Bound by faith the rise of a rejected mate

Melissa's POV

Long after the spirit had vanished into the darkness, I could still hear their voice. "The very thing that connects you to this world must be sacrificed to seal The Void." What was meant by that? The answers I sought were urgently needed.

"Melissa." I was brought back to the present by Dennis's voice. His face was a mix of resolve and worry as he stood next to me. Time cannot be wasted. By "the cost," what did they mean?

I said, "I don't know," while firmly grasping my mother's journal. "However, I will find out."

As the darkness outside became deeper, we assembled in the main hall. The pack was agitated, and I sensed their anxiety just as strongly as I did. The figure reappeared, their outline somewhat obscured by the shadows.

"Talk," I insisted, my voice firm. "How much does it cost to seal The Void?"

As though considering their response, the figure cocked their head. You have to give up a piece of your soul to seal The Void. Your powers will wane without it. You will be exposed since you will no longer be the heir.

My stomach turned over. "My spirit? My abilities? But I'm needed by the pack. How can I keep them safe without my abilities?

Although the figure's comments remained piercing, their gaze softened. "You have a choice, Melissa. Peace or power. You can't have both.

Damon took a step forward, his voice full of rage. "There must be an alternative! It's too much to ask.

The persona did not respond. Rather, they vanished into the darkness, leaving us with only the weight of their words and the quiet.

The pack put in endless effort to stop the black energy from expanding as the night went on. Dennis and I remained behind to plan, while Damon led teams to defend the borders.

Dennis whispered, "Melissa," as we stood by the window, observing the eerie energy as it approached. "This is not required of you. There must be an alternative.

I gave a headshake. "I am essential to the survival of the pack, Dennis. The Void will destroy everything if I don't stop it.

But your spirit," he demanded. "Your abilities. What if—

"Stop," I broke in, my voice shaking. "I have no other option. First, the pack. Always.

Dennis remained silent, his jaw clenched, as if he wanted to argue.

Damon came in with a glum expression. "The energy is spreading more quickly than we anticipated. It will reach the centre of the pack if we do not take immediate action.

I made myself remain composed by clenching my hands. "Therefore, we have no time to waste."

Dennis came over to me later that night, his gaze serious.

He declared, "I have an idea."

"What is it?" Aware of his tone, I inquired.

He firmly stated, "I'll take your place in the ritual." "I should be the one to give up my soul if I have to."

My heart stopped beating. "What? No, Dennis. You are unable to—

"I can," he emphasized. Melissa, you are the leader of the flock. You are needed by them. But me? I'm simply I am merely a component of this puzzle. Let me take care of this.

"No," snarled Damon, his eyes flaming from the other side of the room. The dumbest thing I've ever heard is that. Melissa is connected to the ritual. She is descended from it. You will be killed if you attempt to replace her.

Dennis angrily said, "I don't care." "It's worth it if it means saving her and the pack."

"Enough!" I yelled, making them both silent. "No one is giving up anything for me. I will see this through to the end because it is my burden.

Dennis's eyes were filled with pain as he gazed at me. "Elissa..."

"No," I said again, my voice cracking. "I can't let you go. Both of you.

Just before dawn, the dark energy arrived in the middle of the pack's territory. The air was heavy with an unnatural cold, and the ground shook. Members of the pack gathered together, clearly afraid.

I stood looking into the abyss at the forest's edge. The cold, engulfing presence of The Void was pressing against my mind.

"That's it," I muttered.

Dennis and Damon stood on either side of me, their faces serious. "We have your back," Damon remarked.

I heard a voice in my head as I moved onward. "Melissa."

I went cold. It was a deep, booming voice with an uncanny serenity that was not human.

"You came to put a lid on me," With a voice like a whisper in the wind, the Void spoke. "But when you can join me, why fight?"

"What?" Fear seized me as I murmured.

It went on in a sensual tone, "Join me." "You can save your pack with my power." Everything you've ever desired is yours. Power, tranquillity, and authority. All without sacrificing anything.

I shook my head, saying, "No." "I refuse to be manipulated by you."

The icy sound of the Void's laughter reverberated throughout the woodland. "You believe that your frail soul will be enough to vanquish me? Melissa, without me, you are nothing.

My hands clenched as my heart raced. I was responsible for the fate of the pack, but now I had to make an unthinkable decision.

Either finish the ritual and risk losing everything or join The Void and acquire unthinkable power.

I could feel the chilly fingers of the darkness grabbing my heart as it whirled around me. Dennis and Damon called my name in a faraway voice.

The voice of the Void became louder and more demanding. Decide, Melissa. Either sacrifice or power.

"I don't know what to do," I muttered, tears running down my cheeks.

As the darkness grew deeper, I could feel myself being drawn farther and more into it. My next decision would determine both my soul's and my pack's destiny.