Chapter 93: The Gathering Storm
Melissa’s POV
I put my arms on my knees and sat on the chilly stone steps outside my cabin. Even though the night air was brisk, my chest was still burning with fear.
I couldn’t allow Kane to stay close, despite his best efforts. Not when I didn’t even have confidence in myself.
Not after the incident involving the mirror.
Not after the warrior was discovered dead and covered in my scent.
I felt my fingernails dig into my palms as I balled my fists. I had to go. I had to keep them safe-from myself.
I became anxious at the sound of heavy footfall.
“I knew you would be here.” Despite Kane’s steady voice, I could detect the worry in it.
I didn’t look at him. “You’re not supposed to be here.”
He shifted to sit next to me and whispered, “You say that a lot.”
There was silence between us. He didn’t insist that I glance at him. However, his presence stopped me from slipping into the darkness that was tearing at my thoughts like a solid anchor.
I said in a voice that was hardly audible above a whisper, “I don’t know what’s happening to me.”
Kane let out a breath. “We’ll work it out.”
I gave a headshake. “You’re not getting it. I- My throat constricted. “What I’m seeing… the voice in my head… What if I’m turning into Kane?
He tensed up, but he didn’t recoil. “You are not Darius, Melissa.”
I gave a sour laugh. “How do you know for sure?” My voice broke as I turned to face him. “I woke up covered in blood, Kane! That warrior had my scent all on him. I- My breath caught. “I don’t even recall what took place.”
Kane gently but firmly cupped my face. Then we learn. Together.
Desperate to see doubt, fear, anything that would convince me to flee, I looked into his eyes. But all I saw was steadfast faith.
I cried out, “I can’t risk hurting you.”
He leaned closer, his forehead resting against mine. “Then don’t push me away.”
My eyes filled with tears. He made it sound so simple. But what if the next time I woke up, it was his blood on my hands?
I swallowed hard, pulling away. “Just… give me time.”
Kane’s jaw tensed, but he nodded. “I’ll give you time, Melissa. But not distance.”
I wanted to disagree, but deep down, I knew he wouldn’t listen.
And a part of me-one I was too terrified to acknowledge-didn’t want him to.
I remained to myself for most of the day, avoiding the pack, avoiding Kane. But no matter how much I attempted to escape, the weight of my presence was stifling.
Something inside me was moving.
Something gloomy.
I headed for the training fields as the sun started to drop, hoping that by wearing myself out, my mind would stop making noise. However, I froze as soon as I entered the clearing.
In the distance, a guy was leaning against a tree.
I initially believed that my mind was deceiving me once more. It must have been. Because that man was supposed to be dead, standing there, observing me.
Zephyr.
My breath caught. His clothes were ripped and smeared in dried blood, and his dark hair was messier than I remembered. But the fire in his keen, acute eyes was still there.
“Hi, Melissa.”
I stepped forward unsteadily. “You should be dead by now.”
Zephyr grinned. Yes, indeed. I don’t get along with death.
My chest churned with a mixture of relief and fear. I trusted him, and he had been one of our best fighters. It should have seemed miraculous to see him alive. However, something about his posture-too cautious, too motionless-made my stomach turn.
“Whatever became of you?” I inquired.
Zephyr let out a sigh. “They took me. I believed that I could fight my way out, but let’s just say that the people holding me were not your typical people.
I felt a chill go through me. “Who?”
His face grew serious. “Those who work for the Forsaken.”
I tensed up.
“That isn’t feasible,” I stated. “Darius has passed away.”
Zephyr gave a headshake. “Darius was just the start.”
I felt a chill creep up my back.
“I don’t get it,” I said.
Zephyr stepped forward. “Melissa, something terrible is about to happen. Despite their strength, the Forsaken weren’t the real danger. They only represented a small portion of what has been lurking in the background.
I balled my fists up. “Why are you stating this to me?”
His eyes met me. “Because the key is you.”
I felt sick to my stomach.
“What are you discussing?”
Zephyr’s voice was frantic and low. “You have something inside of you that they desire. They will figure out what it is if you don’t.
My head ached sharply, and then I heard whispers creep into my thoughts. Light but recognizable.
Was it your intention to get rid of me?
I clutched my temples as I gasped.
Melissa? Zephyr’s voice was so far away that I could hardly hear it over the fog.
I closed my eyes tightly, hoping the sound would cease. But there it was, teasing, laughing.
Zephyr had a look on his face that I never expected to see when I opened my eyes again.
A piercing cry reverberated through the darkness as soon as Zephyr’s words became clear to me. It was a signal, not a cry of alarm.
There was an impending event.
In an instant, Kane was by my side, his muscles taut. “Remain behind me,” he commanded.
But I wasn’t going to hide.
As individuals appeared out of the shadows, the warriors of the pack rushed into the clearing, establishing a defensive line. They were exuding strength, suffocating.
Five figures moved forward, all wearing dark cloaks. A few feet from us, their commander, a towering man with silver eyes and an air of unadulterated power, came to a halt.
Kane gave a deep growl. “Who are you?”
Ignoring him, the man turned to face me. “Cade, Melissa.”
I felt an odd pressure build up in my chest.
“Yes,” I replied, trying to maintain a steady tone of voice.
His eyes were sharp. “The Council of Elders hereby summons you.”
A whisper echoed across the group. The most formidable supernatural leaders, including witches, wolves, and even ancient creatures that had governed long before humanity, comprised the Council.
Kane said in a stern tone. “Called in for what?”
The man’s face remained unchanged. “For assessment.”
My breath caught.
I took a step forward. “What is the judgment for?”
The envoy’s gaze grew gloomy. “You pose a danger.”
The air became heavy. My heart was racing.
Kane growled. “No one is in danger from Melissa.”
He did not recoil. Why, then, is the darkness holding on to her? Why does her name get spoken by the dead?
I took a deep breath.
Kane’s hand gripped my wrist more tightly. “She won’t be leaving.”
The envoy remained still. “So you’re not following the Council’s rules.”
The air crackled with tension. Behind us, the fighters tensed up, bracing for battle.
Zephyr’s voice hardly made a sound. “Kane, you can’t defeat them.”
However, Kane refused to give up. She is my partner. I’ll keep her safe.
Something inscrutable flared in the envoy’s silver eyes. Then he spoke the words that made my blood run cold.
“We will take her against her will if she does not come voluntarily.”
The ensuing hush was deafening.
I sensed that everyone was watching me. Awaiting. Anticipating.
I turned to face Kane. His wolf was hardly restrained inside his skin, and his frame was tight with rage. He would defend me-even risk his life for me.
However…
I looked over at the diplomat. “What will happen to me if I accompany you?”
The man’s face was still unreadable. “That depends.”
“On what?” I pushed.
His eyes shone like silver. “On whether you are still who you are.”
A cold feeling went through me.
Kane took hold of my hand. “Don’t listen to them, Melissa.”
However, skepticism was already beginning to sneak in.
The blood on my hands came back to me. The murmurs in my mind. I was mocked by the way my reflection had smiled at me.
I took a trembling breath.
“How about if they are correct?” I muttered.
Kane’s gaze flickered. “What?”
I looked at my shaking hands as I raised them. “What if I am dangerous?”
His hold on me intensified. “You are my mate. No matter what is going on with you, we will find a solution. Together.
However, a voice in the recesses of my mind chuckled viciously.
Melissa, are you certain about that?
The diplomat moved forward. “Make a decision now.”
Kane had a desperate hold on me. “Elissa-”
I took a deep breath.
The words that broke the world around me were then whispered by myself.
“Perhaps they are correct. I might be hazardous.