Chapter 97: The Oath of Blood
Melissa’s POV
I stared at my hands as I sat on the chilly stone stairs of the old ruins. I could still feel the dark lines on my skin, albeit they had somewhat faded. A few steps away, Kane stood with his arms folded and his face displaying obvious irritation.
Melissa, you’re not some evil queen. Kane firmly stated, “You’re not meant for destruction,” and took a step forward. “You are my Luna, my mate.”
Though the voices in my head told me otherwise, I wanted to believe him. Something had changed inside of me ever since we had reached the lost city. It seemed as though an invisible force was pressing down on my soul, making me feel heavier.
“Kane… But what if they’re correct? My voice faltered. “What if my salvation was never intended?”
His hands were on my shoulders as he knelt before me. “You’re not lost. You’re not a bad person. Determination blazed in his golden eyes. “We’ll fight this.”
I took a deep breath, but uncertainty was already starting to grow inside of me.
In the morning, the message from the otherworldly council arrived.
At the city’s entrance, a lone warrior in silver armor emerged from a line of soldiers. His voice reverberated through the ruins as he unfolded a scroll and read aloud.
“The council has made a statement. This declares Melissa Cade a danger to the paranormal realm. Either she will give up or war will break out.
Our little group let out a gasp. Zephyr’s face clouded as Lydia gripped her staff more tightly. In front of me, Kane took a defensive stride.
“This is insane,” snarled Kane. “She hasn’t earned this at all!”
The warrior maintained a grim expression. She is becoming more powerful. She won’t be able to control it soon. The council avoids negotiating with disorder.
My hands clenched as my heart raced. I gritted my teeth and muttered, “I am not a monster.” “This is not what I asked for.”
The warrior didn’t respond. There was a quiet thicker than any battle cry as he just turned and walked away.
Kane’s jaw clenched as he turned to face me. “We’re not going to run.”
I muttered, “I don’t want to run.” “But I also don’t want a war.”
Zephyr took a step closer, grim comprehension shining in his eyes. “There might be an alternative.”
Zephyr guided us to the center of the ruins, where an old and weathered stone altar stood. On its surface, strange glyphs flashed dimly.
He started by saying, “There is a ritual, an oath of blood that binds one’s fate.” You might be able to control the darkness if you take it. However, the price is high.
I paused. “How much does it cost?”
Zephyr’s face was unintelligible. The oath requires selflessness. You’ll give up a piece of yourself permanently. And you will be consumed by the darkness if you fail.
The tension in the air increased. Between me and the altar, Kane moved. “No. Not at all.
My heart ached as I gazed at him. “I have to try if this is the only way to stop what’s coming.”
He took hold of my hands and squeezed them firmly. “I will not permit you to do this.”
My eyes were burning with tears, but I drew back. “Kane… I can’t keep acting like this will end. I must assume command before it’s too late.
I was standing in front of the altar with a dagger in my shaking hand when the moon was high in the sky. This time, Kane was by my side, his face etched with concern, but he did not attempt to stop me.
Zephyr’s words were powerful and spoken in an old language. The energy in the air crackled around us.
I inhaled deeply before pressing the blade to my palm. Blood swelled, and the searing sting hardly registered. I reached my hand over the altar and let my blood fall onto the stone, my heart thumping.
The symbols flared with flaming fire as soon as the first drop touched the surface. I felt a rush of energy that was so powerful it almost knocked me down.
A dark, silky voice murmured in my head, and I gasped.
“You weren’t supposed to be his queen. I was destined to have you.
The world went dark, and I felt a sharp agony in my chest.