Bound by faith the rise of a rejected mate

 Melissa's POV

 Everyone in the pack was busy getting ready for what seemed like an impending onslaught. Nobody in our zone was anxious or apprehensive after Raven's warning. As Dennis organized soldiers and ensured our defences were in place, he was in full command mode. I felt a fresh wave of devotion to him as I saw him leading with such vigour and determination. However, I sensed that recognizable pull in my heart as my eyes strayed to Damon.

 Dennis called, "Melissa," jolting me out of my reverie. "You must be here for me. The defences along the eastern border are being planned.

 I nodded as I approached him, attempting to ignore the conflicting feelings that were roiling within me. Dennis gave me a more subdued than normal look as he looked over at me.

 "Willn't you stay close?" His tone was more vulnerable than I had anticipated when he asked.

 I smiled reassuringly and said, "I will." "We have this in common."

 With a seemingly relieved nod, he returned to his work. However, as he was leaving, I saw Damon observing us, his face obscured by an expression I couldn't quite make out.

 Later, I discovered Damon with his eyes far away, leaning against a tree close to the training grounds. I approached him, knowing he was in pain but not knowing what to say.

 "Damon," I began quietly. "I... I am aware that things have been unclear."

 He shook his head and laughed bitterly. "Perplexed? Melissa, that would be an understatement.

 Seeing the anguish in his eyes made my heart hurt. "Damon, you are important to me. You are aware of that.

 "So why are you returning to him?" His tone was tense, and I could see the pain beneath his normally composed demeanour. "Whatever it is that you're rekindling with Dennis, it feels like I don't even matter."

 "That is untrue!" I objected. "You are important. Simply put, it's complicated.

 Damon's voice was no more than a whisper as he gazed down. "Perhaps it's too difficult for me to remain here."

 "What do you mean?" My voice faltered as I felt a sudden surge of fear.

 "I don't think I can stay if you choose him, Melissa," he stated in a dejected tone. Not as a mere friend.

 The remarks were painful, and I was unsure of how to react. The words stuck in my throat as I tried to convince him that

 he was mistaken and that he was more than that to me. Before leaving, he gave me a final, agonized, and longing glance.

 An unexpected individual showed up at the boundary of the pack's territory as we were still getting ready. He had silver hair, eyes that seemed intelligent and old, and he was tall. I experienced an inexplicable sense of familiarity as if I had already encountered him in visions or dreams.

 He said, "Melissa," in a quiet but firm voice.

 "Who are you, exactly?" I inquired, feeling both interested and cautious.

 His eyes were full of wisdom as he grinned. "I am one of the few people who can recall the prophecy, and I come from your ancestor's line. I'm here to give you advice.

 Sensing that this was something that only he and I could do, the people around me remained back. I felt an odd tug in his direction and took a step closer.

 "What sort of direction?" I looked into his eyes and asked.

 Melissa, you have a lot of strength. "More powerful than you realize," he said. However, such strength is more than a gift. There are decisions to be made, and only you can make them.

 As his words set in, my heart pounded in my chest. "Decisions? Like what?

 He took a minute to examine me, as though deciding how much to divulge. "Your destiny and the fate of the people you care about are connected to your strength. How you use it is up to you. Only you have the power to influence your destiny.

 I felt the weight of his words as I swallowed. "What if I'm at a loss for what to do?"

 The man's face became softer. Melissa, have faith in your heart. It is aware of the way even when your mind is not.

 The man gave me one final glance before he walked away, his eyes grave. Melissa, keep in mind that the prophecy does not guarantee a happy conclusion. Not unless you use your abilities to their fullest. However, you might lose some aspects of yourself if you do this.

 His words sent a chill down my spine as they replayed in my head. The other pack members saw us, feeling the ferocity of our discussion but not realizing its significance.

 "Are you suggesting that the prophecy might come to pass in a destructive manner?" With hardly more than a whisper, I asked.

 He gave a nod. "Only if you lack the bravery to confront your inner self." The fight is with you, not only Raven and his supporters.

 He disappeared into the darkness after saying those final words, leaving me standing there with my head spinning and my heart heavy.

 I tried to take in what he had said by closing my eyes. But suddenly, I was overcome by a vision so strong that I was out of breath.

 I saw warriors hurt and broken, fires raging, and the packs of our home ripped apart. And there I stood, alone among the wreckage, in the middle of it all. An empty shell of a place that once had joy and vitality, with no family or friends.

 The vision faded, leaving me gasping for air, my heart pounding. Was this what lay ahead?