Chapter 4: Broken and Betrayal
Melissa's POV
With my hands shaking and hovering over my stomach, I gazed at my image in the broken mirror. There was no place for denial when the knowledge of my pregnancy overtook me. The idea that my child, a piece of Kane, was developing inside of me was both reassuring and horrifying.
Fear clutching my heart, I muttered to myself, "I have to keep this a secret."
Damon was brutal. I had no idea what he would do to me or my child if he found out. I encircled myself with my arms, as though to protect the life inside.
I jumped when the door creaked open. One of Damon's guards was there, his expression cold. "Please come to the main hall, Alpha Damon requests."
I forced myself to keep my cool and nodded. "I'll be there shortly."
I let out a shaky breath as he walked away. I required a strategy. Another effort at escape. With this secret, I couldn't stay here.
There was a lot of tension in the dimly lighted main hall. To avoid detection, I stayed in the shadows. A woman in flowing black robes was the one Damon was talking to. I felt cold just being around her.
With a smooth and uncanny voice, the woman questioned, "Is she the one?"
Damon gave a nod. She is descended from the wolf goddess. We will start the ceremony as soon as the marriage is firmly established.
My heart stopped beating. A custom? My union with Damon was a trap, not only a political ploy.
The woman went on, "She's more valuable than she realizes." "But we'll have to find another way to get her power if she doesn't comply."
My head racing, I gripped the post for support. This woman was who? What did she mean when she said, "extract her power"?
Damon grinned. She won't hold back for very long. She is too frail.
Weak. Although the word was painful, it strengthened my resolve. I wouldn't allow them to use me for anything, not even for their plots.
I slid out of the hall, backing away silently so as not to attract notice. As I shut the door, my hands trembled. I had to leave right away.
Damon stormed into my room later that night, his face gloomy. I froze and put a hand on my stomach out of instinct.
His eyes narrowed as he said, "You've been acting strange." "What do you have to hide?"
"Nothing," I hurriedly said, maintaining my composure despite the panic that was rising within me.
His presence was oppressive as he moved closer. "Melissa, you made a mistake by lying to me."
I swallowed forcefully, not giving up. "I can't say anything to you."
Damon's attitude changed as his eyes fell to my stomach. His hand bruised my wrist as he grasped it. "You're expecting, are you not?"
I tried to draw away as I gasped. "Give me a break!"
His voice was poisoned, and he tightened his hold. "Don't you bear Kane's child? Will I let this betrayal go unpunished, in your opinion?
"It's not betrayal!" With tears running down my cheeks, I yelled. I was coerced into this marriage by you! You have nothing to do with this youngster!
With a shove, Damon let go of me as his eyes clouded. "Everything I've fought for is in danger because of that child. You're wrong if you think I'll let it go.
I was torn between wrath and fear. I defiantly met his eyes and squared my shoulders. "I will not allow you to harm my child."
He grinned icily. "You won't be able to choose."
He summoned his guards before I could respond. Go to the dungeon with her. Give her time to reflect on her errors.
The air was thick with hopelessness, and the cell was gloomy and wet. I sat with my arms securely encircling my midsection on the chilly stone floor.
I muttered, "Don't worry, little one." "I'll make sure we leave this place. I swear.
I stiffened when I heard footsteps echoing down the hallway. A lunch dish was passed between the bars by a guard. Even though he avoided eye contact, I could tell he hesitated.
"Please," I muttered. "Assist me. I must leave this place.
He looked around uneasily and then shook his head. "I am unable to. If Damon discovers...
With tears in my eyes, I begged, "Please, please." "My child will be killed by him."
After a moment of hesitation and a troubled expression, the guard turned and left.
With my hopes fading, I sagged against the wall. I resisted being broken by the gloom that surrounded me.
"Kane," I said in a scarcely apparent whisper. "Please locate me if you ever cared, even a little. Save me.
My determination grew stronger as the hours passed. I wouldn't hold out for a rescuer. My child and I needed to be saved.
I froze as I noticed a dim glimmer in the cell's corner. It was delicate, nearly undetectable, but it gave me a peculiar sense of power and warmth.
A glimmer of optimism appeared in my eyes for the first time in days.
Melissa was left in startled stillness as the glow became stronger for a few minutes before vanishing. Was that a sign? A sneak peek at the power Damon and the witch were trying to use?
Melissa's resolve hardened as she tightened her fists. Although she was unsure of the source of the light, she was certain that she was strong. No more.
A defiant smirk crossed Melissa's lips as the faint echo of Damon's laughter reached her cell.
Her voice was firm and calm as she whispered, "I will protect my child." "No matter the cost."