Chapter 8: Betrayals and Bonds
Melissa's POV
As I stood in the middle of the sanctuary, attempting to call forth the golden light that had saved me during the battle, the energy swarmed around me. Even though my hands were shaking, nothing happened.
From a distance, Kane remarked, "Focus, Melissa," in a firm but steady voice. He stood with his arms folded, observing everything I did.
"I'm paying attention! With frustration rising, I yelled. It's not as though I possess a manual on divine abilities!"
His face softened a little as he took a step closer. You're thinking too much about it. Let things happen organically instead of attempting to manipulate them like a skill. You are a part of it.
I inhaled deeply and closed my eyes. I tried to get rid of the heavy feeling in my head, but thoughts of Damon, Lyra, and their threats kept coming back.
"It's not functioning! I whirled to Kane and hissed. Perhaps I'm not who you believe me to be. Perhaps this power is an error!"
"It's not an error," Kane said as he moved in closer. "All you need is time."
There is no such thing as time! I replied, my voice cracking. "I can't even bring forth a glimmer of light while Damon and Lyra are out there, preparing something who knows what!"
After hesitating, Kane touched my shoulder. "I am aware of your fear. But Melissa, you underestimate your strength. You've already made it through a lot. This is simply one more battle.
Despite their simplicity, his remarks had a profound effect on me. I wiped away my tears and nodded. "I'll try again."
He smiled at me, a rare little smile. "Good. Because it is not an option to give up.
Hours went by, and I started to feel tired. At last, Kane had let me rest, letting me wander the sanctuary on my own while he went to get ready for more training.
As I strolled around the cave, I saw a dim glow coming from behind a massive stone door at the far end of the room. The cave walls were glowing dimly with an enigmatic light.
I pushed forward out of curiosity. I used all of my effort to push the door open, revealing a secret room full of antiquated artefacts. The walls were adorned with golden symbols, and the energy in the air felt even more intense.
"What is this location? I stepped inside and said.
An elaborate dagger with symbols on its blade that appeared to pulse softly was resting on a pedestal in the middle of the room. An ancient manuscript with worn edges rested next to it.
A piercing voice behind me stopped me in my tracks as I grabbed for the scroll.
"Hey, Melissa! Kane approached the room, his eyes wide with fear, and his voice reverberated across the room. How come you're in here?"
I stumbled, "I... I found it," and moved aside. "What's all this?"
He strolled passed me, his gaze scouring the room. Artifacts from the goddess' era. In the wrong hands, they can be dangerous and powerful.
I gestured at the scroll. "That appears to be a warning."
With caution, Kane lifted it and perused the old book, his mouth clenched. "Betrayal is mentioned."
What sort of treachery? My chest tightened as I asked.
Kane avoided looking at me. "I'm not sure. But we need to be careful."
Something about his tone made my stomach churn. He was holding something back—I could feel it.
Later that night, the sanctuary felt eerily quiet. Since finding the secret room, Kane and I had hardly spoken, and we were clearly at odds.
I was resting on a makeshift bed when I was startled awake by a loud sound.
"Kane? I sat up and called.
A crash reverberated through the sanctuary before he could respond. I leapt to my feet, my pulse thumping.
"It's them!" Kane shouted, his sword already in hand as he rushed past me.
My pulse was racing as I followed. Shadows—Damon's spies—moved swiftly into the main chamber. As Kane and I attempted to repel them, mayhem broke out because they were swift and lethal.
I saw one of the spies moving toward the secret room in the middle of the battle.
"No! I shouted and ran after him.
It was already too late when I arrived at the room. The spy was vanishing into the darkness after snatching up the elaborate dagger.
"Kane! I yelled, but he was too preoccupied fending off more assailants.
I was furious and turned to Kane when the other spies withdrew, taking the relic with them. How were they able to enter? This place was meant to be safe!"
"I don't know," he answered, his voice tight.
But I saw the doubt in his eyes, and mistrust began to sneak into my mind. Someone had allowed them in. Someone close.
"Melissa…" Kane started, but I stopped him off.
"Don't," I pleaded, my voice shaking. "Something isn't right, and you know it. Who in your pack could have betrayed us?"
Kane didn't answer, and his silence spoke volumes.
A chilly breeze blew through the sanctuary as we argued, causing the torches to flicker. The hair on the back of my neck stood up as I froze.
I muttered, "Kane," but he was already aware and prepared with his sword.
As the air glistened, Lyra's image flashed into view, her menacing smile sending shivers down my spine.
Isn't this heartwarming, then? She said, her tone brimming with contempt. The reluctant protector and the rejected mate. What a terrible duo.
"Lyra, what do you want? I stepped up and demanded.
The sound of her laughter reverberated uncannily around the room. I don't want anything, Melissa. I am merely here to convey a message.
Kane snarled and gripped his sword more tightly, saying, "Spare us your games."
"Your child, Melissa… such a precious gift," Lyra said, her eyes glimmering with hatred as she gazed at me. Unfortunately, you won't live long enough to witness its birth.
Anger swept through me, but dread also intruded. "My child will not be touched by you!"
She smiled wickedly and replied, "Oh, but I already have." You're playing straight into my hands with every move and step you take. And all your value will soon be lost.
Her final words reverberated like a terrifying vow as her picture wavered. "Little wolf, the end is closer than you believe. Get ready to fall.
The room fell silent as her image vanished, but the threat she posed remained.
My hands shaking, I turned to face Kane. What happens if she's correct? What if we are powerless to stop her?"
Kane's embrace became unreadable as his jaw tightened. "We'll. We must.
But the nagging anxiety in my heart was not much lessened by his remarks. One thing became evident to me as I surveyed the sanctuary, which was now tarnished by Lyra's threat: the fight was not only against Damon and Lyra but also against the mistrust and treachery that threatened to destroy us.