hands balled into fists.
“No,” he firmly said. “Not.”
He retreated when I grabbed for him. “Kane…”
“You believe I’ll just watch you perish?” His tone was piercingly emotional. Melissa, you are everything to me. I won’t let you go.
My eyes were burning from tears, but I refused to back down. “I must save the pack if it means it.”
Angrily, he shook his head. “We’ll figure something else out. I’ll find a different approach.
I touched his chest and could feel the pounding of his heart beneath my fingertips. “I don’t want to die, Kane. But I must be prepared if this is the only option.
His eyes were intense, and his hands cupped my face. “I can’t do this without you. I won’t.
I let a tear fall down my cheek. “You must. You have to guide them if I’m not there.
With an almost painful grip, Kane drew me into his arms. “We fight together. We share a home. Together, we also manage to survive. Melissa, make me a promise. Make me a promise that you won’t act carelessly.
After a moment of hesitation, I muttered, “I swear.”
However, I secretly doubted my ability to fulfill that commitment.
The following morning, the sanctuary was bustling with activity. Elders made protection spells, medics arranged supplies, and warriors sharpened their weapons. There was an odd calm in the face of the impending conflict, as though everyone had come to terms with their lot.
I stopped as I passed through the camp to see how my guys were doing.
Elena hurried over and called, “Melissa.” “Everything is nearly prepared. However, morale She gave a headshake. “People are scared.”
I gave a nod. “Then let’s remind them of the reason for our fight.”
The warriors were assembled in the courtyard. I inhaled deeply as I ascended onto a wooden platform.
I started by saying, “We all know what we’re facing.” “Alaric wishes to destroy us.” to change the world to reflect them. We won’t allow them to, though. Thus our combined might is greater. Because we stand up for people who are unable to. For our departed loved ones, our families, and our future.
With a murmur of agreement, the crowd’s excitement increased.
“It’s normal to feel afraid,” I added. However, we can’t allow it to rule us. We’ll be united. And we won’t shatter!
The crowd let forth a cry of approval. Kane moved forward and touched my shoulder.
“We fight for our home tonight,” he declared. We shall also prevail.
With eyes blazing with renewed resolve, the fighters pounded their fists to their chests.
A scout hurried ahead, panting, as the crowd broke up.
“Hey, Melissa! Kane! Damon’s army survivors are nearing the gates!
My heart was racing. Before he turned against them, Damon had served as Alaric’s second-in-command. When his forces collapsed, they had been massacred. I didn’t think any would survive.
We hurried to the gates, where a handful of injured fighters stood with exhausted but resolute looks. A tall man with a slung arm stepped forward.
His voice was scratchy as he replied, “We have no home left.” However, we still have a goal. We were betrayed by Alaric. We wish to assist you in eliminating them.
Kane gave them a cautious look. “What makes you worthy of our trust?”
The man went on his knees. “Because we’ve witnessed the atrocities Alaric has in store.” Additionally, we have knowledge that can help you succeed.
I gave Kane a quick look before moving forward. Tell us everything, then.
Before we could fully comprehend the new information, a scout with a terrified expression rushed into the war room.
“They’ve arrived!” he exclaimed. “The sanctuary is being attacked by Alaric’s forces!”
Chaos broke out in the room. With a rush of adrenaline, I snatched up my guns.
“How many?” Kane insisted.
“Hundreds.” Perhaps more.
Distant screams flooded the air as a tremendous boom shook the land. I felt my gut tighten.
Elena exclaimed in terror, “We’re not prepared for this.”
I gripped my blade and whispered, “We have no choice.” “We protect our house. Regardless.
Kane faced the fighters. “Assign everyone to their proper positions! Protect the gates!
We hurried out. Smoke had darkened the sky, and fires licked at the forest’s edge. An army of renegade wolves, witches, and monsters moved through the trees as shadows. Alaric was standing in the middle, grinning slyly.
“Melissa, time is up,” they called. “Are you prepared to pass away?”
With a racing heart, I raised my sword. “Come and see for yourself.”
The conflict had already started.
The first wave of enemies charged as a terrible roar shattered the atmosphere. The sanctuary turned into a battlefield, as chaos, magic, and blood burst all around us.