Chapter 108: The Definitive Moment
Melissa’s POV
Like an iron cage, Darius’s strength encircled me and attempted to pull me back under his authority.
“Submit, Melissa,” he said in a firm, piercing voice. “You can’t fight your current self.”
I tightened my palms into fists and gritted my teeth. I tried to liberate myself, but the darkness inside me twisted. It had clung to my soul like a parasite and been a part of me for too long.
However, I was no longer his puppet.
Despite the crushing weight of his authority, I stepped closer and said, “You think you own me.” “You expect me to comply with your wishes as before.”
Darius’s ruby eyes glowed as he grinned. “You’ll. You always do.
I felt a sudden surge of blackness that encircled my legs and dragged me downward. The voices of the shadows were smooth and enticing as they whispered.
Remain with us.
You are his property.
You have power because of him.
“No!” I pushed back and screamed. My body shook, locked in a struggle between the truth I had finally seen and the darkness within me.
The darkness grew tighter around my throat as Darius raised his hand. “Madela, you’re still weak.”
I struggled as I gasped, but something within me resisted breaking. In my chest, the previous golden flame flickered, but it wasn’t powerful enough.
Not quite yet.
With a hushed voice, Darius leaned closer. “You require me.”
With fire in my veins, I looked him in the eye. “No,” I stutteringly said. “I must be free.”
Despite the ripples, the blackness persisted.
Darius smiled icily. “I’ll break you first, then.”
The battlefield was pierced by a brilliant flare.
The shadows released their hold as soon as Darius turned, and I began to breathe heavily.
Three figures-Zephyr, Lydia, and Kane-rushed forward.
“Elissa!” Kane called in a frantic tone.
With her hands lifted, Lydia fought aside the encroaching darkness with a shield of light. Zephyr was standing next to her, staring at Darius.
With a growl, Zephyr said, “You are not taking her.”
Amused, Darius laughed. “Oh, how heartwarming. A rescue attempt He gave me a smirking look. Melissa doesn’t require rescue. Do you, sweetheart?
I paused. I was still being pulled back by the whispering shadows.
The roar was broken by Kane’s voice. “Listen to me, Melissa. He created you, but you are more than that. You are not his property.
My heart was racing.
Lydia moved forward. With firmness, she stated, “You have a choice.” Join us. Fight this.
Zephyr’s piercing golden eyes become softer. “We are still available to you.”
Everything suddenly felt like it was pressing in. The darkness’s weight. My inner voices. My chest’s golden glow is still too faint to burn through.
Kane grabbed me. “Please take my hand, Melissa.”
I desired to.
I had to.
However, the shadows pulled me back when Darius snapped his fingers.
As the battlefield disappeared, engulfed by darkness once more, I let out a scream.
I gasped for air and fell hard to the ground.
I felt completely alone as the darkness grew thicker around us.
Over me, Darius stood with an inconceivable gaze.
“Melissa, this is where you belong,” he said with ease. “With me. Not them.
I fought to get up, but the darkness kept me down. “I am not someone’s property.”
Darius knelt next to me and cocked his head. You’re perplexed. When no one else could give you strength, I did. I gave you strength.
I retaliated sharply, “You used me.”
He darkened his crimson eyes. “And you flourished there.” He leaned closer. “Melissa, you are still mine.”
With my heart racing, I averted my gaze. “No, I’m not.”
Darius shook his head and moaned. “So I guess I have no option.”
The air became heavy as he stood up.
“You can’t make up your mind until the next sunrise.”
My stomach grew constricted.
Darius’s voice became as piercing as a knife. “If you choose me, you will rule with me. Select them. He grinned. “And I’ll ruin everything you cherish.”
I felt a chill go through me.
Kane. Lydia. Zephyr. Those who had stood up for me.
Darius’s eyes shone brightly. “When I tear Kane’s heart from his chest, how long will he last?”
I lost my temper.
The shadows were broken by a blast of golden light that burst from me. I stumbled to my feet, rebellion searing through my entire body.
Darius’s face contorted with anger.
“Melissa, this is your last chance,” he hissed. “Make a decision.”
In an explosion of air and light, the battlefield reappeared.
I faced Darius as I stood in the middle.
Behind me stood Zephyr, Kane, and Lydia, their gaze a mixture of terror and hope.
Darius held out his hand. The shadows collected, poised to attack. “Last chance.”
I inhaled deeply.
Then I looked into his eyes.
“I choose neither,” I said.
Darius’s eyes became wide with surprise. “What?”
When I raised my palm, the golden power burst forth, engulfing everything in dazzling light instead of flickering.
As the golden flames smashed into Darius, he roared with anger, and for the first time-
He stumbled back.