Bound by faith the rise of a rejected mate

 Melissa's POV

 I entered the common room in the eerily calm morning. There stood Lucas, pacing, looking at the door like he was waiting for someone.

 "Lucas?" I frowned as I asked. "What's happening?"

 His expression was filled with worry as he turned to face me. Dennis is gone, Melissa. He departed early this morning to face Raven.

 "What?" My heart was pounding when I gasped. "He went by himself. He is aware that it is a trap.

 Lucas shook his head and remarked, "I suppose his pride prevented him from returning." "He is directly putting himself in danger."

 Damon heard us and came in at that very moment. Then we can stop wasting time. Before he kills himself, let's leave.

 I swallowed my dread and nodded. "Leave now."

 We hurried outside, running across the woodland in the chilly early air. Every stride I took made my heart race. I didn't want to consider the consequences of not getting to him in time.

 Dennis and Raven were heatedly arguing when we discovered them in a clearing. Dennis was keeping pace, but he was falling farther behind every second.

 "Dennis!" I yelled and hurried ahead.

 Raven's eyes shifted to me, a twisted smirk of cruelty on his face. "Oh, Melissa. Have you come to save your stupid friend?

 "Raven, leave him alone!" Trying to hide the terror in my voice, I called out. "There is no need for this fight!"

 Raven mockingly and icily chuckled. "He caused this himself. His flaw is his arrogance and lack of trust. It will be his demise now.

 Dennis's eyes flashed with hatred as he fought to shove Raven back. "She doesn't have to fight my battles for me!"

 I ignored the sharp pain in my heart and tightened my hands. He wouldn't let me in, even though I wanted to help him.

 Raven gave me another look, his eyes gleaming with laughter. "I'm sorry, Melissa. You have a lot of power, but you're weak. You will never have the strength to carry out your supposed prophecy.

 His words struck me hard. Anger surged through me, but I forced it aside and concentrated on Dennis. "Please, Dennis, allow us to assist you!"

 Dennis, however, merely snarled in exasperation, his pride still preventing him from acting.

 Something broke inside me as I saw Dennis stumble. I couldn't do anything but stand there.

 I reached for that power inside of me, the one I still feared to fully unleash, without thinking. It erupted a bright, ferocious energy that throbbed in my veins, pleading to be released.

 "Stop!" My voice reverberated around the area as I yelled. Breaking free, the force surged forward, and I threw it as hard as I could toward Raven.

 Raven was forced back by a force that burst from me. His self-assured grin vanished as he slipped, unable to maintain his equilibrium. However, I could feel my energy ebbing away, weakening my legs and blurring my vision.

 "Elissa!" I couldn't concentrate on Damon, even if his voice was close. It was consuming all of my resources and the power was too great.

 Raven growled and took a step back, but he didn't appear to be vanquished. "So, you've discovered a strength of your own. Well done, Melissa. However, it is far from sufficient.

 He stepped back again and gave me a menacing look. "Even though you prevailed today, you haven't fully realized the price of your influence."

 His laughter reverberated in the air as he turned and

 vanished into the trees.

 With the world whirling around me, I fell to my knees. I was so exhausted by the intensity that I was scarcely able to stand.

 Dennis approached me, his eyes wide with concern and his face pallid. "How are you, Melissa?"

 Too exhausted to answer, I glanced up at him. I could see the remorse in his eyes as the truth of what had just transpired caused his pride to crumble.

 His voice was sweet as he softly took my hand. Melissa, I apologize. I let my pride stand in my way. I should have trusted you and listened.

 I smiled weakly at him, my mind racing. "Dennis, I'm just relieved you're alright."

 We were joined by Damon and Lucas, who assisted me in standing up. Despite his severe demeanour, Damon had a gleam of relief in his eyes.

 "We must return her to the pack," Lucas stated forcefully. "She's worn out."

 However, Raven's low, icy voice returned to us from the shadows before we could move.

 Melissa, this isn't over yet. I'll be back. And even though your strength won't end, I'll have allies the next time.

 I felt a glimmer of terror as his words sent a chill down my spine. He was no longer the only focus of this. Even my newly discovered power might not be able to handle the greater force at work.

 I held Dennis's hand hard as his laughing trailed off into the trees, fear gripping me. Although we had prevailed in this battle, the conflict was far from ended.