Bound by faith the rise of a rejected mate

Melissa's POV

With my troop gathered behind me, I stood at the ceremonial location amid a tense atmosphere. Beneath my feet, the light circle of ancient symbols pulsed softly, reflecting the irregular beating of my heart. Whispering threats and promises, the dark energy whirled menacingly around us.

The voice of The Void, chilly and deep like a winter wind, came to me then. "There is nothing to be afraid of, Melissa. I will relieve you of this weight if you embrace me. No foretelling. No effort. Just power.

The image of me triumphantly standing free from anxieties and regulations flashed before my eyes. The temptation was nearly overwhelming for a time.

The Void urged, "You don't have to fight anymore."

"Hey, Melissa! Through the fog, Damon's voice could be heard. I turned to see his furious eyes as he stepped closer. "Avoid listening to it. Neither you nor the pack are important to that beast. All it wants is control.

Dennis also moved forward. "Damon is correct. But… I also understand." His tone grew softer, and he turned to face me. "When you feel like everything is against you, it's difficult to keep fighting. Giving up your soul, however, is not the solution. You are more powerful than this.

I gazed at them both, feeling conflicted. Although their statements made logic, I was deeply moved by The Void's promises.

I said in a shaky voice, "I don't know what to do."

The Void laughed. Melissa, they are unable to decide this for you. In this battle, you've always been by yourself. All of this will vanish if you only utter the word.

"No! Damon's tone was piercing. "You're not alone, Melissa. Here we are. Here is your pack.

Behind them, I turned to see the pack, their faces displaying trust, fear, and hope. My chest constricted. They had faith in me.

Would I disappoint them, though?

I tried to ignore the chaos around me by closing my eyes. Dennis's voice, Damon's, and even The Void's eerie remarks replayed in my head. It wasn't only me who made this decision. It was about all the people I loved.

Dennis stepped forward and said, "Melissa." "I'll be there for you no matter what you decide. But don't follow your fear. The prophecy is not all that you are. The Void is not all that you are.

Damon's stare remained fixed while his jaw tightened. Melissa, you are a leader. Leaders sacrifice for others, not for themselves. Whatever occurs, you have my faith.

I opened my eyes as their words took hold of me. "I've decided," I said, sounding more composed than I was.

The chuckle of the Void turned into a deep growl. The wolf believes she is strong enough, then. Let's see how far you can go with that strength.

As I moved into the bright circle, the air grew cooler. A monstrous version of myself, with red eyes and exposed teeth, was formed by the way the shadows coiled and twisted about me.

The Void hissed, "This is who you are." "A powerful being who is not bound by laws or frailties."

I balled my fists up. "I am not that person."

I uttered the age-old phrases written in my mother's journal to start the ceremony. Each sentence felt like a piece of my soul was being taken away.

The Void's voice became louder as it retaliated. You are powerless to stop me! I'm necessary to you!"

The shadows encircled my arms and legs as they lunged at me. Even though I was in terrible pain, I clenched my teeth and continued.

With a trembling but defiant voice, I declared, "You won't win."

"Hey, Melissa!" Damon shouted, his voice filled with panic.

I looked at Dennis and him, their faces white with terror. But what I saw was trust, not hopelessness. They thought I could pull this off.

I reached inside myself while closing my eyes. My mother's smile, my pack's laughing, Damon's unwavering devotion, and Dennis's silent support were all brought back to me.

"You're mistaken, Void," I muttered. "I'm not by myself."

I felt a tremendous burst of warmth that pushed the darkness away. The Void let forth a furious scream as the blazing circle erupted.

Every muscle in my body screamed in protest as I fell to the ground as the light went out.

"Hey, Melissa! In a moment, Damon was by my side, gently raising me with his hands.

Dennis crouched next to us, looking at my face. "You succeeded. The blackness has vanished.

I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing came. I felt empty as if something essential had vanished.

Melissa? There was worry in Damon's voice.

"I…" I hesitated, trying to find the connection that had always existed. My wolf. My abilities. However, nothing was present.

With a mixture of relief and bewilderment in their expressions, the pack crowded around us. I tried to reassure them by forcing a feeble grin.

I murmured, hardly raising my voice above a whisper, "We're safe."

But I had a gut feeling that something wasn't right. Despite having the same appearance, the land felt different to us. The hush was too deep and the air was heavier.

As I looked at Damon and Dennis, I noticed the worry in their eyes. They also sensed it.

Then, a chilly, faraway voice reverberated in my head. Melissa, you believe you've won. However, this is far from being over.

The realization of the truth made my heart sink. The conflict was only getting started, but the battle might be over.

I felt a chill go through me as I lay there, gasping for air. Like a whisper in the wind, The Void's voice continued to reverberate in my consciousness.

Melissa, you believe you've won. However, this is far from being over.

I was troubled by the words and couldn't get rid of the uneasy sensation I had. The surrounding land was motionless, almost motionless, as though it were awaiting something. My legs shook under me as I attempted to stand. Damon steadied me by tightening his hold on my arm.

"What is the matter, Melissa? Although there was worry in his voice, there was also terror in his eyes. He sensed it.

I stammered, looking around for any clue as to what was about to happen. "I don't feel good about myself."

Dennis moved forward and looked at me, his brows wrinkled. "Melissa, you're not alone in this. We will resolve this. But just now, we need to make sure the pack is safe."

I nodded, but I knew in my heart that it wasn't finished. Yes, the combat was over, but the true struggle that would determine our future was just getting started.

The trees rustled as a strong burst of wind blew across the clearing. The world seemed strange. Something old was stirring.

And I feared that whatever it was, it was only getting started.