Chapter 9: The Gathering Storm
Melissa's POV
Wolves with weapons and supplies hurried in and out of the pack's meeting hall, which was bustling with activity. At the centre, Kane stood yelling commands, his customary calm giving way to a sense of urgency.
Sharply, Kane ordered, "Double the patrols around the sanctuary." "We cannot afford to be infiltrated again."
I watched the mayhem unfold while leaning against the distant wall. I had never felt more alone, even though the pack was all around me. Everywhere I went, I heard whispers of distrust, fear, and resentment.
Ethan, Kane's second-in-command, came forward. Are we certain that this is the most effective use of our resources, Kane? He looked at me with thinly veiled contempt, saying, "Protecting her" puts the rest of us in danger.
A few people in the crowd said in agreement. My stomach clenched, but I refused to back down.
Anger flashed in Kane's eyes. "I am responsible for protecting Melissa. Anybody who disputes that will have to answer to me.
The room fell silent, but the tension remained strong.
Ethan glared but said nothing more. Kane turned to the others. "Get ready for Damon's assault. He won't wait long to make his move."
As the meeting dispersed, I caught Kane's eye. He motioned toward the doorway, and I followed him outside into the chilly night air.
"You're not safe here," he remarked frankly, his gaze scouring the trees.
"Really? I hadn't noticed," I said with a bitter laugh.
He frowned. "I'm serious, Melissa. The pack is on edge. Damon's threats, Lyra's games… it's unravelling everything. And the easiest target is you.
I crossed my arms. "So what? Do you want me to go?
Kane paused. "No. However, you must exercise caution. Never put your trust in anyone.
His words simply made the knot in my gut tighter, even though they were supposed to reassure me.
I couldn't sleep that night, so I strolled about the sanctuary. It was silent in the halls, but I heard faint whispers.
I followed the sound out of curiosity and came to a stop just outside a small chamber. I opened the door a crack and looked inside.
Ethan and another pack member stood together, their voices urgent but quiet.
The other wolf remarked, "Ethan, this is insane." "If Kane finds out, he will kill us."
"He won't learn," Ethan yelled. "Damon is offering the girl in return for peace. Do you want to live or do you want to continue fighting his war?
My blood froze. They intended to turn me over.
"And the kid?" inquired the other wolf.
Ethan paused. "Damon remained silent. However, it won't be an issue for us once he gets her.
With my heart racing, I took a step back. I had to let Kane know.
However, the floor creaked beneath me as I turned to go.
"Who is present?" Ethan hurried to the door and barked.
I sprinted back toward my room, my bare feet smacking the stone floor.
Ethan caught up to me just as I was entering the main hall of the sanctuary. I tried to pull away when his fingers clamped around my arm, but it didn't help.
"Give me a break!" Struggling against him, I yelled.
"You ought to have kept quiet," he said, pulling me to the door.
As they watched, other pack members stood close by, their expressions expressionless. Nobody stepped forward to assist.
"Stop, Ethan!" I begged him, but he ignored me.
Before I could come up with a strategy, I felt a searing pain in the back of my skull, and then I was completely engulfed in darkness.
I awoke to find myself in a wet, gloomy room. My head ached and my hands were shackled.
I was overcome with panic, but I made myself remain composed. I wasn't defenceless.
I moved a little as I felt the tiny pin that Kane had given me earlier tucked away in my sleeve. Even though it wasn't much, it made an impression.
I etched a little sign that Kane had taught me, a sign that only he would understand, and pressed the pin into the wooden floor. He would be aware that I had visited if he discovered it.
As soon as I heard footsteps in the hallway, I hid the pin and pretended to be unconscious while the door creaked open.
The voice of Ethan stated, "Take her to Damon."
I was brutally hoisted by strong hands, and I let them go, reserving my strength for the next step.
I had never seen a room like the one I was taken to. There was an altar in the middle, and odd, sparkling runes covered the walls.
Damon was waiting there, looking just as ominous as I remembered. His lips curled into a ruthless smirk as his icy gaze met mine.
"Melissa," he said in a silky yet vile voice. "Hello."
I scowled at him without flinching. "What are you looking for?"
With a laugh, he circled me like a predator. "Isn't it clear? The secret to reviving an old power that will guarantee my domination over all packs lies with you and your offspring.
"You're crazy," I spit out.
He smirked and answered, "Perhaps." "However, madness and genius frequently go hand in hand."
Despite my best efforts, the chains remained in place. Amused, Damon watched.
"Reserve your energy," he said. "It is necessary for the ceremony."
"What is the ritual?" Even though I wasn't sure I wanted the answer, I demanded.
Leaning closer, Damon's breath felt icy across my skin. "The one that will tie your child's and your power to me."
Despite my racing heart, I made myself look him in the eye. "You're never going to prevail. Kane is going to come get me.
I felt shivers down my spine when Damon laughed. "Give him a chance. It will be too late by the time he locates you.
His voice echoing as he ordered his guards, he turned to go. Get her ready for the ceremony. Dawn is when it starts.
I shakily exhaled as the door banged, resolve to solidify in my chest.
I wouldn't allow Damon to prevail. For myself, my child, and everyone who was depending on me, I would find a way out.
However, my determination was put to the test as I surveyed the room. The chains pulsed with an unexplained enchantment and glowed dimly.
Doubt began to creep in for the first time.
Am I capable of doing this?
Melissa's frantic whisper breaks the stillness as the chapter ends.
"I must live. Regardless.